Abstract: A labeling reagent for use in oligonucleotide (“oligo”) synthesis, as well as a method of preparing such a labeling reagent, a method of using such a reagent for synthesizing a labeled oligonucleotide, and an oligonucleotide prepared using such a reagent. The reagent can be used to label either the 3′ or 5′ termini of a synthesized oligo, and/or for one or more positions along the oligo. The labeling reagent can be prepared by a reaction scheme that involves the initial preparation of hydroxyacids, tritylated hydroxyacids and coupling of such derivatives to diamine, wherein the amine function serves at an attachment point for labels and the hydroxyl groups can either be used to immoblize the molecules to support or can be converted to provide a phosphorylating reagent.

Abstract: A labeling reagent for use in oligonucleotide (“oligo”) synthesis, as well as a method of preparing such a labeling reagent, a method of using such a reagent for synthesizing a labeled oligonucleotide, and an oligonucleotide prepared using such a reagent. The reagent can be used to label either the 3′ or 5′ termini of a synthesized oligo, and/or for one or more positions along the oligo. The labeling reagent can be prepared by a reaction scheme that involves the initial preparation of hydroxyacids, tritylated hydroxyacids and coupling of such derivatives to diamine, wherein the amine function serves at an attachment point for labels and the hydroxyl groups can either be used to immoblize the molecules to support or can be converted to provide a phosphorylating reagent.

Abstract: A simple, convenient and inexpensive apparatus for the concentration or evaporation of aqueous solutions typically used in biomedical research and development. The apparatus involves the use of a combined vacuum and blow-down effect, optionally including the application of heat. Using the apparatus a vacuum, as can be provided by a common water aspirator, serves the multiple purposes of facilitating the evaporation, creating the blow-down effect, and flushing the evaporated solvent from the system.

Abstract: A method for recovering synthesized oligonucleotides from a solid support that includes the step of incubating the solid support with an anhydrous amine reagent under conditions suitable to cleave and deprotect the oligonucleotide. The cleaved and deprotected oligonucleotide will be substantially insoluble in the reagent and/or will exhibit preferential affinity for the support. Reagent kits for use in such a method, and cleaved, deprotected oligonucleotides prepared by means of such a method are provided.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the cleavage and deprotection of newly synthesized oligonucleotides from solid supports, which involves incubating the solid support in an environment comprising gaseous cleavage/deprotection reagent such as gaseous ammonia or ammonium hydroxide vapors. The method lends itself well to the use of supports such as microtiter plates, that can be used to simultaneously perform up to 96 individual synthetic processes.

Abstract: Reagents useful for the rapid processing of synthetic oligonucleotides, including a basic reagent for the cleavage and deprotection of the synthesized oligonucleotides from a support, and a precipitating reagent useful for recovering the synthesized oligonucleotide by precipitation from solution. The basic reagent optionally includes a wetting agent useful for the cleavage from lipophilic supports.

Abstract: A method for evaporating solvent in a manner that lessens the chance of cross-contamination between samples. The method involves the use of a filter material press fit into solvent-containing sample tubes. The material allows the flow through of evaporation while substantially preventing the flow through or loss of analyte. The method is particularly suitable for use in evaporative procedures involving vacuum, blow-down, and/or centrifugal processes.

Abstract: A process for the cleavage and deprotection of newly synthesized oligonucleotides from solid supports, which involves incubating the solid support in an environment comprising gaseous cleavage/deprotection reagent such as gaseous ammonia or ammonium hydroxide vapors. The method lends itself well to the use of supports such as microtiter plates, that can be used to simultaneously perform up to 96 individual synthetic processes.

Abstract: An apparatus has been designed that is useful for the automated or semi-automated removal, recovery, deprotection, and/or purification of biopolymers such as oligodeoxyribonucleotides, oligoribonucleotides, oligosaccharides, and peptides from a solid support matrix that is contained in a reaction chamber in the shape of a column.