U.S. patent application number 12/140940 was filed with the patent office on 2009-01-22 for oligonucleotide synthesizer.
Invention is credited to Steven M. Barnard, Mark S. Chee, David L. Heiner, Aaron Christopher Jones, Michal Lebl, Mark J. Nibbe, Vit Pokorny.
Application Number | 20090023605 12/140940 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46149977 |
Filed Date | 2009-01-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090023605 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lebl; Michal ; et
al. |
January 22, 2009 |
OLIGONUCLEOTIDE SYNTHESIZER
Abstract
An apparatus for high-throughput combinatorial synthesis of
organic molecules including a reaction vessel for containing a
combinatorial chemistry synthetic reaction, a liquid dispenser for
dispensing the liquid, a liquid aspirator and an adjustment
mechanism. The reaction vessel includes an ingress aperture
allowing a liquid to enter into an interior of the vessel and an
egress aperture for aspirating the liquid from the vessel. The
liquid dispenser dispenses liquid through the ingress aperture. The
liquid aspirator aspirates liquid through the egress aperture and
includes a rotor for carrying the vessel and orbiting the vessel
about an axis of rotation. The rotor is oriented generally in a
horizontal plane and includes an adjustment mechanism for adjusting
the angle of the vessel relative to the horizontal plane in
response to the centrifugal force generated by orbiting the vessel
about the axis or rotation. A method of combinatorial synthesis of
organic molecules is also disclosed.
Inventors: |
Lebl; Michal; (San Diego,
CA) ; Chee; Mark S.; (Encinitas, CA) ;
Barnard; Steven M.; (San Diego, CA) ; Heiner; David
L.; (San Diego, CA) ; Pokorny; Vit; (Praha,
CZ) ; Nibbe; Mark J.; (Oceanside, CA) ; Jones;
Aaron Christopher; (San Diego, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KNOBBE MARTENS OLSON & BEAR LLP
2040 MAIN STREET, FOURTEENTH FLOOR
IRVINE
CA
92614
US
|
Family ID: |
46149977 |
Appl. No.: |
12/140940 |
Filed: |
June 17, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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09881052 |
Jun 13, 2001 |
7390459 |
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12140940 |
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09738473 |
Dec 13, 2000 |
6663832 |
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09881052 |
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60170314 |
Dec 13, 1999 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
506/27 ;
506/40 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C40B 50/14 20130101;
Y10T 436/2575 20150115; B01J 2219/00412 20130101; B01J 2219/00308
20130101; G01N 2035/1037 20130101; B01J 2219/00326 20130101; B01J
2219/00369 20130101; B01J 2219/00421 20130101; B01J 2219/00283
20130101; B01J 2219/00328 20130101; B01J 2219/00722 20130101; B01J
2219/00423 20130101; G01N 2035/00504 20130101; B01J 2219/00689
20130101; B01J 19/0046 20130101; B01J 2219/00315 20130101; C40B
60/14 20130101; B01J 2219/00389 20130101; B01J 2219/00454 20130101;
B01J 2219/0049 20130101; G01N 35/028 20130101; B01J 2219/0059
20130101; B01J 2219/005 20130101; B01J 2219/00286 20130101; C40B
40/06 20130101; B01J 2219/0072 20130101; G01N 35/025 20130101; G01N
35/1067 20130101; B01J 2219/00585 20130101; B01J 2219/00295
20130101; Y10T 436/111666 20150115; G01N 2035/1069 20130101; Y10T
436/12 20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
506/27 ;
506/40 |
International
Class: |
C40B 50/08 20060101
C40B050/08; C40B 60/14 20060101 C40B060/14 |
Goverment Interests
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH
[0002] This invention was made with government support under 2 R44
GM58981-02A1 awarded by the National Institutes of Health. The
government has certain rights in the invention.
Claims
1. An apparatus for dispensing liquids into a reaction vessel, said
apparatus comprising: a rotor mounted for rotation about a central
axis, said rotor carrying an array of reaction vessels along a
circular path; a liquid dispenser comprising a plurality of
dispensing nozzles, said liquid dispenser positioned above said
rotor and arranged for dispensing a liquid from each dispensing
nozzle into a reaction vessel while said array of reaction vessels
moves along said circular path, wherein said dispensing nozzles are
configured to be moveable; and a controller for synchronizing
movement of said rotor with the dispensing of the liquid such that
said liquid dispenser dispenses the liquid into said array while
said rotor is rotating.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said apparatus is configured
for chemical synthesis and said liquid dispenser is fluidly coupled
with one or more reagent sources.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said apparatus is configured
for synthesis of oligomers.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of said dispensing
nozzles comprises a dispensing valve controlling liquid delivery
thereto, wherein said controller is configured to simultaneously
synchronize movement of said rotor and control of said dispensing
valve.
5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein at least one dispensing valve
comprises an electric solenoid valve.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said controller is configured
to actuate said nozzles and dispense fluid while said rotor is
moving along said circular path.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said plurality of dispensing
nozzles are linearly arranged in a pattern corresponding to a
radial column of said array of reaction vessels.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said liquid dispenser is a
multi-channel dispenser.
9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said dispensing nozzles are
configured to be moveable solely along a linear path.
10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said dispensing nozzles are
configured to be moveable along an arcuate path.
11. A method for dispensing liquids into a reaction vessel, said
method comprising: providing a rotor and a liquid dispenser, said
rotor being mounted for rotation about a central axis and carrying
an array of reaction vessels along a circular path, said liquid
dispenser comprising a plurality of dispensing nozzles and being
positioned above said rotor; dispensing a liquid from each
dispensing nozzle into a reaction vessel while said array of
reaction vessels moves along said circular path, wherein said
dispensing nozzles are configured to be moveable; and synchronizing
movement of said rotor with the dispensing of the liquid such that
said liquid dispenser dispenses the liquid into said array while
said rotor is rotating.
12. The method of claim 11 further comprising performing chemical
synthesis in at least one of said reaction vessels.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein said performing chemical
synthesis comprises synthesis of oligomers.
14. The method of claim 11, wherein each of said nozzles comprises
a dispensing valve controlling liquid delivery thereto, wherein
said synchronizing step further comprises controlling said
dispensing valve.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein at least one dispensing valve
comprises an electric solenoid valve.
16. The method of claim 11 further comprising simultaneously
delivering different liquids to respective ones of said reaction
vessels.
17. The method of claim 16 further comprising actuating said
nozzles and dispensing fluid while said rotor is moving along said
circular path.
18. The method of claim 11, wherein said dispensing nozzles are
configured to be moveable solely along a linear path.
19. The method of claim 11, wherein said dispensing nozzles are
configured to be moveable along an arcuate path.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of and claims priority to
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/881,052, entitled
Oligonucleotide Synthesizer, filed Jun. 13, 2001, which is
continuation-in-part of and claims priority to U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 09/738,473, entitled Oligonucleotide
Synthesizer, filed Dec. 13, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,663,832,
issued Dec. 16, 2003, which is a non-provisional application of and
claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.
60/170,314, entitled Oligonucleotide Synthesizer, filed Dec. 13,
1999, the entire contents of which applications are incorporated
herein by this reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] 1. Field of the Invention
[0004] The present invention relates to the field of devices and
methods for chemical synthesis, analysis, and biological screening.
More particularly, the present invention relates to a new and
improved apparatus for high-throughput combinatorial synthesis of
organic molecules, particularly nucleic acids.
[0005] 2. Description of Related Art
[0006] Solid-phase synthesis of organic molecules is the method of
choice for preparation of libraries and compound megaarrays, which
are currently being applied for screening in the quest to find new
drugs or pharmaceutical lead compounds, i.e., compounds which
exhibit a particular biological activity of pharmaceutical
interest. These leads can serve as a starting point for the
selection and synthesis of a drug compound, which in addition to
the particular biological activity of interest has pharmacologic
and toxicologic properties suitable for administration to animals,
including humans.
[0007] Several designs of instruments for combinatorial synthesis
utilizing solid-phase synthesis are known. An exemplar of the prior
art is U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,202,418 and 5,338,831, to Lebl et al.,
which each describe a method of performing multiple synthesis of
peptides on a solid carrier. U.S. Pat. No. 5,342,585 to Lebl et al.
describes an apparatus for multiple syntheses of peptides on solid
support. U.S. Pat. No. 6,045,755 to Lebl, et al. describes an
apparatus and a method fiSr combinatorial chemistry synthesis. U.S.
Pat. No. 6,121,054 to Lebl, corresponding to PCT International
Publication No. W000/25470, shows a method for separation of liquid
and solid-phases for solid-phase organic synthesis. The entire
contents of the above patents are incorporated herein by this
reference.
[0008] Liquid removal by centrifugation was described and is the
subject of several publications. See Christian Birr, Aspects of the
Merrified Peptide Synthesis (Springer-Verlag, New York 1978; German
Patent Application P 20 17351.7, G. 70 13256.8, 1970. These
references describe the use of centrifugation for liquid removal
from slurry of solid-phase particles in a concentric vessel
equipped with a filtration material in its perimeter and spun
around its axis.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] In summary, one aspect of the present invention is directed
to an apparatus for performing combinatorial-chemistry synthetic
reactions including a reaction vessel for containing a
combinatorial-chemistry synthetic reaction, a liquid dispenser for
dispensing the liquid, and a liquid aspirator and an adjustment
mechanism. The reaction vessel includes an ingress aperture
allowing a liquid to enter into an interior of the vessel and an
egress aperture for aspirating the liquid from the vessel. The
liquid dispenser dispenses liquid through the ingress aperture. The
liquid aspirator aspirates liquid through the egress aperture and
includes a rotor for carrying the vessel and orbiting the vessel
about an axis of rotation. The rotor is oriented generally in a
horizontal plane and includes an adjustment mechanism for adjusting
the angle of the vessel relative to the horizontal plane in
response to the centrifugal force generated by orbiting the vessel
about the axis of rotation. The dispenser
[0010] Another aspect of the present invention is directed to an
apparatus for dispensing liquids into a reaction vessel including a
rotor, a liquid dispenser, and a controller. The rotor is mounted
for rotation about a central axis and carries an array of reaction
vessels along a circular path. The liquid dispenser includes a
plurality of dispensing nozzles and is positioned above the rotor.
