Apparatus and method for polymer synthesis using arrays
A polymer synthesis apparatus is described for building a polymer chain including a head assembly having an array of nozzles with each nozzle coupled to a reservoir of liquid reagent, and a base assembly having an array of reaction wells. A transport mechanism aligns the reaction wells and selected nozzles for deposition of the liquid reagent into selected reaction wells. A sliding seal is positioned between the head assembly and the base assembly to form a common chamber enclosing both the reaction well and the nozzles therein. A gas inlet into the common chamber, upstream from the nozzles, and a gas outlet out of the common chamber, downstream from the nozzles, sweeps the common chamber of toxic fumes emitted by the reagents. Each reaction well includes an orifice extending into the well which is of a size and dimension to form a capillary liquid seal to retain the reagent solution in the well for polymer chain growth therein. A pressure regulating device is provided for controlling a pressure differential, between a first gas pressure exerted on the reaction well and a second gas pressure exerted on an exit of the orifice, such that upon the pressure differential exceeding a predetermined amount, the reagent solution is expelled from the well through the orifice. A method of synthesis of a polymer chain in a synthesis apparatus is also included. 9 figs.
- Assignee:
- Leland Stanford Junior Univ., Stanford, CA (United States)
- Patent Number(s):
- US 5,472,672/A/
- Application Number:
- PAN: 8-142,593; CNN: Contract LBL 4437-10; Contract 3POI HG00205-0251
- OSTI ID:
- 170459
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Apparatus and method for polymer synthesis using arrays
Apparatus and method for polymer synthesis using arrays