Abstract: A chemical processing microsystem useful for identifying and optimizing materials (e.g., catalysts) that enhance chemical processes or for characterizing and/or optimizing chemical processes is disclosed. The chemical processing microsystem comprises a plurality of microreactors 600 and, in a preferred embodiment, a plurality of microseparators 900 integral with the chemical processing microsystem 10. The microreactors 600 are preferably diffusion-mixed microreactors formed in a plurality of laminae that include a modular, interchangeable candidate-material array 100. The material array 100 comprises a plurality of different candidate materials (e.g., catalysts), preferably arranged at separate, individually addressable portions of a substrate (e.g., wafer). The microseparators 900 are similarly formed in a plurality of laminae that include a modular, interchangeable adsorbent array 700.

Abstract: Computer programs and computer-implemented methods for monitoring the progress and properties of parallel chemical reactions. The invention repeatedly receives a measured value or values associated with the contents of each of a plurality of reactor vessels and displays the measured over the course of a combinatorial chemical reaction. Reaction parameters associated with individual reactor vessels are changed in response to the value measured during the reaction. Reaction parameters include temperature, pressure, stirring speed. The reaction occurring in one or more reactor vessels is quenched in response to values measured during the reaction. The measured values are used to calculate experimental results including temperature change, pressure change, percent conversion of starting material, and viscosity. The measured values and experimental results are displayed. In another aspect, the invention features a method for controlling a combinatorial chemical reactor.

Abstract: A reaction plate (10) comprising a welded plastics planar laminate consisting of an aperture plate (12) and a film (22), the aperture plate (12) having at least one planar surface and a plurality of apertures (14) in the planar surface of the apertured plate (12) and the film (22) being attached to the planar surface of the apertured plate (12) around the or each aperture (14) by welding. A method of forming such reaction plates (10) using diode laser welding. An apparatus for handling such reaction plates (10) including performing polymerase chain reactions (PCRs) or primer extensions therewith. The welding is preferably laser or transmission welding.

Abstract: Devices, methods and systems for low volume microarray processing are disclosed. The microarray devices preferably include a plurality of reactant sites on a reactant surface. The reactant sites include reactants that operate to capture one or more selected analytes that can then be detected based on an electromagnetic signal, e.g., fluorescence, that is emitted by each analyte in response to excitation energy incident on the microarray device. Mixing and/or distribution of the analyte sample over the reactant surface is accomplished by tilting the reactant surface such that the analyte sample flows over the reactant surface under the force of gravity. The tilting is performed such that a portion of the analyte sample accumulates in a bead along a first edge of the reactant surface. The reactant surface is then tilted in a different direction such that a portion of the analyte sample flows over the reactant surface and accumulates at a second edge.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a microfluidics device that can be used to prepare natural products and their analogs. The device comprises the enzymes of a biosynthetic pathway immobilized thereon and a means for sequentially directing a starting material and each ensuing reaction product to the enzymes of the biosynthetic pathway in the order corresponding to the steps of the biosynthetic pathway. The device can thus be used to prepare the natural product using the natural starting material of the biosynthetic pathway or analogs of the natural product using an unnatural starting material. Alternatively, artificial pathways can be created by immobilizing an appropriate selection of enzymes on the device in an order whereby each subsequent enzyme can catalyze a reaction with the product of the prior enzyme. Novel chemical entities can be prepared from these artificial pathways.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for use in solid-phase chemical synthesis procedures. The apparatus allows the separation of a cleaved product from the solid-phase used to make the product, and subsequent removal of the solid-phase from the apparatus. The apparatus allows the cleaved product to be concentrated within the apparatus without transfer to another device.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for conducting chemical reactions. The apparatus comprises a plurality of wells in a housing and a channel in the housing. The channel surrounds the plurality of wells and is adapted for filling with an amount of a fluid to form a convex meniscus extending above the top of the channel. In the method one or more liquid samples are placed in separate wells in a housing surface comprising a plurality of the wells. The volume of the liquid sample in each of the wells is sufficient to form a convex meniscus at the surface of each of the wells. The liquid samples are contacted with a plurality of arrays of chemical compounds. In one approach, the liquid samples are contacted with a substrate surface having a plurality of arrays of chemical compounds arranged on the substrate surface. Each of the arrays corresponds to a respective well in the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus for parallel processing of reaction mixtures, including a reactor block including reaction chambers for containing reaction mixtures under pressure, the reactor block further including a first sidewall, a second sidewall, and a first plurality of fluid flow paths providing fluid communication with the first sidewall and respective reaction chambers and the second sidewall and respective reaction chambers; a stirring system including a base plate defining a second plurality of flow paths, wherein respective flow paths of said second plurality of flow paths are in fluid communication with respective reaction chambers and respective fluid flow paths of said first plurality of flow paths, and the base plate also supports a plurality of stirring blade assemblies for mixing the reaction mixtures; interchangeable manifolds supported by the first sidewall and the second sidewall, the interchangeable manifolds defining a plurality of manifold inlet/outlet ports, wherein respective inlet/outlet ports of sa

