Automated macromolecule synthesizing process and device

US6544775B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Merckle GmbH · DE

Inventors

• Hermann Brugger · Illerkirchberg, DE
• Christian Rembe · Waldbronn, DE
• Raoul Bader · Bingen, DE
• Eberhard P. Hofer · Lonsee, DE
• Hartmut Seliger · Neu-Ulm, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 8, 1999
• Grant date: Apr 8, 2003
• Expiry date: Nov 8, 2019

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T436/143333
• WIPO field: Organic fine chemistry
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

The invention relates to a device and to a process for the automatic synthesis of macromolecules on a tape-like substrate material (11). The device has at least one synthesis module (12) which can be sealed from the outside and comprises reaction chambers (15) and fluid lines (18, 19) for filling and emptying the reaction chambers (15) with and of reaction media, it being possible to introduce the substrate material (11) into the synthesis module (12) and bring it into contact with the reaction chambers (15). Transport means (20-26) which are intended to move the substrate material (11) through a particular distance and can be actuated by a control device are furthermore provided. The invention also relates to the use of such a device for the synthesis of oligonucleotides bound on a functionalized substrate material, in particular the production of oligonucleotide libraries.