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Genelyzer^TM Chip

Electrochemical DNA Chip (Genelyzer^TM Chip)

Toshiba's DNA analysis system selects a Genelyzer^TM Chip (Toshiba's electrochemical DNA chip) appropriate for the test purpose.
Toshiba's Genelyzer^TM Chip was developed to meet the on-site needs of research and testing. In other words, rather than investigating hundreds and thousands of genes exhaustively, they narrow down and analyze the necessary several dozens of DNA information. Limiting the DNA information to be investigated for each test category optimizes test conditions and facilitates more precise analysis.

• Not fluorescence detection
• Toshiba's original electrochemical method
• Toshiba's electrochemical method can be used with this all-in-one equipment for counter-security. Short test times

Not fluorescence-detection

The drawback of fluorescence-detection is that it requires an optical system that makes the equipment large. Moreover, hereto, it has been difficult to obtain clear data because mainstream fluorescence-detection methods generally conduct large numbers of analyses all together and obtain large amounts of DNA information. Toshiba's "Genelyzer Chip" employs electrochemical detection which facilitates a more compact equipment . Narrowing down the genes required for each test optimizes the conditions for each test category. Accordingly, analyses have become more conclusive and precise.

Mechanism of Toshiba's original "electrochemical method"

"Genelyzer Chips" incorporate DNA chips manufactured using electronic circuit and semiconductor technology developed by Toshiba, and use Toshiba's original "electrochemical method" to detect DNA.
Depending on the intended application, a det of DNA probes of known sequence are fixed on electrodes of the Genelyzer Chips.
Upon completion of hybridization, the intercalator is automatically injected on the chip, where it binds only the hybridized DNA. Applying a voltage to the electrode causes a current to flow.
The magnitude of this current comprises the data used to analyze DNA sequences of target DNA.

Click here for a brief explanation of Toshiba's "electrochemical method".

*Original automation technology is used to automate the reaction process and all subsequent processes.

*1 A set of DNA probe capables of known sequence are fixed on electrode *2 Upon addition, target DNA hybridizes only with DNA probe having complementary sequence., thereby becoming double-stranded DNA	Upon addition, the intercalor binds only with double-stranded DNA. When a voltage is applied, a anodic current flows between the bound intercalator and the electrode.	The magnitude of current at each electrode is used to analyze the sequence. target DNA

*Mechanism of Toshiba's "electrochemical method"

For instance, let us consider an SNP (Single Nucleotide Polymorphism) analysis of whether a bases of taget DNA is G or T. In this case, a DNA fragment having complementary sequence with taget DNA is used as the probe on the DNA chip. Then, a DNA probe with a bases"C" (complementary to bases"G") will be fixed on one electrode and a DNA probe with an base"A" (complementary to T) will be fixed at another electrode. The taget DNA are added to the prepared chip, and following the hybridization and rinse processes, only the probe that complements the taget DNA perfectly forms a double strand. When an intercalator is added to this probe, only double-stranded DNA bind with the intercalator. Applying a voltage to the electrode causes the intercalator to undergo an electrochemical reaction that results in an electric current. Accordingly, this mechanism allows us to determine whether the target DNA sequence is G or T by detecting whether a current flows from the electrode with the C probe or the electrode with the A probe.

The electrochemical method can be used for counter-security. too

Genetic information is a type of personal (confidential) information. Fusion of Toshiba's electrochemical method, which uses both electronic circuit and semiconductor technology, and encryption technology facilitates realization of counter-security. for individuals' genetic information.

*Shown above is a prototype of mass production for medical use.