Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, photoactivatable silane compounds and methods for their synthesis and use are provided. In one embodiment, the photoactivatable silane compounds synthesized are represented by a formula: PG-LS-SN, wherein PG is a photoactivatable group, LS is a linkage and spacer group, and SN is a silane group. The silanes allow the photoactivatable silane compounds to be covalently bound to the surface of a substrate such as silica. The photoactivatable group forms a hydrophobic layer that can be photochemically cross-linked with a layer of hydrophilic functional polymers. In another embodiment, a method is disclosed to synthesize a substrate of hydrophobic layers and hydrophilic functional polymer layers thereafter onto glass surfaces. An array of biopolymers such as nucleic acids and peptides may then be covalently attached to the substrate using photolithography and biopolymer synthesis.

Abstract: A synthetic strategy for the creation of large scale chemical diversity. Solid-phase chemistry, photolabile protecting groups, and photolithography are used to achieve light-directed spatially-addressable parallel chemical synthesis. Binary masking techniques are utilized in one embodiment. A reactor system, photoremovable protective groups, and improved data collection and handling techniques are also disclosed. A technique for screening linker molecules is also provided.

Abstract: Radiation-activated catalysts (RACs), autocatalytic reactions, and protective groups are employed to achieve a highly sensitive, high resolution, radiation directed combinatorial synthesis of pattern arrays of diverse polymers. When irradiated, RACs produce catalysts that can react with enhancers, such as those involved in autocatalytic reactions. The autocatalytic reactions produce at least one product that removes protecting groups from synthesis intermediates. This invention has a wide variety of applications and is particularly useful for the solid phase combinatorial synthesis of polymers.

Abstract: Nucleic acid labeling compounds including the following structure are disclosed: wherein A is a triphosphate group with apporpriate counterions, said counterions selected from the group consisting of H+, Na+, Li+, K+, and NH4+; X is O; Y is OH; Z is OH; L is selected from the group consisting of —CH?CH—C(O)—NH—CH2—CH2—NH—C(O)— and —CH2—CH2—C(O)—NH—CH2—CH2—NH—C(O); M is —(CH2)45—NH—, n is 1 and Q is biotin having the structure: The labeling compounds are suitable for enzymatic attachment to a nucleic acid, either terminally or internally, to provide a mechanism of nucleic acid detection.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, photoactivatable silane compounds and methods for their synthesis and use are provided. In one embodiment, the photoactivatable silane compounds synthesized are represented by a formula: PG-LS-SN, wherein PG is a photoactivatable group, LS is a linkage and spacer group, and SN is a silane group. The silanes allow the photoactivatable silane compounds to be covalently bound to the surface of a substrate such as silica. The photoactivatable group forms a hydrophobic layer that can be photochemically cross-linked with a layer of hydrophilic functional polymers. In another embodiment, a method is disclosed to synthesize a substrate of hydrophobic layers and hydrophilic functional polymer layers thereafter onto glass surfaces. An array of biopolymers such as nucleic acids and peptides may then be covalently attached to the substrate using photolithography and biopolymer synthesis.

Abstract: Nucleic acid labeling compounds containing heterocyclic derivatives are disclosed. The heterocyclic derivative containing compounds are synthesized by condensing a heterocyclic derivative with a cyclic group (e.g. a ribofuranose derivative). The labeling compounds are suitable for enzymatic attachment to a nucleic acid, either terminally or internally, to provide a mechanism of nucleic acid detection.

Abstract: Methods for testing oligonucleotide arrays are disclosed including methods for testing the efficiency of nucleotide coupling; methods for testing amounts of deprotected oligonucleotides; methods for determining amounts of depurinated oligonucleotides; and methods of detecting the presence of cleavable structural features, such as double-stranded nucleic acids.