U.S. patent application number 09/776645 was filed with the patent office on 2001-09-06 for apparatus for synthesis of multiple organic compounds with pinch valve block.
Invention is credited to Allen, John William JR., Li, Wenjeng, Ruediger, Waldemar, Weller, Harold Norris III.
Application Number | 20010019705 09/776645 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25466495 |
Filed Date | 2001-09-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010019705 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ruediger, Waldemar ; et
al. |
September 6, 2001 |
Apparatus for synthesis of multiple organic compounds with pinch
valve block
Abstract
The simultaneous synthesis of diverse organic compounds is
performed in stackable modules which are moveable among nesting
sites located on work station platforms. The reactor module
includes a block adapted to receive an array of tube-like reactor
vessels. The vessels are sized to optionally accept porus
polyethelyene mircocannisters with radio frequency transmitter
tags. Each vessel has a bottom port connected to an outlet tube. A
valve block located below the reactor vessels simultaneously
controls discharge through the outlet tubes. The valve block
includes plates with aligned, relatively moveable sets of rib
surfaces which act through Teflon encapsulated silicone O-ring cord
sections to simultaneously close rows of outlet tubes. By first
utilizing reactor vessels in one set of 48 positions, out of the
possible 52 reactor vessel positions in the reactor block, and then
utilizing reactor vessels in the other set of 48 positions and
shifting the relative position of the collection plate, a single
reactor can be employed to discharge into all of the wells of a
standard 96 well microtiter collection plate. The apparatus can be
used to perform the entire synthesis or only the final cleavage
step of a radio frequency tagged synthesis.
Inventors: |
Ruediger, Waldemar; (New
Hope, PA) ; Li, Wenjeng; (Plainsboro, NJ) ;
Allen, John William JR.; (Lawrenceville, NJ) ;
Weller, Harold Norris III; (Pennington, NJ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
JAMES & FRANKLIN, LLP
60 East 42nd Street, Suite 1217
New York
NY
10165
US
|
Family ID: |
25466495 |
Appl. No.: |
09/776645 |
Filed: |
February 9, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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09776645 |
Feb 9, 2001 |
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09318061 |
May 24, 1999 |
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09318061 |
May 24, 1999 |
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08935037 |
Sep 22, 1997 |
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5961925 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
422/130 ;
422/131; 422/537 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B01J 2219/00286
20130101; B01J 2219/00495 20130101; B01J 2219/00585 20130101; B01J
2219/0072 20130101; B01L 2400/0655 20130101; B01J 2219/00315
20130101; B01L 2300/185 20130101; C40B 60/14 20130101; B01J
2219/00403 20130101; C40B 70/00 20130101; B01J 2219/0031 20130101;
B01J 2219/004 20130101; B01J 2219/00295 20130101; B01J 2219/00335
20130101; B01J 4/008 20130101; B01J 2219/00567 20130101; B01L
2400/049 20130101; B01J 19/0046 20130101; B01J 2219/0059 20130101;
B01L 3/5025 20130101; B01J 2219/005 20130101; B01J 2219/00596
20130101; B01L 2300/022 20130101; B01L 2300/0829 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
422/130 ; 422/99;
422/100; 422/102; 422/131 |
International
Class: |
B01J 019/00 |
Claims
We claim:
1. Apparatus useful for the synthesis of multiple organic
compounds, adapted to receive an array of individual reactor
vessels, each vessel having a port connected to an outlet tube,
valve means for the simultaneous regulation of discharge through
said outlet tubes, said valve means comprising first and second
aligned, relatively moveable surfaces between which said outlet
tubes extend and resilient means interposed between one of said
surfaces and said outlet tubes, such that relative movement of said
surfaces causes force to be applied through said resilient means to
close said outlet tubes.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said surfaces comprise
plates.
3. The apparatus of claim I wherein said surfaces comprise ribs on
plates.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said resilient means comprises
Teflon encapsulated silicone O-ring cord.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein one of said surfaces is shaped
to correspond to the exterior shape of said resilient means.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein one of said surfaces has an
arcuate shape.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said valve means is located
below the reactor vessels.
8. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein one of said plates comprises an
opening through which said resilient means can be inserted between
said ribs.
9. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising collection means,
said collection means comprising an array of collection wells.
10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said collection means has 2X
number of collection wells and said apparatus is adapted to receive
X number of reactor vessels in Y number of possible positions,
where Y is a number larger than X.
11. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said reactor vessels comprise
porus polyethylene microcannisters with radio frequency transmitter
tags.
12. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising multilevel
component alignment means.
13. Valve means for the simultaneous regulation of discharge
through outlet tubes connected to the ports of reactor vessels
received in apparatus for the manipulation of multiple organic
compounds, the valve means comprising first and second aligned,
relatively moveable surfaces between which the outlet tubes extend
and resilient means interposed between one of said surfaces and the
outlet tubes, such that relative movement of said surfaces causes
force to be applied through said resilient means to close the
outlet tubes.
14. The means of claim 13 wherein said surfaces comprise
plates.
15. The means of claim 13 wherein said surfaces comprises ribs on
plates.
16. The means of claim 13 wherein said resilient means comprises
Teflon encapsulated silicone O-ring cord.
17. The means of claim 13 wherein one of said surfaces is shaped to
correspond to the exterior shape of said resilient means.
18. The means of claim 13 wherein one of said surfaces has an
arcuate shape.
19. Apparatus useful for the synthesis of multiple organic
compounds, the apparatus comprising means for receiving an array of
X number of individual reactor vessels in at least Y number of
different positions, wherein Y is a number greater than X, each of
said vessels having a port connected to an outlet tube through
which fluids discharge, collection means comprising an array of 2X
number of collection wells, and means for mounting said collection
means below said reactor vessel receiving means in one of two
positions relative to said reaction vessel receiving means, such
that by selecting different sets of the Y number of positions in
which the X number of reactor vessels are received, and changing
the collection means position, all 2X number of collection wells in
said collection means can receive discharge from said outlet
tubes.