The liquid dispenser is arranged for dispensing a liquid from each
dispensing nozzle into a respective reaction vessel while the array
of reaction vessels moves along the circular path past the liquid
dispenser. The controller synchronizes the liquid dispenser and the
array of reaction vessels such that the liquid dispenser dispenses
liquid into the array of reaction vessels while the rotor is
moving.
[0011] Another aspect of the present invention is directed to an
apparatus for dispensing liquids including a plate and a plurality
of dispensing nozzles. The plate includes a first circular array of
reaction vessels and a second circular array of reaction vessels.
The first and second circular arrays are concentrically arranged
about a central axis. The plurality of dispensing nozzles is
arranged in a circular pattern above the plate. Each dispensing
nozzle is mounted for radial movement about the central axis.
[0012] Yet another aspect of the present invention is directed to
an apparatus for chemical synthesis utilizing a plate having a
plurality of reaction wells therein. The apparatus includes a plate
holder, a first reagent dispensing nozzle, an inverting mechanism,
and a second solution dispensing nozzle. The plate holder supports
the plate in a plurality of positions. The first reagent dispensing
nozzle is positioned to dispense a reagent into the plurality of
reaction wells for chemical reaction with chemical moieties within
the reaction wells when the plate holder supports the plate in an
upright position. The inverting mechanism inverts the plate holder
and moves the plate between the upright position and an inverted
position. The second solution dispensing nozzle is positioned to
dispense a solution into the reaction wells when the plate is
inverted so that at least a part of the solution can drain by
gravity from the reaction wells.
[0013] In general, it is an object of the present invention is to
provide an apparatus for reagent delivery during solid-phase
synthetic reactions while the dispensing head and rotor are moving
and aligned.
[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide an
apparatus having an improved fluid delivery system and an improved
centrifugal rotor assembly.
[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide an
apparatus for custom chemical synthesis that is easy to operate,
has low initial cost, runs on convenient and easy-to-install
consumables, and provides high-throughput combinatorial synthesis
of organic molecules.
[0016] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an
apparatus for providing continuous liquid addition with respect to
motion of the rotor and the fluid delivery system.
[0017] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the
invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the
principles of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus for
high-throughput combinatorial syntheses of organic molecules in
accordance with the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the
apparatus shown in FIG. 1 showing a rotor assembly supporting a
microtiter plate including a plurality of wells in accordance with
the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 3 is an enlarged schematic view of the microtiter plate
of FIG. 2 passing beneath nozzles of a liquid delivery system in
accordance with the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of a portion of the apparatus of
FIG. 1 having a modified liquid delivery system in accordance with
the present invention.
[0022] FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b) are a graphs illustrating dispensing
head motion along respective X- and Y-axis, of the apparatus of
FIG. 1 in accordance with the present invention.
[0023] FIGS. 6(a) and 6(b) are graphs illustrating well motion
along respective X- and Y-axis, of the apparatus of FIG. 1 in
accordance with the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 7(a) is an enlarged, detailed, and exploded view of a
nozzle and fluid connector of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 in
accordance with the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 7(b) is an enlarged, fragmented, and exploded view of a
portion of the nozzle and fluid connector of FIG. 7(a).
[0026] FIG. 8(a) is an enlarged, partial perspective view of rotor
assembly of FIG. 2.
[0027] FIG. 8(b) is a sectional view of a portion of the rotor
assembly of FIG. 2 taken along line 8(b)-8(b).
[0028] FIG. 9 is a partial top plan view of the rotor assembly of
FIG. 2 having a modified biasing mechanism in accordance with the
present invention.
[0029] FIG. 10(a) is a perspective view of a modified microtiter
plate including reaction wells similar to that shown in FIG. 2.
FIGS. 10(b), and 10(c) are perspective views of a rotor and an
individual reaction well, respectively, similar to the reaction
wells of FIG. 10(a).
[0030] FIGS. 11 (a), 11 (b), 11 (c), and 11 (d) are schematic views
of a portion of a modified apparatus including filtering means
located within modified wells in accordance with the present
invention similar to those of FIG. 2.
[0031] FIGS. 12(a) and 12(b) are schematic views of wells in
accordance with the present invention similar to those of FIG.
11.
[0032] FIG. 13 is a schematic views of a well in accordance with
the present invention similar to those of FIG. 11.
[0033] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a modified apparatus in
accordance with the present invention similar to the apparatus
shown in FIG. 1.
[0034] FIG. 15, is a perspective view of a modified rotor in
accordance with the present invention similar to the rotor of FIG.
10(b).
[0035] FIGS. 16(a) and 16(b) are top plan views of a spiral
translation mechanism of the apparatus of FIG. 14 in accordance
with the present invention.
[0036] FIGS. 17(a) and 17(b) are schematic side and top plan views,
respectively, of modified apparatus for high-throughput
combinatorial syntheses of organic molecules in accordance with the
present invention similar to the apparatus of FIG. 1.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0037] Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred
embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in
the accompanying drawings. While the invention will be described in
conjunction with the preferred embodiments, it will be understood
that they are not intended to limit the invention to those
embodiments. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover
alternatives, modifications and equivalents, which may be included
within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the
appended claims.
[0038] The present invention is directed to solid-phase,
combinatorial chemistry synthesis of organic molecules. In
particular, the apparatus of the present invention is particularly
suited for solid-phase synthesis of oligomers using a centrifuge.
Preferably, the apparatus of the present invention utilizes
solid-phase particles such as microbeads for organic synthesis of
oligomers. The apparatus of the present invention utilizes a
centrifuge with a rotor for the step-wise addition and removal of
solid and liquid phase solutions and the separation and removal of
the solid-phase particles for synthetic reactions, as is described
in U.S. Pat. No. 6,121,054 to Lebl entitled Method for Separation
of Liquid and Solid Phases for Solid Phase Organic Synthesis, the
entire contents of which is incorporated by this reference.
[0039] The oligonucleotides synthesized using the present invention
are used in one of two ways. In one embodiment, and the beads
comprising the oligonucleotides are directly dispersed on a bead
array such as is generally described in PCT/US98/21193,
PCT/US99/04473, PCT/US98/05025, PCT/US99/14387, and U.S. patent
application Ser. Nos. 09/287,573, 09/256,943, 09/316,154,
09/425,633, 09/425,633, 60/161,148 for and 60/160,917, the entire
contents of which are incorporated herein by this reference.
Alternatively, the oligonucleotides may be cleaved from the
synthesis support and added to different sets of beads for use in
the bead arrays.
[0040] By way of introduction, in a preferred embodiment of the
present invention is generally directed to the synthesis of nucleic
acids. The terms "nucleic acid" or "oligonucleotide," and other
grammatical equivalents herein, referred to at least two
nucleotides covalently linked together. A nucleic acid of the
present invention will generally contain phosphodiester bonds,
although in some cases, as outlined below, nucleic acid analogs are
included that may have alternate backbones, comprising, for
example, phosphoramide (Beaucage et al., Tetrahedron 49(10):1925
(1993) and references therein; Letsinger, J. Org. Chem. 35:3800
(1970); Sprinzl et al., Eur. J. Biochem. 81:579 (1977); Letsinger
et al., Nucl. Acids Res. 14:3487 (1986); Sawai et al, Chem. Lett.
805 (1984), Letsinger et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 110:4470 (1988);
and Pauwels et al., Chemica Scripta 26:141 91986)),
phosphorothioate (Mag et al., Nucleic Acids Res. 19:1437 (1991);
and U.S. Pat. No. 5,644,048), phosphorodithioate (Briu et al., J.
Am. Chem. Soc. 111:2321 (1989)), 0-methylphosphoroamidite linkages
(see Eckstein, Oligonucleotides and Analogues: A Practical
Approach, Oxford University Press), and peptide nucleic acid
backbones and linkages (see Egholm, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 114:1895
(1992); Meier et al., Chem. Int. Ed. Engl. 31:1008 (1992); Nielsen,
Nature, 365:566 (1993); Carlsson et al., Nature 380:207 (1996), all
of which are incorporated by reference). Other analog nucleic acids
include those with positive backbones (Denpcy et al., Proc. Natl.
Acad. Sci. USA 92:6097 (1995); non-ionic backbones (U.S. Pat. Nos.
5,386,023, 5,637,684, 5,602,240, 5,216,141 and 4,469,863;
Kiedrowshi et al., Angew. Chem. Intl. Ed. English 30:423 (1991);
Letsinger et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 110:4470 (1988); Letsinger et
al., Nucleoside & Nucleotide 13:1597 (1994); Chapters 2 and 3,
ASC Symposium Series 580, "Carbohydrate Modifications in Antisense
Research", Ed. Y. S. Sanghui and P. Dan Cook; Mesmaeker et al.,
Bioorganic & Medicinal Chem. Lett. 4:395 (1994); Jeffs et al.,
J. Biomolecular NMR 34:17 (1994); Tetrahedron Lett. 37:743 (1996))
and non-ribose backbones, including those described in U.S. Pat.
Nos. 5,235,033 and 5,034,506, and Chapters 6 and 7, ASC Symposium
Series 580, "Carbohydrate Modifications in Antisense Research", Ed.
