Abstract: A method and apparatus for the sequential degradation of protein or peptide molecules by successive coupling and cleavage reactions. Such molecules are immobilized on a macroporous reaction support surface and placed in a flowthrough reaction chamber which is mounted in a sequencer. In the Edman sequencing technique, reagents driven by pressurized inert gas are passed through the reaction chamber as follows: (a) liquid or vapor coupling reagent, (b) coupling base vapor, (c) washing solvent, (d) inert gas to partially dry the support surface, (e) cleavage reagent vapor to cleave amino acid derivatives from the immobilized coupled protein or peptide chains, (f) liquid extracting solvent to withdraw the cleaved amino acid derivative. An automated sequencer to carry out said method.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the detection of primary and secondary amino acids in a known sequence in a liquid sample stream. The amino acids are rendered detectable by reaction with a fluorometric reagent such as fluorescamine. A conversion reagent, e.g., N-chlorosuccinimide, is added to the sample streams only when secondary amine is present. Baseline shift in the fluorometric detection is avoided by adding an inert liquid diluent stream to the sample stream at a predetermined flow rate at all times except when the conversion reagent is added. By maintaining the diluent and N-chlorosuccinimide streams under constant pressure and synchronously switching between streams to coincide with the presence of a primary or secondary amino acid, liquid flow through the fluorometer is maintained at a substantially constant rate throughout the run.

Abstract: A flow path block having capability for storing a plurality of reactant volumes and for delivering the reactants through separate paths to a common mixing chamber where the reactants are mixed and delivered through reactant outlet means. Reactant outlet means may include a measurement chamber for determining the stopped flow kinetics of reactions in the mixture or may be a path for delivery of the mixed reactants to an external vessel for some subsequent intended use.