20. The apparatus of claim 19 wherein said collection means
comprises a standard 96 well microtiter plate.
21. The apparatus of claim 19 wherein X equals 48.
22. The apparatus of claim 19 wherein Y equal 52.
23. The apparatus of claim 19 wherein said collection means
mounting means comprises a locator plate and a vacuum adapter with
a collection means receiving opening.
24. The apparatus of claim 23 further comprising means for aligning
said adapter in one of two positions relative to said locator
plate.
25. The apparatus of claim 19 wherein each of said reactor vessels
comprises a porus polyethlyene microcannister with a radio
frequency transmitter tag.
26. The apparatus of claim 19 further comprising valve means
interposed between said reactor vessels and said collection means
for simultaneously regulating the discharge of fluids through said
outlet tubes.
27. Apparatus useful for the synthesis of multiple organic
compounds, the apparatus comprising a plurality of tube-like
reactor vessels, means for receiving an array of said reactor
vessels and a plurality of porous polyethelyne microcannisters with
radio frequency transmitter tags, each of said reactor vessels
being adapted to receive one of said microcannisters.
28. The apparatus of claim 27 wherein said vessel receiving means
comprises means for receiving X number of reactor vessels in Y
number of positions, where Y is a number greater than X.
29. The apparatus of claim 28 further comprising collection means
comprising 2X number of collection wells.
30. The apparatus of claim 27 wherein each of said vessels has a
port connected to an outlet tube and further comprising valve means
for simultaneously regulating the discharge of fluids through said
outlet tubes.
31. The apparatus of claim 30 wherein said valve means comprises
first and second aligned, relatively moveable surfaces between
which said outlet tubes extend and resilient means interposed
between one of said surfaces and said outlet tubes, such that
relative movement of said surfaces causes force to be applied
through said resilient means to close said outlet tubes.
32. The apparatus of claim 31 wherein one of said surfaces has a
shape corresponding to the exterior shape of said resilient
means.
33. Apparatus useful for the synthesis of multiple organic
compounds comprising a plurality of functional components stackable
in different configurations to form the apparatus and multilevel
means cooperating with said components to align same, said
alignment means being adapted to be mounted on one of said
components and having a first level adapted to support a second
component and a second level adapted to support a third component,
said levels being defined by different sections of said alignment
means.
34. The apparatus of claim 33 wherein said components include a
valve block and wherein said alignment means are mounted on said
valve block.
35. The apparatus of claim 33 wherein said second component
comprises a temperature control block.
36. The apparatus of claim 35 further comprising a pressure plate,
said pressure plate mounted above said temperature control
block.
37. The apparatus of claim 33 wherein said third component
comprises an alignment plate.
38. The apparatus of claim 37 further comprising a pressure plate
mounted above said alignment plate.
39. The apparatus of claim 33 wherein said alignment means further
comprises a pointed section on said second level.
40. The apparatus of claim 33 wherein said alignment means
comprises a standoff.
41. The apparatus of claim 33 wherein said alignment means
comprises four standoffs.
42. The apparatus of claim 33 wherein said alignment means
comprises a shaft with different diameter sections.
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to apparatus for combinatorial
drug research to be used in the simultaneous parallel solid and
solution phase synthesis of large numbers of diverse organic
compounds or for the final cleavage step of radio frequency tagged
synthesis and more particularly to a modular apparatus designed for
such purposes which employs a unique pinch valve block, which
includes reactor vessels capable of receiving porus polyethelyene
microcannisters with radio frequency transmitter tags and which can
be used to discharge into all of the wells of a standard microtiter
plate.
[0002] Efficient testing of organic compounds in the modern
pharmaceutical laboratory requires the synthesis of large numbers
of diverse organic molecules in an automated and high speed manner.
The apparatus of the present invention is designed for use in such
a system, particularly one which employs solid phase synthesis
techniques. It is useful in performing the entire synthesis or for
performing only the final cleavage step of radio frequency tagged
synthesis.
[0003] During the course of the synthesis, various operations must
be performed on the samples, including reagent introduction and
removal, agitation, washing, and compound removal by cleavage from
a resin support. Precise control of temperature, pressure and
atmospheric gas mixtures may be required at various stages. These
operations are standard and can be performed at task specific work
stations which have been designed or modified for use with one or
more reactors.
[0004] Over the last few years, a number of different systems have
been developed to produce libraries of large numbers of specific
types of organic molecules, such as polynucleotides. However, the
usefullness of such systems tends to be limited to the particular
type of molecule the system was designed to produce. Our invention
is much more general in application. It can be used to synthesize
all types of organic compounds including those used in
pharmaceutical research, the study of DNA, protein chemistry,
immunology, pharmacology or biotechnology.
[0005] Aside from the lack of versatility, existing equipment for
automated organic synthesis tends to be large and heavy, as well as
very expensive to fabricate and operate. Known automated systems
also tend to be quite complex, requiring equipment which is limited
as to flexibility, speed, and the number and amount of compounds
which can as be synthesized. As will become apparent, our system
has a simple, elegant design. It is relatively inexpensive to
fabricate and operate. However, it is extremely flexible and is
capable of producing large numbers and amounts of all types of
organic compounds in a high speed, automated manner. It is smaller
in size than comparable equipment, permitting more reactors to be
used at one time at a work station and it is lighter, thereby
facilitating movement of the apparatus between work stations with
less effort.
