Patent · US Expired

Machine for synthesizing oligonucleotides

US5641459A · kind A · utility

6Cited by
12References
20Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateAug 17, 1995
Grant dateJun 24, 1997
Priority date
Expiry dateAug 17, 2015

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
  • CPC primaryC40B60/14
  • WIPO fieldOrganic fine chemistry
  • WIPO sectorChemistry

Abstract

A machine for synthesizing oligonucleotides has individual pumping modules for connection to each of a number of different monomers and to other fluids used in the synthesizing process. Each pumping module includes a pump and a three-port/three-way valve with the first inlet port connected to receive the fluid, and the second port connected to receiving a flushing agent, such as acetonitrile. A valving arrangement downstream from the pumping modules selects a monomer. The selected monomer and other fluids pass through flow sensors which provides signals to a controller, which uses these signals to regulate the pumping of the pumps. At least some of the valves allow multiple inlet ports to be kept open at the same time, thus allowing certain of the liquids to be mixed within the valves. The various pumps, valves and sensors are mounted to the exterior of a cabinet and arranged such that the liquid handling portions are exterior to the cabinet, while electrical portions are within the cabinet. Air is continuously purged within the cabinet in order to prevent the introduction of solvent fumes near electrical components. The machine can produce up to 100 millimoles of oligonucleotides,…

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.