Y. S. Sanghui and P. Dan Cook. Nucleic acids containing one or more
carbocyclic sugars are also included within the definition of
nucleic acids (see Jenkins et al., Chem. Soc. Rev. (1995)
pp169-176). Several nucleic acid analogs are described in Rawls, C
& E News Jun. 2, 1997 page 35. In addition nucleic acids
include, "locked nucleic acids" such as those described in Koshkin
et al., J. Am. chem. Soc. 120:13251-3 (1998). All of these
references are hereby expressly incorporated by reference.
[0041] The nucleic acids (sometimes referred to herein as
oligonucleotides) can be synthesized using a variety of possible
synthetic reactions. In a preferred embodiment, phosphoramidite
chemistry is used, with enzymatic techniques and techniques based
on photodeprotection useful as well. In addition, any number of
nucleic acid analogs and labeled nucleic acids can be made and
used. See for example Oligonucleotides and Analogs: A Practical
Approach, Ed. F. Eckstein, IRL Press, 1991, hereby incorporated by
reference in its entirety.
[0042] One should appreciate however that the present invention is
similarly applicable to other chemical protocols having similar
functional steps. For example, components of the present invention
can be applied to appropriate liquid-phase, combinatorial chemistry
synthesis protocols, to other solid- or liquid-phase chemical
protocols, or to any combination thereof.
[0043] "Protein" as used herein includes proteins, polypeptides,
and peptides. The protein may be made up of naturally occurring
amino acids and peptide bonds, or synthetic peptidomimetic
structures. The side chains may be in either the (R) or the (S)
configuration. In a preferred embodiment, the amino acids are in
the (S) or L-configuration. If non-naturally occurring side chains
are used, non-amino acid substituents may be used, for example to
prevent or retarded in vivo degradations. Proteins can be
synthesized using the methods and apparatus of the present
invention using standard techniques.
[0044] One aspect of the present invention is directed to the use
of plates, such as microtiter plates, which support and contain the
solid-phase for solid-phase synthetic reactions. In particular, the
microtiter plates house beads that are used as the solid-phase. By
"particle" or "microparticle" or "nanoparticle" or "bead" or
"microbead" or "microsphere" herein is meant microparticulate
matter. As will be appreciated by those in the art, the particles
can comprise a wide variety of materials depending on their use,
including, but not limited to, cross-linked starch, dextrans,
cellulose, proteins, organic polymers including styrene polymers
including polystyrene and methylstyrene as well as other styrene
co-polymers, plastics, glass, ceramics, acrylic polymers,
magnetically responsive materials, colloids, thoriasol, carbon
graphite, titanium dioxide, nylon, latex, and TEFLON.RTM. may all
be used. "Microsphere Detection Guide" from Bangs Laboratories,
Fishers, Ind., is a helpful guide.
[0045] By way of introduction, combinatorial chemistry synthesis
protocols prescribe the sequential addition of building blocks to
intermediate, partially synthesized, compounds in order to
synthesize a final compound. These protocols are, generally,
divided into liquid-phase protocols and solid-phase protocols. In
liquid-phase protocols, final compounds are synthesized in
solution. Partially synthesized, intermediate compounds are
separated from spent reagents between building block addition steps
by known means, such as precipitation, fractionation, and so forth.
In solid-phase synthesis, final compounds are synthesized attached
to solid-phase supports that permit the use of simple mechanical
means to separate partially-synthesized intermediate compounds
between synthetic steps. Typical solid-phase supports include
microbeads having diameters from approximately 30 microns to 300
microns to which intermediate compounds covalently attach.
[0046] Solid-phase combinatorial synthesis typically proceeds
according to the following steps. In a first step, reaction vessels
are charged with a solid-phase support, typically a slurry of
microbeads suspended in a solvent. These microbeads are then
preconditioned by incubating them in an appropriate solvent, and
the first of the plurality of building blocks or a linker moiety is
covalently linked to the microbeads. Subsequently, a plurality of
building block addition steps are performed, all of which involve
repetitive execution of the following or similar sub-steps, and in
a sequence chosen to synthesize a desired compound. First, a
sufficient quantity of a solution, which contains the building
block moiety selected for addition, is dispensed into the reaction
vessels so that the building block moiety is present in a molar
excess to the intermediate compound present in the reaction vessel.
A sub-step reaction is triggered and promoted by activating
reagents and other reagents and solvents, which are also added to
the reaction vessel. The reaction vessel is then incubated at a
controlled temperature for a time, typically between 5 minutes and
24 hours, sufficient for the building block addition reaction to go
to substantial completion. Optionally, during this incubation, the
reaction vessels can be intermittently agitated or stirred.
Finally, in a last sub-step of building block addition, the
reaction vessel containing the solid-phase support with attached
intermediate compound is prepared for addition of the next building
block by removing the spent reaction fluid and thoroughly washing
and reconditioning the solid-phase support. Washing typically
involves three to seven cycles of adding and removing a wash
solvent. Optionally, during the addition steps, multiple building
blocks can be added to one reaction vessel in order to synthesize
multiple compounds attached to one solid-phase support, or
alternatively, the contents of separate reaction vessels can be
combined and partitioned in order that multiple compounds can be
synthesized in one reaction vessel with each microbead having only
one attached final compound (this is sometimes referred to as a
"split and mix" synthesis). After the desired number of building
block addition steps, the final compound is present in the reaction
vessel and attached to the solid-phase support. The final compounds
can be utilized either directly attached to their synthetic
solid-phase supports, or alternatively, can be cleaved from their
supports. In the latter case, the linker moiety attaching the
compound to the solid-phase support is cleaved in a variety of
ways, and the final compound, or library of compounds is extracted
from the reaction vessel into a liquid phase.
[0047] An exemplary solid-phase combinatorial protocol is that for
the synthesis of peptides attached to MBHA resin, which proceeds
according to Lam et al., 1991, "A new type of synthetic peptide
library for identifying ligand-binding activity," Nature 354:
82-84. Another exemplary protocol is that for the synthesis of
benzodiazepine moieties, which proceeds according to Bunin et al.,
1992, "A general and expedient method for the solid-phase synthesis
of 1,4-benzodiazepine derivatives," J. Amer. Chem. Soc., 114:
10997-10998. Exemplary building blocks and reagents are nucleic
acids, amino acids, other organic acids, aldehydes, alcohols, and
so forth, as well as bifunctional compounds, such as those given in
Krchnak et al., 1996, "Synthetic library techniques: Subjective
(biased and generic) thoughts and views," Molecular Diversity, 1:
193-216.
[0048] In view of the large potential numbers of final compounds in
combinatorial libraries, it is advantageous that at least some
manipulations needed by the synthetic protocols be assisted or
performed automatically. In view of the exemplary protocol
described, an automated apparatus for combinatorial chemistry
synthesis advantageously includes facilities for handling fluids,
for manipulating reaction vessels, and for storage of reagents and
building blocks. Advantageous facilities for fluid handling
include: facilities to accurately dispense solutions and slurries
which contain building blocks, solid-phase substrates, reagents,
and/or solvents into the reaction vessels; facilities to rapidly
and repetitively add wash solvents into the reaction vessels; and
facilities to rapidly and accurately remove fluid phases from the
reaction vessels leaving behind the solid-phase supports within the
reaction vessels with respective attached intermediate compounds.
Facilities for manipulating reaction vessels and reaction vessel
arrays include: facilities to move reaction vessels and reaction
vessel arrays between various stations; facilities for time and
temperature controlled incubation of reaction vessels and reaction
vessel arrays; and optionally facilities for agitation of reaction
vessels during incubation. Each such protocol typically uses many
building blocks, perhaps hundreds, a several activating and other
reagents, and one or two work solvents. Accordingly, there are
storage facilities for: a large number of building blocks
solutions, typically 300 or more building blocks solutions or more
preferably as many as 600 or more building blocks solutions stored,
for example, in arrays; preferably 6 or more preferably 12 or more
reagents in larger quantities than for building block solutions;
and preferably 3 or more preferably 6 or more of even larger
quantities of wash solvents.
[0049] The apparatus of the present invention advantageously
permits simultaneous, parallel processing to occur during
solid-phase synthesis in order to achieve high synthesis
throughput. This is achieved because the design of the apparatus
includes a few standardized physical sizes and layouts having a
modular nature. Thereby, processing resources can be simultaneously
applied to multiple protocols in many reaction vessels which can be
sized to achieve high throughput.
[0050] Preferred materials for all elements of the present
invention in contact with the synthetic addition reactions, in
particular the reaction vessels, must resist the harsh reagents,
solvents, and reaction conditions likely to be encountered in the
various protocols. In the following detailed description, when
solvent resistance is specified and particular materials are not
specified, the following exemplary general purpose solvent
resistant materials can be used: TEFLON.RTM., plastics including
polypropylene, or glass, among others.
[0051] Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates one
embodiment of an apparatus 40 according to the present invention
that is advantageous for high throughput, multi-protocol
combinatorial syntheses. Apparatus 40 is adapted for synthesizing
oligomers in each of a plurality of reaction vessels 41 (FIG. 2)
which are disposed in arrays, such as the rectangular array of
reaction vessels or wells 41 disposed in microtiter plate 42 (FIG.
2). Apparatus 40 generally includes a support enclosure 45, a rotor
assembly 46 (FIG. 2) for supporting one or more microtiter plates
42, an enclosed support surface 49, and a liquid delivery system
50. Support enclosure 45 provides mechanical support for rotor
assembly 46, support surface 49 and liquid delivery system 50. The
support enclosure 45 illustrated in FIG. 1 is approximately
28''.times.30''.times.72'' (71 cm.times.76 cm.times.183 cm. One
should appreciate that the dimensions may vary in order to provide
a width, depth and height sufficient support a sufficient number of
work stations, tools, and reaction vessel arrays to achieve the
desired level of synthetic throughput.