[0006] One system of which we are aware was developed for use at
Zeneca Pharmaceuticals, Alderley Park, Macclesfield, Cheshire, SK10
4TG, United Kingdom. That system is built around an XP Zymate
laboratory robot (Zymark Corporation, Hopkinton, Mass.). The robot
arm is situated in the middle of a plurality of stationary work
stations arranged in a circle. The arm is programmed to move one or
more tube racks from one station to another. However, the Zeneca
system has a small throughput capability, as the number of tube
racks which can be handled at one time is limited.
[0007] An automated peptide synthesizer developed for Chiron
Corporation of Emeryville, Calif., which has similar limitations,
is described by Ronald N. Zukermann, Janice M. Kerr, Michael A.
Siani and Steven C. Banville in an article which appeared in the
International Journal of Peptide and Protein Research, Vol. 40,
1992, pages 497-506 entitled "Design, Construction and Application
of a Fully Automated Equimolar Peptide Mixture Synthesizer". See
also U.S. Pat. No. 5,240,680 issued Aug. 31, 1993 to Zuckermann and
Banville and U.S. Pat. No. 5,252,296 issued Oct. 12, 1593 to
Zukermann et al. entitled "Method and Apparatus For Biopolymer
Synthesis".
[0008] Another approach was developed at Takeda Chemical
Industries, Ltd. and is described in an article published in the
Journal of Automatic Chemistry, Vol. 11, No. 5 (Sep.-Oct. 1989) pp.
212-220 by Nobuyoshi Hayashi, Tobru Sugawara, Motoaki Shintani and
Shinji Kato entitled "Computer-assisted Automatic Synthesis II.
Development of a Fully Automated Apparatus for Preparing
Substituted N- (carboxyalkyl) Aminio Acids". The Takeda system
includes a plurality of stationary units which are computer
controlled. The reactor unit includes only two reaction flasks. A
plurality of computer controlled solenoid valves regulate the input
flow from the reactant supply unit and wash solvent supply unit as
well as output to the purification unit, exhaust and drainage unit.
Sensors and electrodes feed information back to the computer. That
system is complex, costly and inflexible. It is also very limited
with respect to the number of compounds which can be
synthesized.
[0009] A more flexible approach has been suggested by the
Parke-Davis Pharmaceutical Research Division of Warner-Lambert, as
described by Sheila Hobbs DeWitt et al. in Proc. National Academy
of Science, USA, Vol. 90, pp. 6909-6913 August 1993 and in the
ISLAR '93 Proceedings. That system employs a Tecan robotic sample
processor. A manifold of gas dispersion tubes are employed in
combination with glass vials. The glass frits of the tubes contain
the solid support during reactions. However, like many prior art
systems, in this apparatus, samples from the reaction tubes trust
be removed from above, using a modified needle as a probe. There is
no facility for removal from the bottoms of the tubes. Accordingly,
obtaining product from the reactor vessels in the Parke-Davis
system is awkward and time consuming.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 5,472,672 issued Dec. 5, 1995 to Thomas
Brennan, entitled "Apparatus and Method for Polymer Synthesis Using
Arrays", teaches the use of an automated system in which a
transport mechanism is used to move a base having an array of
reactor wells in conveyor belt fashion from work station to work
station. Sample removal is performed by creating a pressure
differential between the ends of the wells. Aside from the
difficulties with regard to discharge, this system is complex and
lacks flexibility.
[0011] We are also aware of system designed by the Ontogen
Corporation of Carlsbad, Calif. 92009 as disclosed by John Cargill
and Romaine Maiefski in Laboratory Robotics and Automation, Vol. 6
pp. 139-147 in an article entitled "Automated Combinatorial
Chemistry on Solid Phase" and disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,609,826
entitled "Methods and Apparatus for the Generation of Chemical
Libraries" issued Mar. 11, 1997 to John Cargill and Romaine
Maiefski. The system disclosed in the article and patent utilizes a
reactor block having an array of reactor vessels. The block is
moved along an assembly line of work stations under computer
control.
[0012] The Ontogen apparatus disclosed in the above mentioned
article and patent has a number of shortcomings. It is highly
complex and expensive. It does not include any valving structure
capable of regulating the fluid discharge from the reactor
chambers. Instead, it depends upon pressure differential to cause
discharge through s-shaped trap tubes which snap into a fitting on
the bottom of each reaction vessel. This takes up a lot of room,
preventing the dense packing of the reactor vessels. It also makes
product removal awkward.
[0013] Because the reactor vessels disclosed in the article and
patent cannot be densely packed, mirror image reactors are required
in the Ontogen system to discharge into all of the densely packed
wells of a standard microtiter plate. As described in U.S. Pat. No.
5,609,626, two different reactor configurations, each capable of
receiving a set of 48 reaction vessels, are required to deposit
directly into all 96 of the microtiter wells.
[0014] Reactor vessels of the type commonly used in the art are not
adapted to receive commercially available porus polyethelene
microcannisters. As is disclosed in the literature noted below,
such microcannisters can be radio frequency transmitter tagged for
automated tracking. Hence, it would be very advantageous to have a
reactor which could deposit into all the microtiter wells and still
utilize reactor vessels capable of receiving commercially available
microcannisters.
[0015] International Publication Number WO 97/10896 under the
Patent Cooperation Treaty published on Mar. 27, 1997 teaches
apparatus for simultaneous solid phase chemical synthesis developed
by Berlex Laboratories, Inc. of Richmond, Calif. The Berlex
equipment utilizes a manifold valve block including a plurality of
aligned valve inserts which are controlled by valve stems. The
stems are rotated by hydraulic cylinders positioned on either side
of the manifold. The Berlex apparatus accommodates 96 reactor
vessels at one time in a densely packed array. However, the reactor
vessels cannot receive porous microcannisters with radio frequency
tags. Moreover, this reactor requires a specially designed solvent
delivery system.
[0016] Personnel at Bristol-Myers Squibb Company of Princeton, N.J.
