Abstract: The present invention provides methods to detect biomolecules on a microarray using a scanning electron microscope. In one embodiment of the invention, errors in oligonucleotide synthesis during manufacturing of microarrays are detected by monitoring synthesis of control probes on the chips. In another embodiment, misalignment of features on the chip is determined. In yet another embodiment, the size, shape and edge definition of features on the chip is determined. In further embodiments, methods are provided for analyzing interactions between an oligonucleotide target and an oligonucleotide probe on a microarray and methods for testing conditions in a microarray manufacturing process.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods to detect biomolecules on a microarray using a scanning electron microscope. In one embodiment of the invention, errors in oligonucleotide synthesis during manufacturing of microarrays are detected by monitoring synthesis of control probes on the chips. In another embodiment, misalignment of features on the chip is determined. In yet another embodiment, the size, shape and edge definition of features on the chip is determined. In further embodiments, methods are provided for analyzing interactions between an oligonucleotide target and an oligonucleotide probe on a microarray and methods for testing conditions in a microarray manufacturing process.

Abstract: The surface characteristics of an article or substrate produced from a polymeric material, particularly a thermoplastic material, are modified by exposure of the surface to a low temperature plasma gas composition, wherein the gas composition consists essentially of N.sub.2 O and CO.sub.2. After exposure, the modified surface has improved adhesive strength to another similarly treated surface using an adhesive composition and improved receptivity for paint and other coatings.