Abstract: The present invention relates to simple method to fabricate DNA hybridization devices based upon adsorptive attachment of oligonucleotides to a positively charged surface. Such adsorbed oligonucleotide probes form a densely packed monolayer, which retains capacity for base-pair specific hybridization with a solution state nucleic acid target strand to form the duplex. However, both strand dissociation kinetics and the rate of DNase digestion suggest on symmetry grounds that solution-state nucleic acid binds to such adsorbed oligonucleotides to form a highly asymmetric and unwound duplex, with structural details that are substantially different from that known for the Watson-Crick DNA duplex. This novel nucleic acid duplex form can serve as the basis for a new class of hybridization device and methods for their use.

Abstract: The invention relates to kits and methods for hybridizing nucleic acids with a specific nucleic acid-binding agent, such as a complementary nucleic acid. Previously, others have hybridized a nucleic acid with such an agent bound to a substrate. The improved methods described herein comprise binding a polycationizable attractor compound to the substrate, in addition to the agent. Examples of suitable polycationizable attractor compounds include polypeptides, including those with tunable cationizable amino acid residues, such as histidine. Compositions, kits, devices, and methods that make use of this hybridization rate enhancement technology are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to kits and methods for hybridizing nucleic acids with a specific nucleic acid-binding agent, such as a complementary nucleic acid. Previously, others have hybridized a nucleic acid with such an agent bound to a substrate. The improved methods described herein comprise binding a polycationizable attractor compound to the substrate, in addition to the agent. Examples of suitable polycationizable attractor compounds include polypeptides, including those with tunable cationizable amino acid residues, such as histidine. Compositions, kits, devices, and methods that make use of this hybridization rate enhancement technology are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to simple method to fabricate DNA hybridization devices based upon adsorptive attachment of oligonucleotides to a positively charged surface. Such adsorbed oligonucleotide probes form a densely packed monolayer, which retains capacity for base-pair specific hybridization with a solution state nucleic acid target strand to form the duplex. However, both strand dissociation kinetics and the rate of DNase digestion suggest on symmetry grounds that solution-state nucleic acid binds to such adsorbed oligonucleotides to form a highly asymmetric and unwound duplex, with structural details that are substantially different from that known for the Watson-Crick DNA duplex. This novel nucleic acid duplex form can serve as the basis for a new class of hybridization device and methods for their use.