08543 developed an earlier version of the present apparatus
designed for use in the simultaneous synthesis of diverse organic
compounds. Like the present invention, it consisted of stackable
modules which are moveable among nesting sites located on work
station platforms. The reactor module in that version includes a
heat transfer block adapted to receive an array of reactor vessels.
The reactor vessels are in the form of solid phase extraction
cartridges without sorbent. Each has a bottom, outlet port. A
plurality of separate valves arranged in rows are located below the
vessels. The valves consist of stopcocks which are gang-controlled
to regulate the discharge from the reactor vessel outlet ports into
aligned channels, each formed by a pair of threated Leur tip
adapters. The reactor module is situated over a discharge module.
The inlet openings in the discharge module are adapted to accept
the threaded ends of the Leur tip adapters. The discharge module
consists of a multi-well collector block or a drain block. A
solvent introduction module, which includes a pressure plate having
an array of openings and a septum, is received over the reactor
module. The downwardly projecting rim defining each pressure plate
opening cooperates with the septum to engaged the mouth of the
aligned reactor vessel to maintain a fluid tight seal.
[0017] Although that apparatus was a vast improvement over the
prior art systems, it still had some disadvantages. For example,
the apparatus was still relatively large and has connectors and
levers extending outwardly from the sides, allowing only two
reactors to fit under a standard fume hood at one time. Each
reactor weighed about 18 pounds and was costly to fabricate. Thus,
improvement in the areas of size, weight and cost are possible. A
more elegant valve system, with fewer moving parts, is also
desireable. Provision for receiving commercially available porous
microcannisters with radio frequency transmitter tags for automated
encoding in the reactor vessels would be extremely advantagous.
Moreover, a structure which could accommodate standard microtiter
plates or blocks for specimen collection would be an important
advance. Improvements in these areas are embodied in the present
invention.
[0018] Our approach to the automation problem in this invention is
to employ modules of simplified design and construction which can
be readily arranged in sets to perform the required operations and
which are light in weight 60 as to be easily moveable among nest
sites at standard work stations. This permits the greatest amount
of flexibility at the least cost. Due to more compact design, more
reactors can be assembled and employed at one time by creating
multiple nest sites at a single work station, such as an orbital
shaker. For time consuming operations, several work stations can be
in use simultaneously, to permit parallel flow of reactors and
therefore eliminate bottlenecks. For less time consuming
operations, fewer work stations can be used, as long as the flow of
reactors is not impeded. Because the reactors are lighter in
weight, they are easier to transport. Accordingly, maximum
throughput is acheived with minimum investment.
[0019] In addition, the apparatus of the present invention is
designed to permit sample removal from the bottom of the reactor
vessels as in the earlier version of the Bristol-Myers Squibb
equipment However, unlike the earlier equipment system, the present
invention employes simplified valving in the form of a unique pinch
valve block located beneath the reactor block. The valve block
includes plates with Bets of aligned, relatively moveable ribs.
Each rib set is aligned with the outlet tubes associated with a
different row of reactor vessels. Movement of the rib surfaces
causes force to be applied to the outlet tubes through Telfon
encapsulated silicone O-ring cord sections situated between one rib
surface and the adjacent outlet tubes, such that the tubes are
simultaneously closed (pinched) without crushing or damaging the
tube walls. As a result, the tube walls will reliably resume their
original open condition each time the force is released.
[0020] The apparatus of the present invention includes a reactor
block, located above the valve block, which accepts an array of
reactor vessels. The vessels may be any plastic or glass tube with
a bottom port, such as a standard solid phase extraction cartidge
without sorbent. However, the reactor vessels are preferrably
designed to receive porus polyethelene microcannisters provided
with radio frequency transmitter tags for automated tracking. The
apparatus can be used for the entire synthesis or only the final
cleavage step in radio frequency tagged synthesis, as desired.
[0021] The reactor module is adapted to mount over a discharge
module. The discharge module may consist of a collection block with
an array of wells for collection tubes or vessels. Preferrably, it
takes the form of a 96 well microtiter block of standard size and
dimension. If the reactor vessels are large enough to accept
commercially available porus microcannisters, they may be too large
to permit them to be packed tightly enough to discharge into all of
the 96 wells of a standard microtiter block at once. A funnelling
device could be interposed between the valve block and the
microtiter plate to direct the discharge from the reactor vessels
into the wells of the plate. However, such a device is bulky and
expensive to fabricate. Alternatively, as in the Ontogen system
mentioned above and disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,609,826, mirror
image reactors (referred to as type "A" and type "B") could
employed, each capable of holding 48 reactor vessels and
discharging into a different set of 48 wells in the 96 well
microtiter plate.
[0022] Our system overcomes the costs and problems of requiring an
interposed funnelling device or having two reactor configurations
by employing a single reactor block with 52 possible reactor vessel
positions, instead of the conventional 48. Either one of two
different sets (referred to as "odd" or "even") of 48 positions out
of the possible 52 positions can be selected for use. By shifting
the position of the reactor block relative to the microtiter plate,
discharge into either the odd or even well set in the microtiter
plate can be achieved.
[0023] Internal vertical supports are employed to facilitate
alignment of the blocks as the reactor module sets are formed. The
supports each have a plurality of different levels. Different
blocks are designed to rest on different levels. In this way,
different reactor configurations are easily formed. For example,
reactors with or without temperature control blocks can be
assembled. Simple nesting brackets with chamfered surfaces make
installation of the reactors on the work stations a quick and easy
task.
[0024] Since the modifications to standard work stations to accept
the reactors of the present invention are simple and inexpensive to
make, little time or cost is involved in converting a conventional
laboratory for use with the system of present invention. This
dramatically increases the speed of the set up of a facility to
perform the synthesis process, as customized work stations,
specialized computers and complex interfaces are not required.
