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US 9,034,272 B2Granted
Apparatus for synthesizing oligonucleotides and methods of use
AssigneeIsis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
InventorsIsaiah E. Cedillo, Max N. Moore, Francis J. Ring
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for synthesizing oligonucleotides wherein a reaction zone has a variable volume based on the position of a piston, and the piston is adjusted to control the amount of headspace above solid support in the reaction zone. Methods and apparatus that limit the size or existence of the headspace are described.
Claims16
A reactor for synthesizing oligonucleotides comprising:
- a vessel configured to contain a solid support, the vessel having an inlet and an outlet;
- a piston operatively arranged to reciprocate with the vessel;
- an actuator coupled to the piston;
- a monitor configured to at least periodically adjust the actuator during a synthesis process to maintain the piston substantially in contact with the solid support;
- and
- at least one sensor located upstream of the vessel outlet and in communication with the vessel, each sensor configured to generate an output to the monitor;
- wherein the monitor adjusts the actuator according to the output from the at least one sensor or alternatively the monitor adjusts the actuator according to archival sensor output from a previous synthesis process.
4 more elements
A synthesizer comprising:
- a vessel configured to contain a granular polymeric material, the vessel having an inlet and an outlet, the vessel further configured to receive a fluid through the inlet;
- a piston operatively arranged to reciprocate with the vessel;
- an actuator coupled to the piston;
- a monitor configured to at least periodically adjust the actuator during a synthesis process to maintain the piston within a predetermined distance from the granular polymeric material;
- and
- at least one sensor located upstream of the vessel outlet and in communication with the vessel, each sensor configured to generate an output to the monitor;
- wherein the monitor adjusts the actuator according to the output from the at least one sensor or alternatively the monitor adjusts the actuator according to archival sensor output from a previous synthesis process.
4 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.