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for synthesis of radiopharmaceutical products based on chemical reagents contained in bottles, said device comprising several reaction compartments, transfer means between said bottles and said reaction compartments as well as mechanical means acting on said transfer means and enabling to monitor and control mechanically the transfer of chemical reagents. The invention is characterized in that it comprises: a fixed module including at least the mechanical means; a removable and disposable module, essentially in the shape of a support, whereon are arranged the transfer means between said bottles and said reaction compartments, said removable and disposable module not including any mechanical means; and means for securing said removable and disposable module to said fixed module.

Abstract: A communication system for automatic synthesis apparatus is formed of an automatic synthesis apparatus and a computer connected to the automatic synthesis apparatus. The automatic synthesis apparatus has a reaction block to produce synthetic compounds along synthesis procedures, and an operation notification creation device for creating operation notification mails according to operating conditions in the synthesis procedures. The computer includes a per-operation transmission setting device for setting to the automatic synthesis apparatus as to whether transmissions of the operation notification mails along the synthesis procedures to the computer are performed or not, and an operation notification mail display device for displaying the operation notification mail. The operating conditions can be monitored by the operation notification mail display device as desired.

Abstract: A fine channel device for performing a chemical treatment or for producing fine particles, having the degree of integration of fine particles two-dimensionally and three-dimensionally and capable of supplying a liquid to all of the fine channels evenly and producing products in a large quantity, is provided, and a small-sized chemical plant capable of achieving a production quantity comparable to a conventional large-scale chemical plant comprising the fine channel device as a fundamental constituent factor, is provided.

Abstract: A microreactor includes a substrate having a porous bulk and at least one well formed in the substrate. The device can include a plurality of wells, where at least two of the plurality of wells have different structural properties, such as area of the well, depth of the well and porosity of the well. One or more portions of the well surface can be functionalized to produce desired properties, such as porosity. A method for forming microreactor devices includes the step of providing a substrate material having a porous open cell substrate core portion and removing discrete portions of the substrate to form at least one well in the substrate material. The removing step can include the process of laser ablation. A whole cell sensing device includes a substrate having a porous bulk, at least one well formed in the substrate, and at least one whole cell disposed in the well.

Abstract: A system for automated high-pressure synthesis and more particularly a high-pressure reactor assembly comprises a reaction block and a pressure manifold for the introduction of pressure to the reaction wells of a reaction block. The reactor includes one or more pressure resistant reaction wells or vessels disposed in the reaction block.

Abstract: The present invention relates to parallel reaction devices that include reaction blocks having arrays of reaction wells. Devices of the invention also typically include lids having arrays of protrusions disposed thereon, which protrusions axially align with the reaction wells, and/or attachment components that include hinges that permit lids to be removed from reaction blocks.

Abstract: The present invention relates to parallel reaction devices that include reaction blocks having arrays of reaction wells. Devices of the invention also typically include lids having arrays of protrusions disposed thereon, which protrusions axially align with the reaction wells, and/or attachment components that include hinges that permit lids to be removed from reaction blocks.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions that include triboelectrically chargeable nucleotide particles of less than 50 &mgr;m diameter and carrier particles. In one example, a substrate is selectively patterned with the compositions, e.g., by transfer from a selectively charged surface. The compositions can be used to synthesize nucleic acid arrays.