[0025] It is, therefore, a prime object of the present invention to
provide apparatus for the synthesis of multiple organic compounds
which is mechanically simple, small in size, light in weight,
relatively inexpensive to construct, does not require extensive set
up time, is extremely flexible and has high throughput.
[0026] It is another object of the present invention to provide
apparatus for the synthesis of multiple organic compounds which
consists of a plurality of stackable modules adapted to be moved as
a unit among nest sites on work station platforms.
[0027] It is another object of the present invention to provide
apparatus for the synthesis of multiple organic compounds which can
be used for performing the entire synthesis or only the final
cleavage step of radio frequency tagged synthesis.
[0028] It is another object of the present invention to provide
apparatus for the synthesis of multiple organic compounds which
includes a multiple valve block in which sets of aligned ribs of
relatively moveable plates act through Teflon encapsulated silicone
O-ring cord sections to close rows of outlet tubes to regulate the
discharge from the reactor vessel ports.
[0029] It is another object of the present invention to provide
apparatus for the synthesis of multiple organic compounds which is
compatable for use with a standard 96 well microtiter collection
plate where a single configuration reactor block with 52 reactor
vessel positions can be employed to discharge into either the even
or the "odd" 48 well sets of the plate by shifting the relative
position of the microtiter plate.
[0030] It is another object of the present invention to provide
apparatus for the synthesis of multiple organic compounds which
utilizes reactor vessels adapted to receive porus microcannisters
with radio frequency transmitter tags.
[0031] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention,
apparatus useful for the synthesis of multiple organic compounds is
provided. The apparatus is adapted to receive an array of
individual reactor vessels. Each vessel has a port connected to an
outlet tube. Valve means simultaneously regulate the discharge from
the vessels through the outlet tubes. The valve means includes
first and second relatively moveable surfaces between which the
outlet tubes extend. Resilient means are interposed between one of
the surfaces and the outlet tubes. Relative movement of the
surfaces causes force to be applied through the resilient means to
close the outlet tubes.
[0032] The valve surf aces are the surfaces of ribs located on
relatively moveable plates. The resilient means preferrably takes
the form of Teflon encapsulated silicone O-ring cord, cut in
sections and situated adjacent one of the rib surfaces. The rib
surface adjacent the cord is shaped to correspond to the shape of
the cord. More specifically, it has an arcuate shape which serves
to maintain the cord section in proper position. The ends of one of
the plates have openings through which the resilient means can be
inserted so as to be received between the ribs.
[0033] The valve means is located below the reactor vessels. Below
the valve means is situated the collection block. The collection
block has an array of wells. A plurality of collection vessels are
adapted to be received in the wells.
[0034] The collection block is capable of receiving 2X number of
collection vessels. The apparatus is adapted to receive X number of
reactor vessels in Y number of possible positions, where Y is a
number larger than X. The collection block can be received in one
of two positions relative to the reactor block.
[0035] The reactor vessels may receive porus polyethylene
microcannisters with radio frequency transmitter tags. Multi-level
component internal support and alignment means are provided.
[0036] In accordance with another object of the present invention,
valve means are provided for the simultaneous regulation of the
discharge through outlet tubes connected to the parts of reactor
vessels received in an apparatus for the synthesis of multiple
organic compounds. The valve means includes first and second
aligned, relatively moveable surfaces between which the outlet
tubes extend. Resilient means are interposed between one of the
surfaces and the outlet tubes. Relative movement of the surfaces
causes force to be applied through the resilient means to close the
outlet tubes.
[0037] The surfaces form portions of plates, and more particularly
ribs on plates. The resilient means preferrably comprise Teflon
encapsulated silicone O-ring cord sections. One of the rib surfaces
is shaped to correspond to the arcuate shape of the outer surface
of the cord.
[0038] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
apparatus useful for the synthesis of multiple organic compounds is
provided. The apparatus includes means adapted to receive an array
of X number of individual reactor vessels, in at least Y number of
different positions, where Y is a number greater than X. Each of
the vessels has a port connected to an outlet tube. Collection
means are provided with an array of 2X number of collection
vessels. Means are provided for shifting the position of the
collection means relative to the vessel receiving means. By first
selecting one and then the other set of X number of reactor vessels
of the possible Y number of positions for use, and shifting the
position of the collection means between uses, each of the 2X
number of collection vessels can receive discharge from the outlet
tubes.
[0039] The collection means preferrably comprises a standard 96
well microtiter plate. The number X equals 48. The number Y equals
52. Each of the vessels is adapted to optionally receive a porus
polyethlyene microcannister with a radio frequency transmitter
tag.
[0040] Valve means are interposed between the reactor vessels and
the collection means for simultaneously regulating the discharge
through the outlet tubes.
[0041] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
apparatus useful to the synthesis of multiple organic compounds is
provided. The apparatus includes means for receiving an array of
tube-like reactor vessels, a plurality of reactor vessels and
optionally a porous polyethelyene microcannister with a radio
frequency transmitter tag for each vessel. Each of the vessels is
adapted to receive a porus polyethelyene microcannister with a
radio frequency transmitter tag.
[0042] The vessel receiving means is capable of receiving X number
of reactor vessels in Y number of wells, where Y is a number is
greater than X. The apparatus also includes collection means having
2X number of collection wells. Each of the reactor vessels has a
port connected to an outlet tube. Valve means are provided for
simultaneously regulating the discharge of fluids through the
outlet tubes into the collection wells.
[0043] The valve means includes first and second aligned,
relatively moveable surfaces between which the outlet tubes extend.
Resilient means are interposed between one of the surfaces and the
outlet tubes. Relative movement of the surfaces causes force to be
applied through the resilient means to close the outlet tubes.
[0044] Preferrably, one of the surfaces has an arcuate shape
corresponding to the shape of the exterior of the resilient means.
This maintains the resilient means in proper position.
