Direct and label-free monitoring oligonucleotide immobilization, non-specific binding and DNA biorecognition

•Three DNA anchoring procedures on an interferometry chip were assayed.•Chemical isocyanate silane and photochemical immobilization were best performing.•Blocking unspecific binding sites with gelatin was much better than other options.•DNA anchoring and hybridization were achieved in a tilted strand conformation.•Interferometry can be applied as multiplex DNA screening method.