Small volume chambers
AssigneeAgilent Technologies, Inc.
InventorsJay K. Bass, John F. McEntee, Tim J. Lazaruk, Maryam Mobed-Miremadi, Brent T. Tolosko
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Apparatus and methods are disclosed for forming a reaction chamber having relatively small volumes. An apparatus comprises two elements and a mechanism for introducing a gas to form a movable aerodynamic seal between the elements. In this manner a chamber having a controllable interior environment is formed. One of the elements may have at least a portion of a device for dispensing reagents sealingly affixed therein. The other element may be adapted for introduction of a support into the interior of the chamber formed by the top and the bottom element. The apparatus may be used in methods for synthesizing biopolymers on a support.
Claims21
A method for synthesizing an array of biopolymers on a support, said method comprising:
- (a) performing a step in the synthesis of an array of biopolymers on a support in a reaction chamber formed between two elements disposed relative to one another in a sealed, movable relationship, wherein said support and one of said elements is moved relative to the other of said elements during said performing,
- (b) removing said support from said reaction chamber, and
- (c) optionally repeating steps (a) through (b) until said array of biopolymers is formed.
A method for synthesizing an array of biopolymers on a support, said method comprising:
- (a) introducing a support into a reaction chamber formed between a separate top element and a separate bottom element disposed relative to one another to form a gap therebetween, said a top element having sealingly affixed therein at least a portion of a device for dispensing reagents, said bottom element being adapted for introduction of a support therethrough, wherein a gas is introduced into said gap, a pressure of said gas being sufficient to form an aerodynamic seal between said top element and said bottom element thereby forming said chamber, and wherein said top element or said bottom element is movable with respect to the other during said aerodynamic seal
- (b) bringing said support and a dispensing system for dispensing reagents for the synthesis of said biopolymers into a dispensing position relative to discrete sites on said surface of said support by moving said support and said bottom element relative to said top element,
- (c) activating said support if said support is not already activated and dispensing said reagents to said discrete sites to perform a step of said synthesis,
- (d) removing said support and/or said dispensing system from said relative dispensing position, and
- (e) optionally repeating steps (a) through (d) until said array of biopolymers is formed.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.