Abstract: A method and apparatus for nucleic acid synthesis. The method employs a device including at least one deprotection unit to carry out a step of deprotection, at least one coupling unit to carry out a step of coupling, at least one oxidation/thiolation unit to carry out a step of oxidation or thiolation, at least one capping unit to carry out a step of capping, and at least one washing unit to carry out a step of washing. A plurality of reaction vessels for nucleic acid synthesis are moved to the units in accord with a synthesis scheme for a desired nucleic acid sequence and at least two reaction vessels are simultaneously acted upon at several of the units in series.

Abstract: A system for synthesizing organic polymers utilizing one or more independent synthesizer elements of similar design configured to interconnect to one another for combined operations. The synthesizer module contains at least two small-cavity pumps in a symmetric valve and tubing arrangement for delivery, blending and/or recirculation of synthesis reagents. The synthesizer module allows it to operate independently to perform synthesis chemistry, or two or more modules can be combined.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing an oligonucleotide which comprises removing ?-eliminating phosphorus-protecting groups, in particular ?-cyanoethyl protective groups from a protected oligonucleotide, wherein said removing comprises contacting the protected oligonucleotide with an amine solution in a solvent which preferably does not consist of pyridine, wherein the conjugate acid of the amine has preferably a pKa of greater than 11.5, and wherein the concentration of the amine in the solution is less than 0.5 mole/liters.