[0052] Rotor assembly 46 is rotatably supported by support
enclosure 45 below support surface 49 and rotates about a
centrifugal axis 51 which extends substantially orthogonal to
support surface 49. Liquid delivery system 50 includes a reagent
delivery station or reagent dispenser 52 and a bulk liquid delivery
system or bulk dispenser 53 supported on support surface 49.
Reagent dispenser 52 is a multi-channel dispenser that is capable
of simultaneously delivering a plurality of different liquids to
corresponding different sets of wells 41 of microtiter plate 42.
Reagent dispenser 52 is also capable of sequentially delivering a
plurality of different liquids to wells 41 of microtiter plate 42.
Reagent dispenser 52 is fluidly connected to tubing 55 which, in
turn, is connected to storage bottles 56. Tubing 55 and storage
bottles 56 are pressurized in order to deliver liquids to reagent
dispenser 52 at a controlled pressure. Alternatively, one or more
suitable pumps can be connected to the tubing in order to deliver
desired liquids from one or more of the bottles to the reagent
dispenser at a controlled pressure. In contrast, bulk dispenser 53
is provided to dispense wash-solvent into the entire array of wells
41 of microtiter plate 42 at one time and may be utilized to
implement a plurality of washing steps. Bulk dispenser 53 is
similarly connected to tubing 58 which, in turn, is connected to a
suitable storage bottle and/or pump located below support surface
49. Although the illustrated embodiment shows the storage bottles
located within support enclosure 45, one should appreciate that the
position of the storage bottles and/or pumps may vary. For example,
the bottles and/or pumps may be located external to support
enclosure 45.
[0053] Dispensers 52 and 53, as well as other components needing
more frequent attention by an operator, are preferably disposed
above support surface 49, while facilities needing less frequent
attention, such as rotor assembly 46, a bulk liquid pump and other
components requiring less maintenance, are preferably disposed
below support surface 49. The present invention is adaptable to
other distribution of processing equipment above and below the
support surface. Alternatively, one liquid handling work station
can be adapted to both dispense and aspirate work solvents. For
example, a bulk liquid dispenser can be configured for operation in
a dispensing mode and in a suction or aspiration mode.
[0054] The apparatus shown in FIG. 1 includes a sub-enclosure 54
supporting a drum 142. Rotor assembly 45 is contained within drum
142. Drum 142 is adapted for retaining an inert atmosphere within a
portion of support enclosure 45 thus maintaining an inert
atmosphere in which synthesis takes place. Sub-enclosure 54 is
preferably ventilated to contain vapors that escape from drum 142,
The vapors are ventilated out from sub-enclosure 54 via an exhaust
duct. Sub-enclosure 54 is generally of a rectangular or cubical
shape and preferably includes glass or plastic surfaces which are
resistant to the harsh reagents and solvents used during synthesis
procedures. Preferably, sub-enclosure 54 includes a slidable access
panel 57 which allows an operator ready access to plate 42 and the
various components located above support surface 49. Sub-enclosure
54 contains liquid dispensers 52 and 53 as well as other work
stations that must be manipulated within a controlled environment.
The sub-enclosure is charged with a heavier than air inert gas,
such as argon and/or other inert gases in order to maintain
unsealed reaction vessels or open wells 41 in an inert
atmosphere.
[0055] Turning now to the liquid delivery system, conventional
synthesizers dispense liquid into individual wells of a microtiter
plate utilizing a two axis X-, Y positioning system for aligning
liquid delivery nozzles with respective wells while a centrifuge is
at rest. These systems do find use in some embodiments of the
present invention. However, for high-throughput systems, this
approach is relatively slow because the rotor assembly or
centrifuge must be stopped before liquid delivery can proceed, thus
disadvantageously increasing cycle time and reducing
throughput.
[0056] Accordingly, in a preferred embodiment, reagent delivery
dispenser 52 of the present invention is capable of addressing each
well 41 individually while microtiter plate 42 is moving while
rotor assembly 46 is spinning about centrifugal axis of rotation
51. This is possible, in part, because a reagent dispenser head 60
of reagent dispenser 52 is mounted in a reagent dispenser
translation frame 62 in order to move with respect to support
surface 49. Translation frame 62 is configured to move reagent
dispenser head 60 along three substantially orthogonal axes with
respect to the support surface 49. In particular, X-, Y-, and
Z-linear actuators move dispenser head 60 along respective X-, Y-,
and Z-axes thereby allowing reagent dispenser 52 to address each
well 41 individually by synchronizing the motion of dispenser head
60 with the speed of rotor assembly 46 during centrifugation.
Reagent dispenser 52 may be further synchronized to address each
well 41 individually by synchronizing the rate of and duration of
liquid delivery with the speed of rotor assembly 46. A reagent
dispenser with such a configuration generally requires fewer parts
than prior devices because the design of the present invention
takes advantage of the motion of the microtiter plates and the
centrifuge along a fixed path. The X-, Y-, and Z-linear actuators
are synchronized to follow the fixed arcuate path of microtiter
plate 42 as it spins with rotor assembly 46. One should appreciate
that a fourth axis, a 0 axis, must be included in the event that
reagent dispenser 52 is configured to simultaneously address two or
more wells 41 in microtiter plate 42 while rotor assembly 46 is in
motion.
[0057] In particular, wells 41 are filled as they pass beneath a
respective nozzle 65', 65'' (shown schematically in FIG. 3) of the
reagent delivery head which is activated so that liquid delivery is
synchronized with microtiter plate 42 movement along the fixed
circular path of rotor assembly 46. Accordingly, reagents can be
delivered to individual wells 41 as needed without bringing rotor
assembly 46 and microtiter plate 42 to a complete halt. Similarly,
the need to move delivery nozzles 65 can be minimized or
eliminated. Multiple reagents can be dispensed simply by adding
additional nozzles in series. For example, a two channel delivery
configuration is shown schematically in FIG. 3 in which one nozzle
65' may fill one set of wells of a microtiter plate with a first
reagent R1 and a second nozzle 65'' may fill another set of wells
with a second reagent R2 while microtiter plate 42 remains in
motion, as indicated by arrow A.
[0058] Preferably, each column of wells is addressed in parallel.
For example, to address an 8.times.12 well microtiter plate, a set
of 8 nozzles, in a manner analogous to an ink-jet print head, can
be used to address all 8 wells of a column within a microtiter
plate in parallel, that is simultaneously. Delivery would be made
to each well in a column as needed. Sets of nozzles positioned in
series allow the simultaneous delivery of multiple reagents, as
shown in FIG. 3. Alternatively, single nozzles can be used.
[0059] Such a configuration is conducive to multiple channel
delivery of reagents to a microtiter plate having either 96 wells,
384 wells, or more wells arranged in an array on a microtiter
plate. In the illustrated embodiment, reagent dispenser head 60
includes an array of forty nozzles arranged on five cartridges 66
(FIG. 1), wherein each cartridge 66 includes eight downwardly
directed nozzles (not shown in FIG. 1) arranged in a linear
fashion. Such a multiple channel delivery allows the simultaneous
delivery of five different reagents, for example A, C, G, and T
bases and an activator into respective wells 41 in a similar manner
that is illustrated in FIG. 3. Each nozzle is provided with an
electric solenoid valve which is capable of liquid delivery in
durations of less than one to two milliseconds.
[0060] As noted above, conventional synthesizers dispense liquid
into individual wells of a microtiter plate utilizing a two axis
XY-positioning system for aligning liquid delivery nozzles with
respective wells while a centrifuge is at rest. For example,
current methods for dispensing liquids into microtiter plates via
automation or robotics generally utilize motion systems acting
orthogonally with respect to the orientation of wells within the
microtiter plate. The X- and Y-axes of a conventional liquid
handling robot correspond to the rows and columns of wells within a
microtiter plate. Generally a conventional XY-motion system (or an
XYZ-motion system in the case that a vertical axis is required for
the aspiration of liquids from a microtiter plate) will manipulate
a liquid handling head over a deck composed of an array of
microtiter plates. The liquid handling head is typically composed
of a linear array of nozzles, connected by tubing to syringe pumps
or pressure backed bottles to allow for the accurate and precise
transport of liquid either from a source microtiter plate to a
destination microtiter plate or the accurate and precise dispensing
from bulk sources into microtiter plates.
[0061] Other types of conventional liquid handling devices may not
be arranged orthogonally in a convenient manner for liquid
handling, depending upon physical geometry dictated by other
requirements and designs. One example of this is liquid delivery to
a radial arrangement of microtiter plates, as in a microtiter
centrifuge. In this arrangement, microtiter plates are located
within a circular rotor such that the each long side of a
microtiter plate is normal to radial lines at regular intervals, at
a distance from the center sufficient to accommodate the number of
plates desired within the rotor. The circular rotor is driven by a
stepper motor, capable of acceleration, velocity and positional
accuracy performance desired for centrifuge operations. Within this
arrangement, conventional orthogonal access must be made by halting
the circular rotor such that a conventional XY-driven dispenser
array may access all the wells within the microtiter plate only
while the rotor is halted, that is while the rotor is at rest. For
accessing a 96 well microtiter plate, consisting of an 8.times.12
array of wells, only a conventional X-positioning actuator would be
required. For a 384 well microtiter plate, consisting of a
16.times.24 array of wells, a conventional X-axis positioning
device with a discreet two position Y-actuator is sufficient. For
densities beyond 384 wells, a Y-position actuator of greater
resolution such as a linear ball screw is desirable. This
conventional arrangement is satisfactory for accessing the
microtiter plates in a static condition, that is when the rotor is
at rest. However, the microtiter plate must be immobile while the
liquid delivery head is maneuvered over the plate along the X-axis
of conventional devices.
