Part 1: Research fundamentals and industry catalysts

Cliff Henke

Is the adoption of DNA-chip technologies a nano-pipe dream, or the next medical revolution? In this three-part series, IVD Technology explores the potential of this emerging technology for diagnostics. Part 2 is also available for on-line viewing.

As is often the case with breakthrough technologies, a great deal of hyperbole has surrounded the development of micro- and nanoarray diagnostic technologies, popularly known as DNA or genetic chips. Yet much of the optimism expressed in such statements is almost certainly justified. Industry analysts agree that when their promise begins to be fulfilled-robably sometime early in the next decade DNA chips will usher in a new era in medical care.

Researchers in the field expect that DNA chips will enable clinicians——and in some cases even patients themselves--so quickly and inexpensively detect the presence of a whole array of genetically based diseases and conditions, including AIDS, Alzheimer's disease, cystic fibrosis, and some forms of cancer. Moreover, the technology could make it possible to conduct widespread disease screening cost-effectively, and to monitor the effectiveness of patient therapies more effectively. In the meantime, however, considerable work remains to be done. So far, only a few companies have commercialized DNA-chip products, and the barriers to market entry remain great.

This article, the first of a three-part series on DNA-chip technologies, will review the theoretical underpinnings of the technologies and examine the market forces that are driving product development. The second installment will look at the state of the art, including the various competing technologies in this embryonic field. The final article will examine the obstacles to commercialization that companies in this new marketplace will have to overcome, as well as prospective near- and long-term applications for DNA-chip technologies.

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