Abstract:
An apparatus and process for forming an array of powder samples arranged in predefined locations where all samples have a flat surface in a common plane has been developed. A monolithic block having a main support section having at least N perforations from a first surface of the main support through a second surface of the main support in predefined locations, where N is the number of samples in the array is provided. The monolithic block also has a flat support section covering the perforations of the main support section. All N samples are loaded simultaneously with sample X in perforation X of the main support where X is an integer from 1 to N. A flat surface of each sample where the flat surfaces are a common plane is formed by forcing the samples within the perforations against the flat support. The samples are retained in position within the perforations against the flat support, and are made ready for analysis since the flat surfaces of the samples are in predefined locations and are all in a common plane.
Abstract:
Reactor systems that include a reaction receptacle that includes a plurality of reservoirs disposed in the surface of a substrate. The reactor system also typically includes a temperature control element having at least a first heat exchanger thermally coupled to it. The heat exchanger is, in turn, disposed within the at least one of the reservoirs whereby the heat exchanger transfers heat to or from a fluid disposed within the reservoir, which heat is conducted to or from the temperature control element.
Abstract:
This invention provides an apparatus for preparing chemical libraries. The apparatus includes (1) a carousel comprising a plurality of reaction mounts having at least one reaction well; (2) a rotator that rotates the carousel step-wise; (3) a fluid delivery system; (4) a drain system; and (5) a programmable computer that controls the operation of the apparatus, including the rotator, the fluid delivery system, the drain system and other systems in the apparatus. The preparation of chemical libraries involves rotating the carousel through a plurality of stations. At each station, a physical step in a reaction protocol is carried out on the reaction wells of the mount docked at the station.
Abstract:
A cover assembly of the type disposed over a reaction block for preparing reaction mixtures and, in particular, for enabling reflux condensation of the mixtures is provided. The cover assembly includes a cover assembly having a cover housing with a gas inlet adapted to receive a cooling gas from an external source and an internal cavity through which the reaction vials extend. The cover assembly also includes at least one gas port in communication with the internal cavity and through which the cooling gas from the gas inlet flows to cool portions of the reaction vials which are distal their lower ends.
Abstract:
A pipetting device for use with a pipette tip containing a solid phase reaction support, comprising a cylinder, a plunger movable within the cylinder between a retracted and an extended position, and a seal disposed between the plunger and cylinder for holding the plunger as it moves. The plunger has a central passageway within an upper portion of the plunger communicating with a side egress port on the plunger, the plunger movable between a retracted position, for aspirating and dispensing liquid reagent wherein the port remains above the seal, and an inserted position wherein the port is positioned below the seal for allowing fluid (e.g., washing solution or inert gas) to be introduced into the cylinder and tip. In an apparatus and method, an array of such devices is used, each fitted with a pipette tip having a solid support retained therein, for performing high-throughput and parallel chemical synthesis of biopolymers (e.g., oligonucleotides or peptides). In one aspect, means are provided for separately controlling the movement of each device in the apparatus for contacting liquid reagent with the solid support. In another aspect, a tip remover is provided for selectively removing tips containing completed polymer.
Abstract:
Automated drug discovery protocols, or partially automated protocols, in which matrices-with-memories serve as the platform on which all manipulations are performed or serve as the repository of information that is transferred to other memories as the synthesized compounds are processed and screened. Also provided are automated drug discovery units for use in the protocols. The units provide for seamless data tracking and include instrumentation and vials with memories for information transfer to other memories in a unit. The units, which are provided herein, include some or all of the following: an automated or manual sorter, microreactors and microvessels, which contain memories, an automated or semi-automated synthesizer, a microreactor washer/dryer, a manual or automated cleaver with a valved U-tube outlet for removing compounds from the matrix-with-memory microreactors, and associated software. The memories may be any of any type, including electromagnetically encodable memories and optical memories, or combinations thereof. The memories may be pre-encoded or may be encodable during, after or before processing. Also provided are manual and automated methods for sorting matrices with memories.
Abstract:
A method and workstation for optimizing chemical processes based on combinatorial chemistry, automation technology, and computer-controlled design is disclosed. The workstation includes a synthesizer, an analyzer, a robot and computer in communication with the synthesizer and analyzer. The computer includes one or more programs for regulating reaction parameters such as temperature, pressure, concentration of reagents and employs statistical methods for optimizing multiple reaction parameters and for designing optimized experiments for further investigation.
Abstract:
A wash station assembly and method for washing selected samples in a sample containing assembly. The wash station assembly includes a wash station having a frame and a fluid dispensing assembly connected to the frame. The fluid dispensing assembly has a selector valve that is connectable to a plurality of fluid lines and is adjustable to allow only one of the fluids to pass through the selector valve at a time. An array of syringes is coupled to the selector valve and positioned to receive the fluid passing through the selector valve. Each syringe includes a check valve that prevents backflow of fluid or air into the syringe through the pipetting needles. A distribution manifold is connected to the selector valve and receives the fluid passing through the selector valve. The manifold has a plurality of distribution channels coupled to the syringes, to direct the fluid into the syringes. Each distribution channel has a manifold valve therein that prevents backflow of fluid into the manifold from the syringes. An array of pipetting needles is connected to the syringes and is positioned to direct the fluid into the sample containing assembly for washing the samples. The pipetting needles have a radially directed opening in the distal end to direct the fluid radially away from the needle during the dispensing process. A waste management system is connected to the wash station to automatically separate halogenated waste fluids from non-halogenated waste fluids.
Abstract:
A polymer synthesis apparatus (20) for building a polymer chain including a head assembly (21) having an array of nozzles (22) with each nozzle coupled to a reservoir (23) of liquid reagent (24), and a base assembly (25) having an array of reaction wells (26). A transport mechanism (27) aligns the reaction wells (26) and selected nozzles (22) for deposition of the liquid reagent (24) into selected reaction wells (26). A sliding seal (30) is positioned between the head assembly (21) and the base assembly (25) to form a common chamber (31) enclosing both the reaction well (26) and the nozzles (22) therein. A gas inlet (70) into the common chamber (31), upstream from the nozzles (22), and a gas outlet: (71) out of the common chamber (31), downstream from the nozzles (22), sweeps the common chamber (31) of toxic fumes emitted by the reagents. Each reaction well (26) includes an orifice (74) extending into the well (26) which is of a size and dimension to form a capillary liquid seal to retain the reagent solution (76) in the well (26) for polymer chain growth therein. A pressure regulating device (82) is provided for controlling a pressure differential, between a first gas pressure exerted on the reaction well (26) and a second gas pressure exerted on an exit (80) of the orifice, such that upon the pressure differential exceeding a predetermined amount, the reagent solution (76) is expelled from the well (26) through the orifice (74). A method of synthesis of a polymer chain in a synthesis apparatus (20) is also included.
Abstract:
A general stochastic method for synthesizing random oligomers on particles is disclosed. A further aspect of the invention relates to the use of identification tags on the particles to facilitate identification of the sequence of the monomers in the oligomer.