[0045] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
aparatus useful for the synthesis of multiple organic compounds is
provided, including a plurality of functional components stackable
in different configurations to form the apparatus. Multilevel means
cooperate with the components to align them. The alignment means is
adapted to be mounted on one of the components. It has a first
level adapted to support a second component and a second level
adapted to support a third component. The levels are defined by
different sections of the alignment means.
[0046] The components include a valve block. The alignment means is
mounted on the valve block.
[0047] The second component may include a temperature control
block. A pressure plate is used in conjunction with the temperature
control block.
[0048] The third component may including an alignment plate. The
pressure plate is situated above the alignment plate.
[0049] The alignment means also includes a bullet nose shaped
section on the top level. This section facilitates assembly of the
blocks.
[0050] The alignment means comprises a standoff. Preferrably, the
alignment means includes four standoffs.
[0051] To these and other objects as may hereinafter appear, the
present invention relates to apparatus for the synthesis of
multiple organic compounds with a pinch valve block, as set forth
in detail in the following specification and recited in the annexed
claims, taken together with the accompanying drawings, wherein like
numerals refer to like parts and in which:
[0052] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a first configuration of the
appartus of the present invention including a temperature control
block and showing the collection block in exploded position;
[0053] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a second configuration of the
apparatus of the present invention without the temperature control
block and with the collection block in exploded position;
[0054] FIG. 3 is an exploded isometric view of the reactor block
and valve block of the apparatus of the present invention;
[0055] FIG. 4 is an exploded isometric view of the components of
the valve block;
[0056] FIG. 5 is a top cross-sectional view of the valve block,
shown in the open state;
[0057] FIG. 6 is an enlarged side cross-sectional view of the valve
block taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 5 showing the reactor block with
the temperature control block;
[0058] FIG. 7 is a top cross-sectional view of the valve block,
shown in the closed state;
[0059] FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line
8-8 of FIG. 7;
[0060] FIG. 9 is an enlarged exploded side cross-sectional view of
a portion of the plates and slide of the valve block;
[0061] FIG. 10 is a view similar to FIG. 6 showing an enlarged side
cross-sectional view of the valve block showing the reactor block
without the temperature control block;
[0062] FIG. 11 is a schematic representation of a first set the
selected reactor vessel wells and the set of collection wells with
which they align;
[0063] FIG. 12 is a schematic representation of the second set of
the selected reactor vessel wells and the other set of collection
wells with which they align;
[0064] FIG. 13 is a side cross-sectional view of the collection
plate and vacuum adapter in the first relative position; and
[0065] FIG. 14 is a view similar to FIG. 13, showing the collection
plate and vacuum adapter in the second relative position.
[0066] The apparatus of the present invention relates to a modular
system for the synthesis of diverse organic compounds in which
components in the form of blocks and/or plates are stacked to form
reactors which can be moved among work stations to perform various
steps in the synthesis. A typical reactor consists of a reactor
block, generally designated A, which is adapted to retain a
plurality of tube-like reactor vessels 10. Block A may include an
optional temperature control block, generally designated B, as
shown in FIG. 1. Reactor Block A is situated above a valve block,
generally designated C, which controls the discharge from reactor
vessels 10 into the collection vessels situated in the wells 12 of
a microtiter plate which forms a portion of a collection block,
generally designated D.
[0067] Reactor block A includes a pressure plate 14 with a septum
16 situated adjacent its undersurface. Pressure plate 14 has an
array of relatively small openings 17, one for each vessel 10.
Openings 17 permit the needle of a syringe to be inserted into the
aligned reactor vessel, through the septum, to introduce liquids
into the vessel. When the temperature control block B is absent, as
shown in FIG. 2, an alignment plate 18 is situated below septum 16.
Alignment plate 18 has an array of openings 19 each of which
receives a reactor vessel 10 so as to retain the vessels in the
correct position relative to the pressure plate. Pressure plate 14
is spaced from valve block C so as to permit a plurality of reactor
vessels 10 to the situated therebetween.
[0068] Four multi-level alignment standoffs 20 are provided to
retain the components in proper alignment. Standoffs 20 are mounted
on valve block C, at each corner of the apparatus. Each standoff 20
has a lower, larger diameter section 22, an intermediate, mid-sized
diameter section 24 and a top, bullet shaped section 26.
Temperature control block B, when used (FIG. 1), rests on lower
section 22.
[0069] When block B is not used (FIG. 2), alignment plate 18 rests
on the intermediate sections 24 of the standoffs. Alignment plate
18 is provided with four holes 28 (FIG. 3). Holes 28 receive the
top portions 26 of standoffs 20. Thus, plate 18 is spaced from the
top surface of the valve block C by the combined height of sections
22 and 24.
[0070] Pressure plate 14 also has four holes 30, somewhat smaller
than holes 28, which receive bullet shaped sections 26 of standoffs
20. The pressure plate sits over the septum and hence is spaced
above the top surfaces of sections 24 of the standoffs. It rests on
the rims of the reactor vessels 10, with the septum 16 situated
there between (FIG. 10). Clamp brackets 37, located at either end
of the unit, retain pressure plate 14. The bullet shape of sections
26 of standoffs 20 facilitate positioning of the plates.
[0071] A pair of side latches 32 are mounted on latch pivot blocks
34 located on each side of the top surface of valve block C. Each
latch has first and second slots 36, 38 adapted to engage screws
extending from temperature control block B or alignment plate 18.
As shown in FIG. 1, when temperature control block B is present,
slots 38 on each latch 32 receive the screws extending from the
sides of the temperature control block to latch temperature control
block B in position, when the latches are pivoted to the upstanding
position. When no temperature control block B is present, as in
FIG. 2, screws from the alignment plate 18 are received in slots
36.