[0062] The apparatus of the present invention precisely controls
dispensing valves within reagent dispenser 52 to allow dispensation
of liquids in to wells 41 without stopping dispenser head 60. This
is accommodated by utilizing a real-time control architecture of
the dispensing valves, that is by providing both accurate and
precise control of the solenoid valve of each nozzle 65 to valve
states, that is initiating a change in state, to within 10-15
milliseconds. This allows the dispensing head to continue moving at
a constant rate while the dispensing valves are actuated on demand
as they pass over individual wells.
[0063] In another embodiment of the present invention, the
apparatus is capable of dispensing liquid into the wells of the
microtiter plate without the need to halt either the rotor or the
reagent dispenser head 60. Rotor assembly 46 of the present
invention is driven by a compact, powerful stepper motor with high
resolution (+/-4000 quadrature counts/revolution). The motor is
capable of high acceleration and deceleration rates, velocities up
to 4000 RPM, and positioning resolution of +/-0.2 degrees. Active
braking of the rotor assembly can also be utilized to further
assist in decelerating the rotor assembly. The motor is controlled
by a real time, (determinately behaving) controller. In one
embodiment of the present invention, active breaking during the
centrifugation process can be done.
[0064] With reference to FIG. 4, reagent dispenser head 60 is
mounted in a positioning mechanism 67 instead of an XYZ-translation
frame. Positioning mechanism 67 links a small head positioning
motor (a stepper motor similar in form to the rotor motor) via a
pivot to a pivot linkage and a suitable bearing mechanism. This
positioning motor, through less than 180 degrees of rotation,
maneuvers reagent dispenser head 60 such that its array of nozzles
(shown schematically as nozzles 65.sup.A1, 65.sup.C1, and etc., in
FIG. 4) match orthogonally to the array of wells 41.sup.A1,
41.sup.B1, etc., within microtiter plate 42 as both dispenser head
60 and plate 42 are in constant synchronized motion. A motor shaft
70 is connected to a circular arm 69 that an effective length Ld
which measures approximately 5 mm from the center of motor shaft 70
to the center point of a pivot 71 on its opposite end. The motion
of this pivot point (Xd, Yd) is described by the formulas:
Xd=COS (.theta.)*Ld
Yd=SIN (.theta.)Ld
where .theta. is the motor angle and Ld is the length of the arm,
as is indicated in FIG. 4.
[0065] Pivot point 71 is connected to a linear bearing via a
linkage arm 74 that translates the rotational motion of the motor
and arm into a linear motion, along the Y-axis, as indicated by
arrow Y in FIG. 4, and in line between the central axis of the
rotor and dispenser motor's axis of rotation about motor shaft 70.
The location of this linkage pivot point (XI, YI) is determined as
follows:
XI=0
YI=SQRT((Lb+Xd)*(Lb-Xd))
wherein the X component is constrained to 0; SQRT is to take the
square root of ( ); and Lb is the length of the bearing linkage
arm.
[0066] Given that correct values are established for the lengths of
the various linkage components and the locations for centers of
rotation of the head positioning mechanism motor and the rotor
assembly, the criteria for establishing alignment between the
dispenser nozzle arrays and microtiter wells is aligning the angle
of rotation of the rotor to the angle of the linkage arm. This is
determined by:
.theta.L=ASIN (Xd/Lb)*(180/.pi.)
.theta.R=Given by motor commanded position
Wherein .theta.L is the linkage arm angle in degrees, relative to
the linear bearing pivot point; .pi. is the value 3.14159. The
location of the A1 nozzle position relative to the bearing pivot
point is determined by:
Xn=Nv*Xd/Lb
Yn=YI+(Nv* COS (ASIN(Xd/Lb))
wherein: Xn is the A1 X-axis nozzle location relative to the
bearing pivot; Yn is the A1 Y-axis nozzle location relative to the
bearing pivot; Nv is the distance between the A1 axis nozzle
location and the bearing pivot point (the hypotenuse of the
triangle formed by Xn and Yn).
[0067] The location of well A1 in a microtiter plate within the
rotor, in the coordinate system of the dispenser head is determined
by:
Xr=SIN (.theta.L*.pi./180)*Rv
Yr=ABS(Ya-(COS (.theta.L*.pi./180)*Ya))+Ya
wherein: Xr is the A1 X-axis position relative to the origin at the
dispenser drive motor center of rotation; Yr is the A1 Y-axis
position relative to the origin at the dispenser drive motor center
of rotation; Ya is the measured distance from the rotor center to
the center of well Al along the Y-axis; Rv is the distance between
the rotor center point and the A1 well position (The hypotenuse
formed by Xr and Yr); and ABS( ) is to take the absolute
(non-negative) value of the number evaluated.
[0068] Evaluation of the preceding formulas as a system with
variable data provided that reflects the dimensions associated with
accommodating eight 384 well microtiter plates (128 mm.times.84 mm)
within a rotor of 560 mm diameter yields the motion profiles
illustrated in FIG. 5. The motion of well A1 in a 384 well
microtiter plate is illustrated in FIG. 6.
[0069] In liquid delivery operation, the start point is properly
synchronized, as accomplished by using feedback control of plate
registration using a laser or other suitable means. For example, in
one embodiment of the present invention, an edge detecting diode
laser sensor tied to a high speed interrupt input in the motor
controller, and the relative velocities of the motors are matched.
With reference to FIG. 4, because a continuous path system is
established, the reagent dispenser head 60 may traverse over
microtiter plate 42, with both components in constant motion, such
that accurate alignment between the nozzle array and array of
microtiter plate wells will exist at nearly regular intervals.
During these intervals any one of the dispensing valves, when
called upon programmatically from the real time controller, can
open and dispense liquid into a corresponding well, and close
before the nozzle and the well travel out of alignment. Once a pass
over a plate has been made, the head can move back to its start
position with a rotation of less than 180 degrees while the rotor
continues in the same direction bringing the next microtiter plate
toward the position where dispensation can begin for the next
microtiter plate. In the case of microtiter plate densities greater
than 96 wells, successive passes of the rotor may be made, shifting
the dispenser in the Y-axis before the beginning of each pass.
[0070] Advantageously, such a configuration utilizing positioning
mechanism 67 increases the efficiency and throughput of a
microtiter plate based centrifuge synthesis system and provides for
an efficient dispensing configuration on a liquid handling system
that utilizes radial geometry for organizing and moving microtiter
plates. This embodiment of the present invention provides for a
means of continuous liquid addition with respect to synchronized
motion of the rotor and dispenser. This embodiment provides for
complete orthogonal access to microtiter plates of a rotor assembly
utilizing only two drive motors and without motion control
algorithms that would be associated with an XYZ.theta. system.
[0071] Although only one reagent dispenser head 60 is illustrated
in FIG. 1, apparatus 40 may be provided with multiple reagent
dispenser heads. For example, a second reagent dispenser head may
be provided diametrically opposed to bulk fluid dispenser 52, that
is to the right side of support surface 49 as viewed in FIG. 1. One
should appreciate that the apparatus may include one, two, three or
more reagent dispenser heads and still fall within the scope of the
present invention.
[0072] Additionally, a supplemental reagent dispenser head may be
provided to serve as a spare. For example, if one nozzle or one
cartridge of reagent dispenser head 60 is malfunctioning, an
operator may remove it from translation frame 62 and move it to a
maintenance station 80 (FIG. 1). Maintenance station 80 is located
above support surface 49 and remote from the other major components
of apparatus 40, namely the rotor assembly and the bulk fluid
dispenser. The operator may then disconnect the fluid lines and
reconnect the lines to the supplemental regent dispenser head and,
in turn, install the supplemental head on translation frame 62.
Accordingly, the apparatus can continue to operate while the
malfunctioning dispenser head is serviced, reconditioned, or
replaced.
[0073] The reagent dispenser head may take a variety of alternative
forms and fall within the scope of the present invention. A variety
of delivery techniques for the delivery of reagents to the
microtiter plate wells may be used, including inkjet and piezo
techniques. For example, the reagent dispenser head of the present
invention may include self-contained cartridges. Typically,
solutions such as A, C, G, and T bases and activators are prepared
in large volumes kept in large containers. This is because the
solution must be made fresh and cannot be stored longer than a
couple of days. Typically, each solution is prepared with
crystalline materials and liquid materials separated from one
another. A cartridge in accordance with the present invention
similarly includes crystalline and liquid materials separated by
suitable means such as a membrane. The cartridge membrane is
pierced by suitable means and the materials mix together to form
the solution.
[0074] The regent dispenser head and nozzles may include various
types of fluid connections. Conventional tubing types are
relatively soft and compliant and are not well-suited for harsh
organic solvents. In contrast, tubing that is made to withstand
harsh organic solvents is generally not soft and compliant, but is
rather stiff in nature being more like a plastic than a rubber
product. Typically, a small barbed fluid fitting is used in
conjunction with a relatively soft and flexible tubing. The tubing
generally slips over a barbed end and stretches to create a seal at
the edge of barb, provided that the tubing is sized correctly to
the barbed fitting.
[0075] In a preferred embodiment, a barbed fitting 90 (FIGS. 7(a)
and 7(b)) of the present invention has a fluid interface that is
not dependent upon conventional soft tubing. Instead, a
"quick-connect" barbed fitting utilizes a spring loaded collar
force to provide a compression fit around the end of the fitting.
