Abstract: The present invention relates to arrays of biochemical and/or biofunctional elements such as nucleic acids (oligonucleotides, for example) or other biomolecules on a carrier surface and methods of producing such arrays using photoactivation of predetermined areas for synthesis using an illumination matrix that is computer-controlled to generate an exposure pattern. This exposure pattern can be adjusted and monitored by computer using a light sensor matrix, for example a CCD matrix, to allow precise, controlled illumination of specific regions and therefore attachment of array building blocks to those specific regions. The methods and compositions of the invention permit spatially resolved photochemical synthesis of polymer probes on a carrier.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for synthesizing biopolymers by stepwise assembly from protected synthesis building blocks which carry two-stage protective groups. The two-stage protective groups are activated by a first illumination step and eliminated by a subsequent chemical treatment step. Photoactivatable components which considerably speed up the activation process via intramolecular triplet sensitizers or/and have fluorescence properties are used. The two-stage protective groups can be used in particular within the framework of quality control.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing polymers, in particular synthetic nucleic acid double strands of optional sequence, comprising the steps: (a) provision of a support having a surface area which contains a plurality of individual reaction areas, (b) location-resolved synthesis of nucleic acid fragments having in each case different base sequences in several of the individual reaction areas, and (c) detachment of the nucleic acid fragments from individual reaction areas.