[0072] If control of the temperature of the reactor vessels is
required, block B is interposed between pressure plate 14 and the
valve block C as shown in FIG. 1. Alignment plate 18 is not used in
this configuration. The temperature control block is of
conventional design, with an array of vertical reactor vessel
receiving wells and internal conduits through which water or other
fluid can be pumped to regulate the temperature of the reactor
vessels.
[0073] Valve block C is illustrated in exploded form in FIGS. 4 and
9. This block consists of a top plate 39, a bottom, plate 40 and an
end cap 42 which, when assembled, define a rectangular cavity into
which a slide 44 is moveably received.
[0074] Top plate 39 is provided with openings 46 for screws to
secure it to bottom plate 40. It also has openings 48 for screws to
secure brackets 37 and openings 50 for screws to secure latch pivot
blocks 34.
[0075] Further, plate 39 has an array of small holes 52 adapted to
receive the outlet tubes 54 which are attached by Leur tip adapters
56 to the bottom outlet ports of the reactor vessels 10. Outlet
tubes of this type are commercially available from Supelco, Inc.,
Supelco Park, Belleforte, Pa. 10823 as part No. 5-7059 disposable
flow control valve liners. One hole 52 in plate 39 is provided for
each reactor vessel position in reactor block A.
[0076] Bottom plate 40 has corresponding holes 58 for receiving the
tubes 54. Holes 58 are of the same number and in the same locations
as holes 52 in plate 39. As best seen in FIG. 4, plate 40 has a "U"
shaped configuration, when viewed from the end. The upper surface
of the middle recessed portion 60 of the plate has eight spaced
upstanding ribs 62. Each rib 62 is situated adjacent a different
row of holes 58 and, as best seen in FIG. 9, actually extends a
small way over the rim of the hole.
[0077] Slide 44 also has an array of holes 64 of the same number
and location as holes 52 and holes 58. However, as best seen in
FIG. 9, the top and bottom of each hole 64 is flared outwardly such
that conic sections are formed adjacent the top and bottom surfaces
of slide 44 so as not to cut or permanently distort tubes 54.
[0078] The bottom surface of slide 44 is recessed and provided with
eight downwardly extending ribs 66. Each rib 66 is aligned with a
different rib 62 on bottom plate 40. Between each set of aligned
ribs 66, 62 is situated a row of outlet tubes 54. Movement of slide
44 relative to bottom plate 40 causes ribs 66 to move towards ribs
62 such that the outlet tubes are pinched closed, compare FIGS. 5,
7 and 8.
[0079] However, as is best seen in FIGS. 6 and 8, the surface of
rib 66 does not act directly on the walls of the outlet tubes 54.
Instead, it acts through a resilient member 68. Member 68 is formed
of a sections of Teflon encapsulated silicone O-ring cord
commercially available from Lutz Sales Co., Inc. of 4675 Turnbury
Dr., Hanover Park, Ill. 60103. Member 68 deforms as ribs 66 and 62
are moved toward each other and pinches tubes 54 as seen in FIGS. 7
and 8 in a manner which does not crush or permanently deform the
wall of the tube. Thus, the tube reliably returns to its original
shape when the slide returns to its original position, as seen in
FIGS. 5 and 6.
[0080] As best seen in FIG. 9, which is an enlarged exploded
cross-section of a portion of the valve block, the surface of each
rib 66 adjacent the resilient member is arcuate to accomodate the
curved surface of the resilient member. This curved rib surface
insures the proper positioning the resilient member relative to the
outlet tubes.
[0081] Each end of bottom plate 40 is provided with a plurality of
holes 71 each of which is aligned with the space between a
different set of ribs 62, 66. Holes 71 extend to the exterior
surface of the plate and have a diameter slightly larger than that
of the resilient members 68. Holes 71 permit resilient members 68
to be inserted between the ribs 62, 66 after the valve block has
been assembled. Holes 71 may be capped or stopped after the
resilient members are inserted.
[0082] Movement of slide 44 relative to plates 40 and 44 is
achieved through the use of end cap 42. End cap 42 has openings 70
to accommodate screws for securing it to bottom and top plates. It
also has a central opening 72 through which a threaded screw 74
with a knob 76 extends. The inner diameter of opening 72 is larger
then the outer diameter of screw 74 such that screw 74 can rotate
freely within opening 72. Screw 76 engages an internally threaded
opening 78 in slide 44 such that rotation of screw 76 in a
clockwise direction causes slide 44 to move relative to bottom
plate 40 such that ribs 66 move towards ribs 62 to close the rows
of outlet tubes simultaneously. Rotating screw 76 in the
counter-clockwise direction moves the slide to the extreme open
posiiton, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 such that discharge of fluids
through outlet tubes 54 is unimpeded. Overtightening of the plates
and crushing or deformation of the tubes is prevented by this
structure while complete closure of all tubes is insured when the
valve is closed.
[0083] Situated under valve block C is collection block D. As seen
in FIG. 2, block D consists of a locator plate 77 with a large,
generally rectangular central opening 80. Situated below locator
plate 77 is a vacuum adapter 79. Adapter 79 has a central recess 81
adapted to receive a collection plate, preferrably in the form of a
96 well densely packed microtiter plate 82 of standard dimension
and configuration. For reasons explained below, locator plate 77
functions to shift the position of microtiter plate 82 relative to
reactor block A. One simple way to accomplish this is to provide
plate 77 in two forms, such that the vacuum adapter is shifted in
position, in one form of the locator plate relative to the other.
In this way, the position of microtiter plate 82 is shifted
relative to the reactor vessels simply by substituting one form of
locator plate 77 for the other.
[0084] Liquid is drawn downward through the valve block into the
microtiter plate using vacuum adapter 79 which is commercially
available from Polyfiltronics, Inc. of 100 Weymouth Street,
Rockland Mass. 02370 which is sold under part number VAC-003. The
Polyfiltronics vacuum adapter is modified by adding two upstanding
locator pins 83 which fit into location holes 84 in locator plate
77. Two different locator plates 77 are used alternately to align
the reactor properly over the microtiter plate for product
collection.
