Abstract: A reaction vessel and method of identifying a ligand having affinity for a target molecule are disclosed. The reaction vessel includes a first member defining a first chamber, the first chamber including an organic solvent and a plurality of reactants which form a combinatorial library of products; a second member defining a second chamber, the second chamber including a target molecule and an aqueous solvent immiscible in the organic solvent; and a semipermeable membrane separating the contents of the first chamber from the contents of the second chamber, wherein said semipermeable membrane is permeable to one or more products of the combinatorial library of products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a combinatorial library which includes a plurality of at least six different complexes. Each of the complexes is formed of at least one complexing agent and at least two non-biopolymer ligands that are reversibly bonded to the complexing agent, and each different complex in the library has different ligands bonded to the complexing agent. Compositions that include these combinatorial libraries and receptors are also disclosed, as are methods for identifying a combination of non-biopolymer ligands which bind preferentially to a receptor. Methods for producing the combinatorial libraries are also described. The combinatorial libraries, compositions, and methods of the present invention permit the selection and amplification of non-biopolymeric molecules which are targeted to a particular receptor, where the selection and amplification criteria are based strictly on differences in binding affinity to a receptor.

Abstract: A reaction vessel and method of identifying a ligand having affinity for a target molecule are disclosed. The reaction vessel includes a first member defining a first chamber, the first chamber including an organic solvent and a plurality of reactants which form a combinatorial library of products; a second member defining a second chamber, the second chamber including a target molecule and an aqueous solvent immiscible in the organic solvent; and a semipermeable membrane separating the contents of the first chamber from the contents of the second chamber, wherein said semipermeable membrane is permeable to one or more products of the combinatorial library of products.