Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems and methods for producing microarrays of biological samples using an improved slide platform, vacuum manifold, and variable pin contact velocity. Slides onto which spotting pins produce the microarray of biological samples are secured on a flat slide platform using magnetic unit bars. The vacuum manifold effects optimal cleaning of the spotting pins by inducing increased air flow and turbulence. By reducing the velocity of the spotting pins before or after contact with the blot pad or the microarray slide, the morphology of biological samples deposited may be kept uniform. Similarly, low impact and separating velocities while acquiring biological materials prevent the pins from being overloaded with solution on the outside of the pin and causing sample wastage and non-uniform spotting.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for supporting the production of microarrays of biological samples using a vacuum manifold and variable pin contact velocity. It relates to methods for preparing the microarrayer for production. The invention includes methods for calibrating a microarrayer print head with respect to a microarrayer components for rapid and safe movement, for testing the spotting accuracy of the microarrayer, for evaluating the efficiency of cleaning procedures for the microarrayer spotting members, and for conditioning spotting members for printing.