[0085] Collection block D is situated immediately below valve block
C. The vertical position of collection block D relative to valve
block C can be altered such that different height collection
vessels can be utilized in wells 12 of the microtiter plate simply
by addition of the appropriate size spacers (not shown).
[0086] Although microtiter plate 82 is capable of receiving 96
collection vessels in its densely packed well array, reactors
designed to accept microcannisters cannot be positioned densely
enough to align with all 96 wells. Hence, two reactors, of slightly
different configuration, are normally necessary if all 96 wells in
the microtiter plate are to be used. However, having different
reactor configurations greatly complicates the situation and
increases the cost.
[0087] We overcome this problem by using a single reactor in which
52 possible reactor vessel positions are provided. Thus, two
different sets, of 48 vessel positions each, can be selected. By
changing the position of the microtiter plate relative to the
reactor block, after selecting the second set of 48 vessel
positions for use, discharge into all of the wells in the
microtiter plate can achieved without using two different reactor
configurations. This is illustrated schematically in FIGS. 11 and
12.
[0088] These figures show pressure plate 14 of reactor block A and
microtiter plate 82 of collection block D. The reactor block A has
52 possible reactor vessel positions, thirteen columns of four
positions each. In FIG. 11, reactor vessels are shown in all but
the right most column. Microtiter plate 82 is shown as positioned
toward the left of the drawings, such that reactors in the 48
occupied positions will discharge into the 48 collection vessels
located in the wells in the microtiter plate designated with a
dot.
[0089] Referring now to FIG. 12, during the next synthesis set, all
of the positions in the reactor block are selected except the left
most column. By utilizing a slightly different locator plate 77,
the microtiter plate is shifted to the right, relative to the
reactor vessels. Vessels located in the positions marked by an "X"
discharge into the unused 48 collection vessels in the microtiter
plate. In this way, the same apparatus, used a second time after
shifting the relative position of the microtiter plate, can be used
to discharge into all 96 wells of a densely packed microtiter
plate.
[0090] FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate the structure of the two forms of
locator plate 77. With the locator plate shown in FIG. 13, the
recess 81 in vacuum adapter 79 containing microtiter plate 82 is
shifted in position as compared to recess 81 in the adapter shown
in FIG. 14. Thus, by selecting the appropriate locator plate form,
the microtiter plate will be aligned with either one or the other
set of 48 reactor vessels.
[0091] As illustrated in FIG. 8, each reactor vessel 10 is designed
so as to receive a commercially available porus polyethelyene
microcannister 88 with a radio frequency transmitter tag. These
microcannisters are sold by Irori Quantum Microchemistry of of
11025 North Torrey Pines Road, LaJolla, Calif. 92037 and contain
the solid phase support. They are porus so as to permit solutions
to pass through. They are tagged through the use of a microchip
with a semiconductor memory which can store an identification code
and other information relating to the construction of the compound
in the cannister. The tags can be interrogated to obtain the stored
information.
[0092] The technique for encoding and tracking combinatorial
chemical libraries with this type of microcannister is disclosed in
a article entitled "Radiofrequency Encoded Combinatorial Chemistry"
by K. C. Nicolaou, Xiao-Yi Xiao, Zahra Parandoosh, Andrew Senyei
and Michael P. Nova, published in Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. Engl, 1995,
Vol. 34 No. 20 at pages 2289-2291; and an article entitled "Radio
Frequency Tag Encoded Combinatorial Library Method for the
Discovery of Tripeptide-Substituted Cinnamic Acid Inhibitors of the
Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase PTP1B" by Edmund Moran, Sepehr
Sarshar, John G. Cargill, Manouchehr M. Shahbaz, Anna Lio, Adnan M.
M. Mjalli and Robert Armstrong in J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1995, Vol. 117,
No. 43 10787-10788.
[0093] One of the advantages of the present invention is that
reactor vessels large enough to receive commercially available
microcannisters with radio frequency transmitter tags for tracking
of the reactors can be employed and a single reactor can be used to
deposit directly into all of the 96 wells of a standard microtiter
plate. This greatly reduces the complexity and cost of the system
while still permitting automated tracking.
[0094] It should also be noted that although the apparatus of the
present invention is primarily designed for solid and solution
phase combinatorial synthesis, the reaction vessels could be filled
with a sorbent and the products could be purified by passing them
through the sorbent, a process known as "solid phase extractions".
It is believed that the present design results in a better solid
phase extraction apparatus than anything currently available.
[0095] It will now be appreciated that the apparatus of the present
invention consists of a modular reactor which is simple in design,
small in size, light in weight and inexpensive to build and
operate. It includes a simplied yet extremely reliable valve means
for simultaneously regulating the discharge from the reactor
vessels without crushing or deforming the reactor vessel outlet
tubes. The reactor vessels are suitable for receiving porus
polyethelene microcannisters with radio frequency transmitter tags
for use in automated encoding. By providing 52 reactor vessel
positions in the reactor block and a collector block which can
shift a standard 96 microtiter plate between two different relative
positions, a single reactor can be used to discharge into all 96
wells of the microtiter plate. Multilevel alignment standoffs
facilitate mounting and alignment of selected components to obtain
the desired configuration Moreover, the apparatus of the present
invention can be used to perform the entire synthesis or only to
perform the cleavage step in a radio frequency tagged
synthesis.
[0096] While only a limited number of preferred embodiments of the
present invention have been disclosed for purposes of illustration,
it is obvious that many variations and modifications thereof are
possible. It is intended to cover all of these variations and
modifications, which fall within the scope of the present
invention, as recited by the following claims:
* * * * *