See FIG. 7(a). In particular, the fluid delivery system of the
present invention utilizes a TEFLON.RTM. fitting or port 91
designed to accept a barbed end 92 of fitting 90 for a certain
distance, but not the complete length of barbed end 92. The port 91
is designed with a chamfer 94 (FIG. 7(b)) to help guide and center
port 91 on a cone shaped barb 95 on barbed end 92. Barbed end 92 is
held in place by a spring 96 that applies a constant pressure to
nozzle 65 and barbed end 92 biasing it into TEFLON.RTM. port 91
when nozzle 65 is inserted into cartridge 66 (FIG. 1) This
configuration provides a constant pressure which maintains barbed
end 92 within port 91 because the constant pressure is greater than
any internal fluid pressure that will be generated within the
reagent delivery system, which is generally less than 10 psi and
preferably approximately 3 psi. Because the TEFLON.RTM. has a low
hardness, TEFLON.RTM. port 91 deforms slightly and conforms to the
shape and angle of barbed end 92. Over time the TEFLON.RTM. will
creep slightly and, because the spring is applying constant
pressure, will maintain and even improve the seal of barbed fitting
90. Advantageously, this configuration offers greater ease of
assembly and disassembly. An operator merely needs to compress
spring 96 and pull barbed end 92 out of TEFLON.RTM. port 92 to
disconnect the fitting removing guide members 97 from alignment
holes in cartridge 66 (FIG. 1) and remove nozzle 65 from the
cartridge. To replace nozzle 65, an operator merely needs to insert
nozzle end 98 into a corresponding nozzle aperture in cartridge 66,
compress spring 96, and then align guide members 97 with
corresponding alignment holes in cartridge 66.
[0076] The barbed fitting of the present invention is purely suited
for connecting a barbed type tube coupler to a manifold or other
fluid handling device without using flexible tubing. Such a
configuration also promotes simplified manifold design suitable for
micro-fluid applications that require valves having a barbed
fitting. Furthermore, such as configuration allows barbed fittings
to be used in applications which utilize harsh solvents.
[0077] Turning now to centrifugation and liquid removal, a rotor
assembly typically is activated to centrifugate microtiter plates
in a fixed angle with respect to the rotor and with respect to
vertical. Precise separations may be achieved by controlling the
amounts of liquids, the angle of the microtiter plate, the speed,
and the duration of rotation. Previous centrifugal synthesizers
utilized rotor that held microtiter plates at a fixed angle, as is
described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,045,755 to Lebl et al., the entire
contents of which is incorporated by this reference. In contrast,
rotor assembly 46 of the present invention dynamically alters the
angle of microtiter plate 42 during centrifugation. Rotor assembly
46 allows the angle of microtiter plate 42 to dynamically adjust
between different synthesis processes but maintains microtiter
plate 42 at a fixed, substantially horizontal position with respect
to rotor assembly 46 as fluids are dispensed into wells 41 of
microtiter plates during process cycles.
[0078] In one embodiment of the present invention, rotor assembly
46 includes a rotor 47 and a plate holder 101 (FIG. 2). Preferably
rotor 47 is formed of a composite material, for example carbon
fiber. Carbon fiber rotor 47 in accordance with the present
invention is advantageous in that it is light weight, easy to
balance and requires little maintenance. Such a carbon fiber rotor
will not warp and thus will minimize the need for periodic
balancing thereof. One should appreciate that the rotor can be made
of other suitable materials such as metal and plastic.
[0079] Plate holder 101 (FIG. 2) is configured to dynamically alter
the relative angle of microtiter plate 42 with respect to rotor 47.
In particular, with reference to FIGS. 8(a) and 8(b), plate holder
101 is pivotally mounted on rotor assembly 46 by a pivotal support
102 located at an outer end 103 of the plate holder remote to the
centrifugal axis of rotor assembly 46. Microtiter plate 42 is
selectively engaged with plate holder 101 by a spring-biased latch
mechanism 104.
[0080] A biasing mechanism 105 supports an inner end 106 of the
plate holder with respect to rotor 47 intermediate pivotal support
102 and the centrifugal axis of the rotor assembly. Biasing member
105 includes a biasing spring 107 and an adjustable stop member
108. Biasing spring 107 biases plate holder 101 and microtiter
plate 42 in a horizontal position against rotor 47 while the rotor
assembly is stationary or moving slowly. Accordingly, microtiter
plate 42 is in a horizontal position when reagent dispenser 52 is
addressing the array of wells 41 on microtiter plate 42. Stop
member 108 is adjustable such that the predetermined desired angle
of tilt can be adjusted as necessary. In the embodiment shown in
FIG. 8(b), inner end 106 serves as a hard stop against rotor 47.
One should appreciate that an adjustable hard stop can be provided
in order to provide means for finely adjusting the horizontal
position of plate holder 101. Similarly, biasing mechanism 105
biases plate holder 101 against rotor assembly 46 into the
horizontal position as rotor 47 decelerates.
[0081] When rotor assembly 46 is activated and begins to rotate,
microtiter plates 42 increasingly tilt against the biasing force of
spring 107 as centrifugal forces increase until plate holder 101
and microtiter plate 42 reach a desired predetermined angle. To
accomplish this, the effect of increasing centrifugal force is
utilized to move plate holder 101 and microtiter plate 42 to the
desired angle. Specifically, a counter weight 109 is provided on
outer end 103 at a location below pivotal support 102. As
centrifugal forces on counter weight 109 increase and overcome the
biasing force of spring 107, plate holder 101 and microtiter plate
42 tend to rotate about pivotal support 102 as shown in FIG. 8(b).
In particular, as rotor 47 accelerates during centrifugation the
centrifugal forces acting upon the combined centers of gravity of
plate holder 101 and microtiter plate 40 overcome the force of
gravity and the force of in the biasing mechanism 105.
[0082] One should appreciate that other suitable biasing mechanisms
may be used for biasing plate holder 101 to horizontal position.
For example, coil springs, torsion springs, leaf springs, and even
gravity may be used for biasing plate holder 101 against rotor 47.
An alternative biasing mechanism 111 is shown in FIG. 9 and is
located on a central portion of rotor 47 adjacent the centrifugal
axis. Biasing mechanism includes a biasing arm 112 connected to
plate holder 101 by tension cable 113. Biasing arm 112 is biased
toward a neutral position by torsion spring 114. As centrifugal
forces increase, plate holder 101 begins to tilt and pulls on cable
113 and against the torsion force of torsion spring 112 thus moving
arm 112 toward an adjustable stop bracket 115. Stop bracket 115 is
easily adjusted by loosening a locking screw 116 and rotating stop
bracket to a desired position which in turn adjusts the
predetermined desired angle of plate holder 101 and microtiter
plate 42.
[0083] Advantageously, the biasing mechanism of present invention
provides a simple means which allows the delivery of liquid to
microtiter plates within the rotor to take place with the
microtiter plate in a horizontal position. This feature becomes
increasingly important as well densities increase; that is, as the
number of wells on a microtiter plate increase. This feature also
become increasingly important as the diameter of the wells decrease
and when liquid delivery takes place while either the microtiter
plate or the reagent dispenser head is in motion. Since the plate
is horizontal and thus normal to the array of nozzles during liquid
delivery maximum target area of the wells is presented to the
dispenser array. Advantageously, the biasing mechanism of the
present invention also allows facile adjustment of the microtiter
plate angle for dispensing cycles. The biasing mechanism allows
easy access to the spring tension mechanism without removing the
rotor from the apparatus.
[0084] In another embodiment of the present invention, the reaction
vessel or well is formed of a porous polymeric material. It is
commonly known that filtration may be used to separate liquids from
a wetted substrate. Commonly, filtration is typically accomplished
by centrifugation of the liquid through a discrete filter mesh or
frit which is located at the bottom of a well or column in which
oligonucleotide synthesis takes place. In one embodiment shown in
FIG. 10(a), microtiter plate 121 and the array of wells 122 therein
are formed of a porous polymeric material. Examples of suitable
materials are TEFLON.RTM., polyethylene, polypropylene and
KYNAR.RTM.. Such porous polymeric materials are typically available
in sheets, rods, tubes, and molded shapes. Such materials can be
machined while maintaining its porous quality as long as the
surface temperature of the material during machining does not reach
the melting point of the material. One should appreciate that the
shape of wells 122 may vary depending on the particular application
and/or desired fluid dynamics. For example, the depth and diameter
of the porous well may be U-shaped, V-shaped, or flat bottomed.
Furthermore, the side wall of the well may be cylindrical,
conically shaped, flat, tapered inwardly or outwardly, or have any
other desired geometry. One should also appreciate that the shape
of the microtiter plate itself may also vary. For example, instead
of having a planar rectangular shape, the plate may include a
planar surface having an arcuate shape, a triangular shape, or any
other geometric shape as viewed from above depending upon the
design of the rotor assembly.
[0085] Porosity of the material typically depends on the specific
material and can be as low as 7 .mu.m. Any such material can be
used as long as the porosity is less than the maximum physical
dimension of a substrate. For example, any material can be used for
organic synthesis of oligomers as long as the porosity is less than
the dimension of solid-phase particles such as a microbeads used in
the synthesis. Alternatively, in the event that a discrete
solid-phase particle is not used and the microtiter plate itself is
used as the substrate, any porous polymeric material can be used as
long as the porosity supports the liquid under the normal force of
gravity but does not support the liquid under the higher forces of
centrifugation.
[0086] One should appreciate that oligonucleotides can be
synthesized not only in a microtiter plate having an array of
wells, but may be synthesized in a porous rotor 123 (FIG. 10(b))
having a circumferential array of integral porous wells 124, or in
a porous individual well 125 (FIG. 10(c)). The porous wells of the
present invention beneficially reduces the complexity of
filtration-based oligonucleotide synthesizers and provide an
inherently simple tool for high-throughput synthesis of
oligonucleotide. Not only do porous wells reduce the number of
components of the rotor assembly, they also simplify maintenance of
the rotor assemblies. Furthermore, porous wells in accordance with
the present invention reduce rotor inertia intricacies of
centrifugal synthesizers and therefore reduce cycle time. The
porous wells of the present invention also increase the efficiency
of "spill-over" based central synthesizers by decreasing the drying
time required between sequential substrate exposures. Porous
polymeric wells can also be reused for multiple synthesis in which
radiation, thermal, chemical or other purification techniques are
used to cleanse the wells. For example, the wells can be chemically
purified by using a muriatic acid and water solution.
