A Nucleic acid ligand "Biochip" is disclosed, consisting of a solid support
to which one or more specific Nucleic acid ligands is attached in a
spatially defined manner. Each Nucleic acid ligand binds specifically and
avidly to a particular Target molecule contained within a Test mixture,
such as a Bodily fluid. The Target molecules include, but are not limited
to, proteins (cellular, viral, bacterial, etc.) hormones, sugars,
metabolic byproducts, cofactor, and intermediates, drugs, and toxins. In
principle, the Biochip could be used to test any chemically complex
mixture provided that Nucleic acid ligands to components suspected of
being present in the mixture are attached to the Biochip. Thus, the
Nucleic acid ligand Biochip will have a wider use in environmental
testing, etc.