Device and methods for enhanced microarray hybridization reactions

A device for rapidly performing nucleic acid hybridization reactions, said device comprising a solid support and a continuous barrier disposed on and surrounding a predetermined surface area of said solid support, the barrier and the predetermined surface area of the solid support surrounded by said barrier defining a reaction space within said barrier, at least a portion of the support surface within said reaction space bearing a first electrode comprising a coating of electrically conductive material and a micro-array of nucleic acid probes;

• a removable cover having a surface and cooperating with said barrier to enclose said reaction chamber, at least a portion of the surface of said cover within said reaction space bearing a second electrode comprising a coating of electrically conductive material;
• and a source of electric potential including a positive pole and a negative pole, with said positive pole connected to said first electrode and said negative pole connected to said second electrode.