Abstract: A method for synthesizing and screening oligonucleotides on a solid substrate. The method provides for the irradiation of a first predefined region of a substrate comprising immobilized nucleotides on its surface, without irradiation of a second predefined region of the substrate. The irradiation step removes a protecting group from the immobilized nucleotides. The substrate is contacted with a first nucleotide to couple the nucleotide to the immobilized nucleotides in the first predefined region without coupling in the second predefined region. At least a part of the first predefined region and at least a part of the second predefined region are subjected to further irradiation. The substrate is contacted with a second nucleotide, which couples to the immobilized nucleotides in at least part of the first and at least part of the second predefined regions. By repeating these steps, an array of diverse oligonucleotides is formed on the substrate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preparation of a substrate containing a plurality of sequences. Photoremovable groups are attached to a surface of a substrate. Selected regions of the substrate are exposed to light so as to activate the selected areas. A monomer, also containing a photoremovable group, is provided to the substrate to bind at the selected areas. The process is repeated using a variety of monomers such as amino acids until sequences of a desired length are obtained. Detection methods and apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for synthesizing oligonucleotides on a solid substrate. The method provides for the irradiation of a first predefined region of the substrate without irradiation of a first predefined region of the substrate. The irradiation of a second predefined region of the substrate. The irradiation step removes a protecting group therefrom. The substrate is contacted with a first nucleotide to couple the nucleotide to the substrate in the first predefined region. By repeating these steps, an array of diverse oligonucleotides is formed on the substrate.

Abstract: A technique for the synthesis of arrays of diverse polymers such as polypeptides and nucleic acids. The technique beneficially utilizes solid-phase chemistry techniques. Preferred embodiments utilize photolabile protecting groups, and photolithography. The technique forms polymers with monomer sequences and locations determined by the order of addition of monomers and the activation patterns formed on the substrate.

Abstract: Polypeptide arrays can be synthesized on a substrate by attaching photoremovable groups to the surface of a substrate, exposing selected regions of the substrate to light to activate those regions, attaching an amino acid monomer with a photoremovable group to the activated regions, and repeating the steps of activation and attachment until polypeptides of the desired length and sequences are synthesized. The resulting array can be used to determine which peptides on the array can bind to a receptor.