Abstract: Method and apparatus for synthesizing biopolymers, such as polypeptides and polynucleotides. The apparatus includes plural reaction vessels in which subunit coupling to biopolymers in a particle suspension is carried out. The vessels are connected to common valving structure for use in mixing the suspension and removing suspension liquid. In one embodiment, a robotic arm in the apparatus is operable to transfer reaction solution to the reaction vessels, and to transfer particle suspensions from the reaction vessels to a mixing vessel and back to the reaction vessels. The method can be used to produce preferably equi-molar amounts of different-sequence biopolymers, such as polypeptides and polynucleotides.

Abstract: An automated apparatus for use in cleaving, deprotecting and purifying synthesized polypeptides immobilized on solid phase particles. The apparatus includes cleavage and extraction vessels where peptide cleavage from solid-phase particles, and extraction of scavenger reagents occurs, respectively, and structure for automated transfer of (i) reaction solutions into and out of the cleavage vessel, (ii) peptide solution from the cleavage vessel to the extraction vessel, and (iii) extraction solvent into the extraction vessel, in dispersed form. Excess extraction solvent is removed from a side arm in the extraction vessel.