| Description: |
The Environment Sample Processor (ESP), developed by MBARI personnel, is an underwater autonomous robotic molecular biology lab. The ESP, using Sandwich Hybridization techniques can identify, through chemiluminescence, which target organisms were in a previously taken field sample. The SpotBot®, developed by ArrayIT ™ a subsidiary of Telechem, is a microarray printer developed to print nanolitres of solution onto slides. The need to print microarrays of solution on a nitrocellulose membrane is the next step for the Environment Sample Processor (ESP). Currently, a macroarray printer is used and is limited by print head technology and speed. The SpotBot ® is a quick microarray printer that can print more spots on an equivalent sized macroarray, while using significantly less fluid per spot. Therefore, this project focused on optimizing the SpotBot ® to print proteins on nitrocellulose membranes, to increase the number of targeted organisms that are currently sought after from a macroarray printed membrane. This project identifies the usefulness of the SpotBot ® microarray printer into advancing the ESP into the micro arena. |