[0087] The porous wells in accordance with the present invention
are particularly suited for reducing the complexity of
filtration-based oligonucleotide synthesizers. The porous wells
provide a simple means of simultaneous filtering of numerous wells,
which promotes simplicity, efficiency, and high-throughput. Porous
wells can also be used for proficient chemical labeling and/or
modifying of oligonucleotide.
[0088] Alternatively, filtration, as well as reagent delivery, can
be accomplished through frits on top of the microtiter well using
centrifugation. In one embodiment of the present invention, a mesh
126 (FIG. 11(a)) is used to retain microbeads 127 in the wells.
Mesh 126 or frit material can be placed over well 41 during
centrifugation. Alternatively, mesh 126 can be used as the base of
each well, as noted above. In either case, the use of mesh 126
during centrifugation retains beads 127 in the well, and therefore
obviates the need for tilting the wells and/or microtiter plate at
a critical angle of centrifugation because mesh 126 is fine enough
to retain the beads but is sufficiently porous to allow the passage
of liquids therethrough in the same manner as the porous polymeric
material discussed above. Mesh 126 advantageously allows spent
reaction liquid or washing solvents to be removed efficiently and
completely. Also, very small quantities of microbeads 127 can be
used without risk of loss. This allows smaller well volumes and
thus higher well density, that is more wells per unit area of
plate. This allows higher throughput and the ability to
simultaneously synthesize a greater number of different compounds.
Placement of mesh 126 above beads 127 allows a further level of
control during reagent deliver because the reagents can be
dispensed in bulk to all the wells, then delivered synchronously by
centrifugation of wells 41 and causing the reagents to pass through
mesh 126 of all wells simultaneously.
[0089] In operation and with reference to FIGS. 11(a)-(d), wells 41
of a microtiter plate (not shown in FIGS. 11(a)-(d)) contain beads
127 and a retaining mesh 126. Mesh 126 is shown recessed in well
41, however, one should appreciate that mesh 126 can alternatively
be placed on top of well 41 and/or be used as the base of well 41.
Liquid is then delivered to well 41. Because mesh is sufficiently
fine, the liquid does not penetrate mesh 127 and enter into well 41
under the force of normal gravity. The liquid does not penetrate
mesh 127 and enter well 41 until centrifugation is begun. The
direction of the centrifugal force, indicated by arrow CF causes
the liquid the pass through mesh and enter well 41 at which time
reaction begins within the well. Liquid is expelled by reversing
the direction of the centrifugal force as indicated by arrow CF'
shown in FIG. 11(d). This may be accomplished by simply reversing
the orientation of the well with respect to the rotor.
[0090] In another embodiment of the present invention, mesh 126 is
provided at the base of well 41, as shown in FIGS. 12(a)-(b). In
this embodiment, because the mesh is sufficiently fine, the liquid
does not penetrate mesh 128 and exit well 41 through aperture 129
under the force of normal gravity. The liquid does penetrate mesh
128 and exit well 41 through aperture 129 under the force of
centrifugation as expelled liquid indicated by arrow EL in FIG.
12(b). Similar to the above embodiment, mesh 128 retains the beads
while liquid is expelled from well 41 by centrifugation. The use of
mesh 128 also removes the need for a critical angle of
centrifugation.
[0091] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a less
fine mesh 131 which does not impede the flow of liquid therethrough
but is sufficiently fine to prevent microbeads 127 from passing
therethrough is provided at the bottom of well 41, as shown in FIG.
13. Because mesh 131 does not retain liquid within the well, a
sealing means 132 in the form of a biased seal or plug is provided
to close aperture 133. A spring 134 is provided which biases
sealing means against aperture 133 and when the rotor assembly is
moving slowly or at rest. As centrifugation begins, the centrifugal
forces acting on the liquid and the mass of the sealing means 132
overcome the biasing force of spring 134 and cause the sealing
means to move away from the well thereby opening aperture 133 and
allowing liquid to exit well 41. This configuration also obviates
the need for tilted microtiter plates and the need for a critical
angle of centrifugation.
[0092] Turning now to the control mechanism, a variety of different
control mechanisms are used in synthetic reactions accordance with
present invention. The present invention is adaptable to controls
requiring manual intervention for some, or even all, processing
steps of oligonucleotide (or other polymer) synthesis. The
apparatus of the present invention is also adaptable to
semi-automatic or fully-automatic controllers. Automatic control
mechanisms should be sufficiently general that a different final
compound can be synthesized in each reaction vessel or well of each
array of wells utilized by the apparatus, and that a different
combinatorial synthesis protocol can be performed each well and/or
sets of wells. Finally, the automatic controller should be able to
manage a plurality of wells, arrays of wells, fluid dispensers,
rotor assemblies, and other work stations and subassemblies such
that all components of the apparatus are optimally engaged or
performing tasks for the synthesis.
[0093] The automatic control mechanisms are supported by certain
hardware and software elements. General hardware elements
preferably include one or more general control computers, an
optional number of specialized control processors, and electrical
interfaces to all controlled components of the apparatus. In a
manner known in the art, all the directly and indirectly controlled
components of the apparatus can be provided with electrical
interfaces having certain standardized electrical characteristics.
Certain of these low-level hardware interfaces are directly linked
from their standardized interfaces to interfaces of the general
control computers. Optionally, for complex resources, such as
complex work stations, an intermediate level of specialized control
processors is interposed between the general control computers and
the low-level electrical interfaces of such resources.
[0094] The general control computers can be sufficiently capable
personal computers (PC's) provided with such specialized electrical
interfaces. An exemplary personal computer includes an Intel
PENTIUM.RTM. processor running at 133 MHz, a 1 gigabyte or greater
hard drive, 16 megabytes or more of memory, and commercially
available interface boards providing interfaces such as D/A or
on/off output circuits or links to standard instrument control
buses. Specialized CPU's on custom PC boards for valve control, for
example, an INTEL.RTM. 8051 compatible microprocessor, or other
commercial motion control systems, for example, a COMPUMOTOR.RTM.
6K2, can be for low level control in accordance with the present
invention. A PC running LINUX.RTM. and a custom designed control
application (high level control) can be used to communicate with
and control the low level controllers via ethernet and serial
(e.g., RS-232) lines in accordance with the present invention. One
should appreciate that such hardware control elements can be
directly accessed or indirectly accessed via suitable internet or
Intranet connection.
[0095] General software elements executed by the general control
computers include operating system software, low-level
moment-to-moment control and monitoring software, scheduling and
monitoring software, and synthesis planning software. At the lowest
software level is the operating system software of the general
control computers, which in an exemplary embodiment, can be
UNIX.RTM. or WINDOWS NT.RTM. (Microsoft Corporation). The low-level
moment-to-moment control and monitoring software inputs scripts
describing in detail actions to perform and outputs electrical
control signals to the controlled processing resources through the
interfaces attached to the general control computers. These signals
cause work station actions to be performed. At the next software
level is scheduling software, which inputs a description of the
synthetic steps to be performed, the locations of stored building
blocks and reagents, the location and type of available work
stations, the location and type of available interchangeable tools,
and so forth, and outputs the detailed command scripts controlling
subassembly functions. These scripts are interpreted by the
moment-to-moment control and monitoring software. At the highest
software level is chemical synthesis planning software, which
inputs a description of the synthetic protocols available in a
particular embodiment of the apparatus and the desired compounds to
be synthesized, and then outputs the synthetic steps necessary to
synthesize the desired compounds in a form usable by the scheduling
software.
[0096] Various feedback controllers can be utilized to optimize the
efficiency of oligonucleotide synthesizers in accordance with the
present invention. For example, a plate reader 138 (FIG. 1) is
provided on support surface 49 for real time monitoring of the
chemical reactions in the wells during synthesis. In one embodiment
of the present invention, plate reader 138 is an RS-170 color
camera and frame grabber. Wetness monitors 139 are provided within
support enclosure 45 in order to monitor leakage of the various
liquids within the enclosure and thereby minimize down-time for
maintenance and repair necessitated by leakage. Actuation of
collection may also be employed in order to collect waste in an
efficient manner in order to minimize waste disposal costs and/or
promote recycling. For example, a two-way valve 141 is fluidly
connected to a drum 142 which surrounds rotor assembly 46 for
collecting liquid that is expelled from wells 41 during
centrifugation. Two-way valve 141 selectively couples drum 142 with
either a solvent catch basin 144 or a spent reaction fluid catch
basin 145. In this manner, the liquids used during different
synthesis processes, namely the addition and separation process and
the washing process, are readily separated from one another.
[0097] In another embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus
150 (FIG. 14) is particularly suitable for use by individual users.
Typical DNA synthesizers used in laboratories are relatively large,
have a low capacity (for example only 4 to 16 oligonucleotides are
made per run), are not fully automated, and require considerable
attention. As a result, it is more cost-effective and
time-efficient from the small labs to outsource oligonucleotide
synthesis and manufacture. In contrast apparatus 150 is a compact
oligonucleotide synthesizer, also referred to as a personal
synthesizer, which has a very small footprint, is fully automated,
and requires little or no attention during a run. Apparatus 150 is
more cost-effective than outsourcing at present costs and can
provide a quicker turned-round of small-scale synthesis and is
particularly suited for high throughput, multi-protocol
combinatorial syntheses. Furthermore, apparatus 150 has a small
footprint and thus maximizes lab-top space. Apparatus 150 is
adapted for synthesizing oligomers in each of a plurality of
reaction vessels which are disposed in circular arrays, such as the
circumferential array of reaction vessels or wells 122 (FIG.
