Epoxide polymer surfaces

Abstract

Method and reagent composition for covalent attachment of target molecules, such as nucleic acids, onto the surface of a substrate. The reagent composition includes epoxide groups capable of covalently binding to the target molecule. Optionally, the composition can contain photoreactive groups for use in attaching the reagent composition to the surface. The reagent composition can be used to provide activated slides for use in preparing microarrays of nucleic acids.

1 . A reagent composition for attaching a target molecule to the surface of a substrate, the reagent composition comprising a polymeric backbone adapted to be covalently attached to the surface and comprising one or more pendent epoxide groups adapted to form covalent bonds with corresponding functional groups on the target molecule.  
     
     
         2 . A reagent composition according to  claim 1  wherein the reagent comprises a polymer formed by the polymerization of one or more monomers selected from the group glycidyl acrylate, glycidyl methacrylate, allylglycidyl ether, and glycidyl vinyl ether.  
     
     
         3 . A reagent composition according to  claim 1  wherein the reagent comprises a polymer formed by the polymerization of one or more monomers of the formula:  
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
       where R 1  is either CH 3  or H and X is a noninterfering radical, preferably selected from the group:  
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
       where m=2-6 and n=1-10;  
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
       where n=1-10  
         —(CH 2 ) m —O—(CH 2 )— 
       where m=0 or 1; and  
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
       where m=1-20 and n=1-10.  
     
     
         4 . A reagent composition according to  claim 1  wherein the reagent comprises a polymer synthesized by reacting hydroxyl- or amine-containing polymers with diepoxides.  
     
     
         5 . A reagent composition according to  claim 1  wherein the target molecule comprises a nucleic acid and the surface comprises the surface of a support formed of organosilane-pretreated glass, organosilane-pretreated silicon, silicon hydride, or plastic.  
     
     
         6 . A reagent composition according to  claim 5  wherein the nucleic acid comprises an underivatized nucleic acid.  
     
     
         7 . A reagent composition according to  claim 6  wherein the underivatized nucleic acid comprises an oligonucleotide.  
     
     
         8 . A reagent composition according to  claim 1  wherein the composition further comprises one or more latent reactive groups comprising photoreactive groups for covalently attaching the reagent composition to the surface upon application of energy from a suitable source.  
     
     
         9 . A reagent composition according to  claim 8  wherein the target molecule is a nucleic acid and the photoreactive groups are selected from the group consisting of photoreactive aryl ketones.  
     
     
         10 . A reagent composition according to  claim 1  wherein the polymeric backbone is selected from the group consisting of acrylics, vinyls, nylons, polyurethanes and polyethers, and the backbone further comprises one or more pendent photoreactive groups selected from the group consisting of aryl ketones.  
     
     
         11 - 28 . (canceled)