The purified DNA probes in spotting buffer were deposited onto aminopropyl silane-coated Nexterion Slide A (Schott, UK) using the Qarray2 arrayer (Genetix, UK) with a 12-pin print head of Genetix aQu 75um split pins (Genetix, UK). Spotted arrays were air-dried for 12+ hours, followed by heating at 80 °C in dry oven for 3 h to immobilise the DNA. Unbound surfaces on the arrays were inactivated by immersing in 60 ml blocking solution: 5× SSC, 0.5% (w/v) bovine serum albumin (BSA, Sigma, UK), 0.5% (w/v) non-fat powdered milk (Tesco, UK) at 50 °C for 45 min, followed by washing 2 times in deionised water. Then the arrays were incubated in deionised water at 95 °C for 2 min to denature the DNA. Denatured arrays were washed and blocked again (with fresh solution) at 50 °C for 30 min. Finally the arrays were washed 2 times in deionised water, immersed in isopropanol (Sigma, UK) for 30 seconds and immediately dried by spinning at 200 g, 2 min. Processed arrays were stored in a dry environment for use within 24 hours.
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