10(b)). Apparatus 150 generally includes a support enclosure 155, a
rotor assembly 123 (FIG. 10(b)) for supporting one or more wells
122, and a liquid delivery head 157. Support enclosure 155 provides
mechanical support for the rotor assembly and liquid delivery head
15. The support enclosure 155 illustrated in FIG. 14 is
approximately the same size as a desk-top printer. One should
appreciate that the dimensions the personal synthesizer may
vary.
[0098] Rotor assembly 123 is rotatably supported by support
enclosure 155 and rotates about a centrifugal axis 158 which
extends substantially orthogonal to the rotor assembly as wells as
the desk-top or support surface upon which apparatus 150 is placed.
Liquid delivery head 157 is a multi-channel dispenser including one
or more solenoid valves 161 circumferentially spaced about
centrifugal axis 158 and disposed concentrically with respect to
the rotor assembly 123. Liquid delivery head is capable of
simultaneously delivering a plurality of different liquids to
corresponding different sets of wells 122 of the rotor assembly.
Although ten solenoid valves 161 are shown, one should appreciate
that one, two, three, or more valves may be provided depending upon
the particular number of channels desired. Solenoid valves 161 are
circumferentially spaced about a diameter which is substantially
equal or approximate to the diameter of the circumferentially
disposed wells 122 of rotor assembly 123. Accordingly, the
dispensing nozzles associated with solenoid valves 161 are
suspended in a circular pattern above wells 122 in the rotor
assembly. The centrifugal motor which drives the rotor is capable
of high acceleration and deceleration rates, velocities up to 4000
RPM, and positioning resolution of +/-0.2 degrees. Accordingly,
specific ones of wells 122 can easily be aligned with any one of
the dispensing nozzles.
[0099] Rotor 123 (FIG. 10(b)) of apparatus 150 can be configured to
be a single-use and disposable item. Similarly, solenoid valves can
self-contained and disposable cartridges which contain reagents,
activators, and/or solvents. This embodiment combines the concept
of the centrifuge synthesizer with the concept of a self-contained
disposable liquid cartridge. The disposable liquid cartridge
concept is similar to that employed in the field of desktop inkjet
printers. This combination it is possible to produce a personal
oligonucleotide synthesizer, a small low-cost, easy-to-operate, and
highly automated device that can easily be programmed to perform
custom synthesis of oligonucleotides as well as other molecules. In
the event that self-contained, disposable cartridges are used, an
operator of apparatus 150 does not have to weight, mix, and/or
otherwise prepare reagents for use with apparatus 150. Instead, the
operator simply inserts one or more cartridges in delivery head 157
which then automatically delivers controlled quantities of reagents
to defined locations under computer control. The particular
delivery pattern or delivery sequence of particular reagents
determines the actual composition of the oligonucleotide being
synthesized, much like the spatter or delivery of droplets of ink
determines the content of a page printed by an inkjet printer.
[0100] One significant difference between the present invention and
an inkjet printers is that inkjet printers typically use a small
set of inks, for example black, red, blue, and yellow. The personal
oligonucleotide synthesizer of the present invention is configured
to receive a number of different reagent cartridges, thus allowing
the synthesis of various molecules. For example, personal
synthesizer 150 is provided with a plurality of different
cartridges for various DNA reagents, RNA reagents, peptide
reagents, fluorescent dyes and/or other chemical materials.
[0101] The personal oligonucleotide synthesizer 150 has a small
rotor capable of up to 96 synthesis procedures at one time because
it includes 96 concentrically spaced wells. One should appreciate
that lesser or greater capacities can be incorporated depending
upon the number of wells provided. Reaction wells 122 of rotor 123
may be arranged in a single circle (not shown) or in concentric
circles of wells 122, 122' (FIG. 10(b)) in order to increase the
capacity of both the rotor and the personal synthesizer 150. On
should also appreciate that the rotor can be configured to receive
curved microtiter plates 163 as is shown in FIG. 15. The curved
microtiter plates are selectively secured to the rotor assembly by
suitable means such as a spring biased latch. In any event,
solid-phase support is contained within the wells of the rotor in
the form of microbeads, or other suitable solids, in a similar
manner to that discussed above. Alternatively, a derivatized
membrane may be used within the wells instead of and/or in addition
to the microbeads.
[0102] As shown in FIG. 14, apparatus 150 includes an array of the
nozzles that is arranged radially along the perimeter of the rotor
assembly which significantly simplifies the process of addition and
removing liquids from wells 122. In fact, delivery head 157 can
deliver liquid to wells 122 while the rotor is still moving in a
similar manner as discussed above. Discrete high-speed control of
solenoid valves 161 are controlled dependant upon, pressure, time,
volume, and the speed at which rotor assembly 123 is moving. Such a
configuration allows the liquid delivery head to deliver liquid to
all the wells located in the rotor assembly in approximately 8 to
10 seconds.
[0103] In the case the personal synthetizer is provided with a
rotor having two or more concentric arrays of wells, a spiral
translation mechanism 163 (FIG. 16) would be incorporated into
liquid delivery head 157 in order to adjustably support the
dispensing nozzles 164. Spiral translation mechanism 164 includes
two circular structures, one static disc 165 and one dynamic disc
166. Static disc 165 contains slots 168 running from its center
toward its periphery in a radial pattern. Slots 168 are wide enough
to slidably accommodate dispensing nozzles 164 along a radial path.
Dynamic disc 166 includes an identical number of curved slots 168
milled to approximately the same width also running from the
central portion of dynamic disc 166 to the periphery thereof in a
arcuate path. Static disc 165 and dynamic disc 166 are
concentrically and rotatably mounted with respect to the other.
Nozzles 164 are mounted substantially vertically within the slots
at each point where the path of a straight slot 168 crosses the
path of a curved slot 169. When static disc 165 and dynamic disc
166 are rotated relative to one another, nozzles 164 moved directly
along the path of the straight slots 168. This configuration this
allows precise synchronized control of the nozzle locations about
the central axis. Dynamic disc 166 can be controlled by an actuator
such as a stepper motor, air cylinder, rack and pinion structure,
rotor-drive stepper motor, or any other suitable means.
[0104] Apparatus includes a locking actuator, for example an air
cylinder plunger 171 schematically shown in FIG. 16(a), which is
mounted on dynamic disc 166 over the center of rotor assembly 123.
Actuator 171 would extend downwardly toward the top of rotor
assembly 123. Actuator 171 includes a non-rotating shaft. The end
of the shaft selectively engages the top of rotor assembly 123.
Actuator 171 also contains a brake which is engaged with static
disk 165 whenever actuator 171 is not actuated thereby holding the
nozzle array in a set position. When relocation of the nozzle array
is desired, rotor assembly 123 stops in alignment with actuator 171
because the particular position is remembered from the last
operation. Actuator 171 is actuated and it engages rotor assembly
123 and disengages the brake. Rotor assembly 123 rotates to a
position that is supplied from a lookup data table stored in
control software. Actuator 171 disengages from rotor assembly 123
and reengages the brake. The system is now ready to access the next
array of wells. This process control allows location of the
concentric ring of nozzles about the center and supports dispensing
to multiple concentric rings of wells within rotor assembly
123.
[0105] Apparatus 150 may also use a variety of different control
mechanisms in accordance with present invention. The present
invention is adaptable to controls requiring manual intervention
for certain, or even all, processing steps of oligonucleotide
synthesis. The apparatus of the present invention is also adaptable
to semi-automatic or fully-automatic controllers which are run by
personal computers. In one embodiment of the present invention,
personal synthesizer 150 is controlled by a PC or with a hand held
personal computing device which synchronize with a PC. In the case
of the latter, an infrared port 174 (FIG. 14) is provided on
support enclosure 155 thus allowing an operator to synchronize data
and otherwise check the status of the personal synthesizer.
Preferably, basic parameters will be displayed directly on the
personal synthesizer or readily displayed on the personal computing
device in order to minimize the need of a PC in the vicinity of the
personal synthesizer and thereby free up critical lab-top
workspace.
[0106] One disadvantage associated with conventional
oligonucleotide synthesis is scaling the technology to increase
numbers. An apparatus 180 (FIG. 17(a)) in accordance with a present
invention allows a large number of oligonucleotides to be
synthesized easily and cost effectively. Apparatus 180 includes a
support mechanism 181 which rotatably supports a plurality of
microtiter plates 42. Specifically, mechanism 181 is capable of
holding microtiter plates 42 in either an upright or an inverted
position. When plates 42 are an upright position, reagent
dispensing head 182 addresses plates 42 and delivers individual
reagents into the wells of plates 42. When plates 42 are in an
inverted position, the plates can be washed with the appropriate
reagents dispensed by wash head 183. This configuration creates an
effective format delivering reagents and washing the plates,
typically the most difficult and time-consuming step in the
process. Mechanism 181 may include a conveyor belt 184, a chain
drive system, an axes driven system 185 (FIG. 17(b)), or any other
suitable drive system for translating and inverting the microtiter
plates.
[0107] Advantageously, apparatus 180 provides a high-throughput
chemical synthesis instrument which may be used for oligonucleotide
synthesis. Because microtiter plates 42 are conveniently inverted
for washing, the apparatus creates a physical dimension that is
independent from the dimension used for base addition.
[0108] Microtiter plates 42 are derivatized to allow base addition
therein. As this is accomplished by derivatizing commercially
available plates with an amine or an --OH functionality.
[0109] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the
present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration
and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit
the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many
modifications and variations are possible in light of the above
teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to
best explain the principles of the invention and its practical
application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best
utilize the invention and various embodiments with various
modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It
is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the
claims appended hereto and their equivalents.
* * * * *