Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to an improved chemical synthesis apparatus for performing chemical synthesis such as nuclei acid synthesis in a plurality of reaction wells or cells in an efficient manner. The apparatus employs dispenser heads that each include a cluster of nozzles which are fluidicly coupled to a plurality of reagent sources for dispensing different reagents through the single dispenser head. Because each dispenser head is capable of dispensing a plurality of different reagents, the apparatus can perform simultaneous synthesis in a plurality of cells at a high throughput without complex and elaborate control of movement of the dispenser heads relative to the cells.

Abstract: Polyolefin particles are chemically modified by oxidation to provide a large surface area and high loading. The particles result in low back pressure in column systems, and are economical to manufacture. The particles are useful as supports in a wide range of applications including general organic as well as biopolymer synthesis, library methods, purification processes and enzyme mediated processes. In a preferred embodiment, polyethylene or polypropylene particles are oxidized in a solution containing trifluoroacetic acid or trifluoromethane sulfonic acid, chromium trioxide and sulfuric acid to provide the particles with a chemically reactive irregular surface and open channels that extend below the surface and up to essentially the length of the radius of the particles resulting in increased surface area and decreased density. The particles have pendant functional groups produced by the oxidation and/or by subsequent chemical reaction.

Abstract: Inverse Linkage Oligonucleotides ("ILO") useful in enzymatic process are disclosed. Particularly preferred ILOs are amenable to enzymatic elongation from either, or most preferably, both termini. In a particularly preferred embodiment, each terminus of an ILO has an enzymatically functional 3' group. Accordingly, under appropriate conditions and in the presence of, e.g., dNTPs, enzyme, sample DNA, and ILO comprising a first region complementary to a first region of the sample DNA and a second region complementary to a second, different region of the sample DNA, exponential amplification of the sample DNA can be effectuated.

Abstract: A chemical processing system is disclosed for the automated dissolution, dispersing and reaction of chemicals, especially for synthesizing proteins. The system includes a plurality of storage cartridges containing a first chemical in fluid communication with a reservoir containing a second chemical to be reacted with the first chemical. Each cartridge includes a pump (e.g., a plunger) which operates by changing the internal volume of the cartridge. The pump permits bi-directional flow of the first chemical into and out of the reservoir and cartridge to promote mixing and reacting with the second chemical in the reservoir to produce a third chemical.

Abstract: Benzotriazoles are employed in phosphite triester oligonucleotide synthesis. The benzotriazoles also form phosphinedibenzazolides. Processes employing these reagents are also disclosed.

Abstract: Benzazoles, including benzatriazoles and benzimidazoles are employed in phospate triester oligonucleotide synthesis. The benzazoles form arylbenzazolide coupling agents, and phosphorodibenzazolides. Processes employing these reagents are also disclosed.