Abstract: A valve block assembly with internal delivery channels and a common outlet channel is provided. Access of reactants to the delivery channels is controlled by diaphragm valves, preferably equipped with relief grooves to accommodate deformation of the diaphragm. Reservoirs feeding the delivery channels have an inert atmosphere controlled by pressurizing and venting channels in the valve block. Exposure of plastic tubing to oxygen is kept to a minimum. The assembly is particularly adapted for use in a DNA or protein sequencer to supply reactants without cross-contamination or oxidative decomposition.

Abstract: A method for the generation of phenylthiocarbamyl (PTC) amino acids from phenylthiohydantoin (PTH) or anilinothiozolinone (ATZ) amino acids. The method involves a base-catalyzed ring opening of the PTH or ATZ in the presence of a reducing agent. The method affords an alternative to the established aqueous acid conversion reaction of the Edman degradation in which ATZ and PTC amino acids are converted to the PTH amino acid. A further method is described for the generation of reactive ATZ amino acids from PTH amino acids. These methods facilitate the analysis of protein at low molar amounts by allowing the synthesis of amino acid derivatives which can be analyzed in quantities which are much lower than those required for conventional PTH amino acid analysis.

Abstract: A chemically inert diaphragm valve is provided in which the diaphragm is attached to the plunger of a solenoid by a threaded insert. The diaphragm material, which is preferably a relatively flexible, chemically inert material such as Kalrez or Chem-Raz, is molded around one end of a machined piece with the other end of the piece being threaded. The threaded end may be received by the tapped end of a solenoid plunger. The piece contained within the diaphragm material acts to stabilize cold-flow at the valve site as well as perform the valving function.

Abstract: Peptides or proteins are sequenced by stepwise degradation while immobilized on a glass support derivatized with a silica-binding substance bearing a free acid group, especially a sulfonic acid group. The support is preferably derivatized with 2-(4-chlorosulfonyl phenyl) ethyl trimethoxysilane.Peptide sequencing performance is improved if the support is also derivatized with a monomeric silica-binding substance bearing a free quaternary ammonium group, such as N-trimethyoxysilyl propyl -N,N,N-trimethyl ammonium chloride.

Abstract: A chemically inert diaphragm valve is provided in which the diaphragm is attached to the plunger of a solenoid by a threaded insert. The diaphragm material, which is preferably a relatively flexible, chemically inert material such as Kalrez or Chem-Raz, is molded around one end of a machined piece with the other end of the piece being threaded. The threaded end may be received by the tapped end of a solenoid plunger. The piece contained within the diaphragm material acts to stabilize cold-flow at the valve site as well as perform the valving function.

Abstract: A method is provided for sequencing peptides and proteins in which the coupling and cleavage reagents are supplied through a valve block assembly with internal delivery channels and a common outlet channel. The outlet channel communicates with a reaction chamber in which the sample is placed. Access of reactants to the delivery channels is controlled by diaphragm valves, preferably equipped with relief grooves to accommodate deformation of the diaphragm. Reservoirs feeding the delivery channels have an inert atmosphere controlled by pressurizing and venting channels in the valve block. Exposure of plastic tubing to oxygen is kept to a minimum. Reactants are thereby supplied without significant cross-contamination or oxidative decomposition.

Abstract: Peptides or proteins are sequenced by stepwise degradation while immobilized on a glass support derivatized with a silica-binding substance bearing a free acid group, especially a sulfonic acid group. The support is preferably derivatized with 2-(4-chlorosulfonyl phenyl) ethyl trimethoxysilane.Peptide sequencing performance is improved if the support is also derivatized with a monomeric silica-binding substance bearing a free quaternary ammonium group, such as N-trimethyoxysilyl propyl -N,N,N-trimethyl ammonium chloride.

Abstract: A valve block assembly with internal delivery channels and a common outlet channel is provided. Access of reactants to the delivery channels is controlled by diaphragm valves, preferably equipped with relief grooves to accommodate deformation of the diaphragm. Reservoirs feeding the delivery channels have an inert atmosphere controlled by pressurizing and venting channels in the valve block. Exposure of plastic tubing to oxygen is kept to a minimum. The assembly is particularly adapted for use in a DNA or protein sequencer to supply reactants without cross-contamination or oxidative decomposition.

Abstract: A valve block assembly with internal delivery channels and a common outlet channel is provided. The assembly has two delivery valve surfaces with access to the common channel. The common channel comprises easily cleaned linear sections running alternately from one surface to the other, and connecting surface grooves at the valve sites. Diaphragm valves with relief grooves to accommodate deformation of the diaphragm are provided. The V-like cross-section of the connecting grooves of the common channel and the conical shape of the nearby outlet of a delivery channel assure that the valve may be opened by only a small actuating force. Reservoirs feeding the delivery channels have an inert atmosphere controlled by pressurizing and venting channels in the valve block. Exposure of plastic tubing to oxygen is kept to a minimum. The assembly is particularly adapted for use in a protein sequencer to supply reactants without cross-contamination or oxidative decomposition.