Abstract: Cylindrical devices (frits) are prepared by embedding aminoalkyl- or mercaptoalkyl-modified Controlled Pore Glass (CPG) in high-density polyethylene. Methods and devices pertaining to their use in the synthesis of nucleic acids are described. A reusable synthesis column or a reusable 96-chamber synthesis plate have been designed to hold one to 96 of the said frits that are inserted reproducibly into the synthesis chambers with a frit insertor. A short gas surpressure is required to drive entry of chemical reagents into the said frit. Reagents are retained into the frit until a second, longer surpressure is applied to drain the said reagents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved methods for the preparation of nucleic acids. More particularly, conventional solid supports used for nucleic acid synthesis are derivatized with activators having pKas within the 4 to 7 range. Preferentially, CPG-based solid supports are reacted with trialkoxysilanes containing an activator moiety such as pyridine. During each deblocking step of the nucleic acid synthesis cycle, bound pyridiniums are generated, yielding a weak acidic medium spreads throughout the solid support. The bound activators efficiently activate the phosphoramidite reagents towards coupling with 5?-hydroxynucleosides bound to the solid supports, thus eliminating or supplementing external deliveries of activator during the coupling steps.

Abstract: Polysubstituted catechol-based universal solid supports suitable for synthesizing oligonucleotides have been prepared. Following synthesis, cleavage of the oligonucleotide from the solid support and catechol-assisted elimination of the 3?-phosphate group is accomplished by treatment with standard basic media such as ammonium hydroxyde or1 methylamine.