DEVELOPMENTS AT NIST Researchers in the Biotechnology Division and the Process Measurements Division at the National Institute of Standards and Technology have developed a new technology. The Preparation of Thiol-Derivatized DNA Probes on Gold for Surface Hybridization Reactions. Surface-confined DNA probes are useful for solid phase DNA sequencing or genetic diagnostic assays. A DNA probe is a short sequence of single stranded DNA, usually consisting of 25 nucleotides or less. The DNA probes are formed at relatively high coverage and exhibit high activity for surface hybridization reactions. In addition, the probe surfaces exhibit high specificity for complementary target sequences. The DNA probes thus produced should exhibit superior sensitivity for sequencing and diagnostic applications compared to those using other immobilization protocols. Any parties interested in the further development of the technology described above may write to: Carol Salata, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Building 820, Room 213, Gaithersburg, MD 20899, or call: (301) 975-5108. This is not an announcement of a contract or a grant.

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