Abstract: A synthesis experiment automation system is provided with a robot, which transports synthesis reaction containers from a reaction container rack to a dispensing/separation position of a dispensing and separation device, and transports the synthesis reaction containers to a predetermined position in a temperature regulator unit of a reaction device, where a reaction is carried out under previously set experiment conditions; and with a computer, which controls the actions of the robot and the operations of the dispensing and separation device and the reaction device in accordance with a plurality of previously set experiment conditions. Accordingly, the synthesis experiment automation system is capable of simultaneously performing a plurality of different experiments as complex as those usually performed by researchers, and, moreover, has a large number of possible experiment operations, and can easily be improved and/or extended.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for synthesizing and transferring substances which are air-sensitive and/or moisture-sensitive and/or light-sensitive. The apparatus comprises at least three automatic valves, at least one primary pump, at least one manifold comprising at least two means for receiving said substances and at least one tubing system.

Abstract: A parallel chemical production system producing a desired product by operating a plurality of reactors in parallel. The fluidic properties of each of the reactors are identical to the properties of a test reactor employed to determine conditions for producing the product, to facilitate scaling up production. In one embodiment, the production system is configured such that at least one reactor is always offline for cleaning, servicing, and use as a backup. If sensors detect less than optimal conditions in any reactor, the reactor is taken offline and serviced, while a previously designated backup reactor is placed online to maintain continuous production. Another aspect involves arranging the reactors in a concentric configuration to facilitate equal fluid distribution.

Abstract: An apparatus for parallel processing of multiple reaction mixtures comprises a plurality of reactor vessels for holding reaction mixtures at pressures of at least about 15 psig. Cannula passages communicate with respective vessels, and a cannula is adapted to be inserted into each cannula passage. A sealing mechanism, comprising a valve and a seal, in each cannula passage maintains a respective vessel sealed when the cannula is inserted into and withdrawn from the cannula passage. A robot system is operable to insert the cannula to a location where a distal end and port of the cannula are past the open valve and seal, and to withdraw the cannula. Methods for transferring fluid reaction material to and from a series of pressurized vessels, establishing fluid communication between a cannula and a vessel of a combinatorial chemistry reactor and establishing fluid communication between a cannula and a series of pressurized vessels of a combinatorial chemistry reactor are also disclosed.

Abstract: A multiple parallel processing assembly has been developed. The assembly has (1) a plurality of vessels for containing material, each vessel having an open end and a fluid permeable end (2) a plurality of bottoms, each bottom having an open end and a closed end with the plurality being supported by a single first support plurality of vessels positioned within the plurality of bottoms; (3) a plurality of tops supported by a single second support with the plurality of tops engaged with the plurality of bottoms to form a plurality of sealed independent chambers; and (4) a plurality of fluid conduits in fluid communication with the chambers.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for synthesis and screening of materials are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, a parallel batch reactor for effecting chemical reactions includes a pressure chamber, an inlet port, two or more reaction vessels within the pressure chamber, and a reaction vessel cover. The inlet port is in fluid communication with the pressure chamber, and pressurizes the pressure chamber from an external pressure source. Each of the two or more reaction vessels are in isolatable fluid communication with the pressure chamber such that during a first pressurizing stage of operation, each of the two or more reaction vessels can be simultaneously pressurized through common fluid communication with the pressure chamber. In addition, during at least a second reaction stage of operation, each of the two or more pressurized reaction vessels can be isolated from each other by positioning the reaction vessel cover appropriately.

Abstract: Devices and methods for controlling and monitoring the progress and properties of multiple reactions are disclosed. The method and apparatus are especially useful for synthesizing, screening, and characterizing combinatorial libraries, but also offer significant advantages over conventional experimental reactors as well. The apparatus generally includes multiple vessels for containing reaction mixtures, and systems for controlling the stirring rate and temperature of individual reaction mixtures or groups of reaction mixtures. In addition, the apparatus may include provisions for independently controlling pressure in each vessel, and a system for injecting liquids into the vessels at a pressure different than ambient pressure. In situ monitoring of individual reaction mixtures provides feedback for process controllers, and also provides data for determining reaction rates, product yields, and various properties of the reaction products, including viscosity and molecular weight.

