US 6,136,274 A · Matrices with memories in automated drug discovery and units therefor

Abstract

Automated drug discovery protocols, or partially automated protocols, in which matrices-with-memories serve as the platform on which all manipulations are performed or serve as the repository of information that is transferred to other memories as the synthesized compounds are processed and screened. Also provided are automated drug discovery units for use in the protocols. The units provide for seamless data tracking and include instrumentation and vials with memories for information transfer to other memories in a unit. The units, which are provided herein, include some or all of the following: an automated or manual sorter, microreactors and microvessels, which contain memories, an automated or semi-automated synthesizer, a microreactor washer/dryer, a manual or automated cleaver with a valved U-tube outlet for removing compounds from the matrix-with-memory microreactors, and associated software. The memories may be any of any type, including electromagnetically encodable memories and optical memories, or combinations thereof. The memories may be pre-encoded or may be encodable during, after or before processing. Also provided are manual and automated methods for sorting matrices with memories.

Claims18

Dependent claims

An apparatus for use in a cleaving reaction using compounds from a plurality of microreactors, wherein each microreactor is disposed within a carrier having an at least partially open lower end, and wherein a plurality of carriers are disposed in a first array within a carrier tray, the apparatus comprising:

a cleaving block comprising a plurality of bores adapted for receiving the plurality of carriers, wherein the plurality of bores is arranged to correspond to the first array within the carrier tray so that each carrier is disposed within a corresponding bore;
a drain means disposed at a lower end of each bore of the plurality of bores, the drain means comprising at least one drain tube which extends outside of the cleaving block and further comprising a valve means adapted for preventing flow through the at least one drain tube;
a plurality of wells arranged in a second array;
a vacuum chamber abutting the cleaving block to form a vacuum seal, the plurality of wells being disposed within the vacuum chamber so that the at least one drain tube is directed toward a well of the plurality of wells;
a vacuum source connected to the vacuum chamber;
and
a controller for activating the vacuum source to draw a vacuum on the vacuum chamber.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Matrices with memories in automated drug discovery and units therefor

Life of this patent

Matrices with memories in automated drug discovery and units therefor

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims18