Dynamics modeling and analysis of inkjet technology-based oligo DNA microarray spotting

Oligo deoxyribonucleic-acid (DNA) microarrays are fabricated through in-situ chemical synthesis. Contact and fluid dynamics contribute to this process. To produce high-quality oligo DNA microarrays, it is important to well understand the dynamics of the fabrication process. Much work has been done in understanding the chemistry principles. However, few studies have been conducted from the mechanics point of view. This paper proposes a contact dynamics model of inkjet technology-based oligo DNA microarray spotting process. The proposed dynamics model can reasonably well explain the dynamics of the oligo DNA microarray spotting process. Note to Practitioners-This research was motivated by the need to develop a dynamics model for analyzing the inkjet technology-based oligo deoxyribonucleic-acid (DNA) microarray spotting process. Modeling techniques for micro/nanoscale dynamics have not been well established in the open literature. This case study shows how this can be done for DNA spotting dynamics. Contact dynamics, electrostatic forces, viscous forces, and van der Waals forces have all been considered in this study. The method may be extended to model and analyze the dynamics of other biological particle spotting processes as well.