Abstract: Apparatus for evaluating catalysts, including a multicell holder, e.g., a honeycomb or plate, or a collection of individual support particles, is treated with solutions/suspensions of catalyst ingredients to produce cells, spots or pellets holding each of a variety of combinations of the ingredients, is dried, calcined or treated as necessary to stabilize the ingredients in the cells, spots or pellets, then is contacted with a potentially reactive feed stream or batch, e.g., biochemical, gas oil, hydrogen plus oxygen, propylene plus oxygen, CCl2F2 and hydrogen, etc. The reaction occurring in each cell can be measured, e.g., by infrared thermography, spectroscopic detection of products or residual reactants, or by sampling, e.g., multistreaming through low volume tubing, from the vicinity of each combination, followed by analysis, e.g., spectral analysis, chromatography, etc., or by observing temperature change in the vicinity of the catalyst, e.g.

Abstract: A process for simultaneously testing a plurality of catalysts using combinatorial chemistry has been developed. The process involves containing the plurality of catalysts in an array of parallel reactors with each reactor containing a bed of catalyst. Each bed of catalyst is then simultaneously contacted, at reaction conditions, with a reactant to form an effluent of each reactor. The reactant or an inert fluid is at a space velocity sufficient to fluidize the catalyst beds. Each of the effluents is analyzed.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices, systems, and methods of manifolding or distributing materials to and/or from reaction wells of multiple reaction blocks. Materials are distributed through multiple surfaces of reaction blocks without exposing reaction well contents to external environments. The invention further provides reaction block carriers to array multiple reaction blocks for use in the manifolding devices and systems.

Abstract: A reactor for evaporating liquid feed and reacting said feed in the presence of catalyst to make product comprises a housing having at least one inlet and at least one outlet and encasing an evaporation zone and a reaction zone, an injector passing through the inlet and having an orifice in the evaporation zone for introducing a liquid feed, an insert containing packing for vaporizing the liquid feed where the packing is in the evaporation zone, a receptacle for retaining catalyst in the reaction zone and at least one heater associated with at least a portion of the reactor, wherein the injector orifice and the packing define a gap between the orifice and the packing sufficiently small to interfere with the formation of a drop at the orifice.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for synthesis and screening of materials are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, a parallel batch reactor for effecting chemical reactions includes a pressure chamber, an inlet port, and two or more reaction vessels within the pressure chamber. The inlet port is in fluid communication with the pressure chamber, and is used for pressurizing the pressure chamber from an external pressure source. Each of the two or more reaction vessels are in isolatable fluid communication with the pressure chamber such that during a first pressurizing stage of operation, each of the two or more reaction vessels can be simultaneously pressurized through common fluid communication with the pressure chamber. In addition, during at least a second reaction stage of operation, each of the two or more pressurized reaction vessels can be isolated from each other.

Abstract: Devices and methods for controlling and monitoring the progress and properties of multiple reactions are disclosed. The method and apparatus are especially useful for synthesizing, screening, and characterizing combinatorial libraries, but also offer significant advantages over conventional experimental reactors as well. The apparatus generally includes multiple vessels for containing reaction mixtures, and systems for controlling the stirring rate and temperature of individual reaction mixtures or groups of reaction mixtures. In addition, the apparatus may include provisions for independently controlling pressure in each vessel, and a system for injecting liquids into the vessels at a pressure different than ambient pressure. In situ monitoring of individual reaction mixtures provides feedback for process controllers, and also provides data for determining reaction rates, product yields, and various properties of the reaction products, including viscosity and molecular weight.

Abstract: Parallel semi-continuous or continuous reactors are disclosed. The parallel reactors preferably comprise four or more reaction vessels. The reaction vessels are preferably small volume reaction vessels, preferably pressure reaction vessels, and/or preferably integral with a common reactor block. The reaction vessels can comprise shaft-driven stirrers. At least two, preferably at least three or at least four liquid feed lines can provide selective fluid communication between each of the reaction vessels and one or more liquid reagent sources. Additional features, suitable in connection with parallel reactors or with single reaction vessels are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for manipulating the flow of gases into and out of a microfluidic circuit to regulate pressure within the circuit or to provide for the delivery of gases to or removal of gases from the circuit. Pressure within the microfluidic circuit may be increased or decreased to modify physical or chemical properties of fluid within the circuit, or to modify reaction kinetics. Gaseous reactants may be added to the circuit, and reaction products or excess reactant gases may be removed the circuit according to the invention. Warm or cool air or other gas may be flowed over liquid reactants within the circuit to perform a warming or cooling function. Various biochemical reactions or processes, including for example polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and ligand-receptor binding, may be performed with the use of the inventive method and system.

