Review

A perspective on microarrays: current applications, pitfalls, and potential uses

Pratik Jaluria^1,2 , Konstantinos Konstantopoulos¹ , Michael Betenbaugh¹ and Joseph Shiloach²

¹  Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, 221 Maryland Hall, 3400 North Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA

²  National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Biotechnology Unit, 9000 Rockville Pike, Building 14A, Room 170, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA

author email corresponding author email

Microbial Cell Factories 2007, 6:4doi:10.1186/1475-2859-6-4

Published:	25 January 2007

Abstract

With advances in robotics, computational capabilities, and the fabrication of high quality glass slides coinciding with increased genomic information being available on public databases, microarray technology is increasingly being used in laboratories around the world. In fact, fields as varied as: toxicology, evolutionary biology, drug development and production, disease characterization, diagnostics development, cellular physiology and stress responses, and forensics have benefiting from its use. However, for many researchers not familiar with microarrays, current articles and reviews often address neither the fundamental principles behind the technology nor the proper designing of experiments. Although, microarray technology is relatively simple, conceptually, its practice does require careful planning and detailed understanding of the limitations inherently present. Without these considerations, it can be exceedingly difficult to ascertain valuable information from microarray data. Therefore, this text aims to outline key features in microarray technology, paying particular attention to current applications as outlined in recent publications, experimental design, statistical methods, and potential uses. Furthermore, this review is not meant to be comprehensive, but rather substantive; highlighting important concepts and detailing steps necessary to conduct and interpret microarray experiments. Collectively, the information included in this text will highlight the versatility of microarray technology and provide a glimpse of what the future may hold.