Abstract: This invention provides an apparatus for rapidly heating and/or cooling a sample in a reaction vessel. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes optics for the efficient detection of a reaction product in the vessel. The invention also provides a reaction vessel having a reaction chamber designed for optimal thermal conductance and for efficient optical viewing of reaction products in the chamber.

Abstract: Twelve reaction vessels (2) in two parallel rows are attached to a switch block (401). The switch block (401) comprises a reaction block (403) and twelve slide plates (404), which are arranged within it and which can be adjusted between an open position, a closed position and a further position. In the open position, access in straight line to the associated reaction vessel (2) is possible whereas in the closed position, the corresponding reaction vessel (2) is closed in a pressure-tight manner by the switch block (401). In the case of a positive pressure or depression in the reaction vessel (2), the corresponding slide plate (404) is pressed by this positive pressure or depression against the reaction block (403) or is drawn onto it. By means of this switch block (401), it is also possible to carry out processes in which high positive pressures are present in the reaction vessels (2).

Abstract: The invention relates to a mount for a container, e.g., a cell culture flask or a reactor with supply connections, for instance a bioreactor, that is chiefly designed for treatment in a rolling cabinet or in a chamber having rolling devices. The device has one or several locating elements for containers or reactors and an outlet form capable of rolling. This makes it possible to treat a container or reactors not capable of rolling in the rolling cabinet. An appropriate form of the mount makes it possible to rotate the mount in additional spatial directions during treatment in the rolling cabinet. The reactor can be supplied with liquid media and the temperature can be adjusted inside the mount.

Abstract: Multiple parallel chemical reactions are performed under pressure in a reactor including a multi-row array of reaction vessels situated between a temperature control base and a fluid flow manifold. The manifold consists of an input portion connected to the fluid supply by a five-way valve and a distribution portion which includes separate parallel distribution channels, one for each row of reaction vessels. A control valve for each distribution channel is interposed between the manifold portions such that the fluid flow to each row of reaction vessels can be independently controlled. An explosion proof transparent shield can be situated between the base and manifold, surrounding the reaction vessels. The interior of the shield can be flooded with inert gas.

Abstract: The base of the modular reactor includes a frame which defines an opening into which one of a plurality of interchangeable reaction vessel carrying inserts can be removeably received. Each insert has an array of recesses adapted to receive a different number of reaction vessels of different sizes. The recesses are positioned such that all arrays are suitable for use with a standard automated liquid handier. The frame has fluid flow channels for regulating the temperature of the lower portions of the vessels. A temperature control module can be received over the base to regulate the temperature of the upper portions of the vessels for reflux reactions. The corner radii of the insert and frame opening cooperate to permit the insert to be received in the frame in only one orientation. The walls of the insert are inclined to facilitate removal by a friction fit tool.

Abstract: The invention relates to a metal model pressurized reaction vessel for conducting chemical reactions at different pressures, comprising a bowl-shaped bottom part (1) and a soldered lid (2). According to the invention, the outer lid edge (2b) is shaped as a joint edge running parallel to the outer edge of the bowl-shaped bottom part. The lid (2) and the bowl-shaped bottom part (1) are soldered only on the outer edge.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing radionuclides which generally includes a reaction vessel and a block. The reaction vessel includes a test tube and a cover secured to a top portion of the test tube. The cover defines at least one opening for receiving an input tube therethrough such that raw materials, reagents, gases and products can be introduced into or removed from the test tube. The block defines a vessel receptacle, an upper temperature changing means and a lower temperature changing means. The vessel receptacle defines an upper zone and a lower zone and is configured to receive the reaction vessel therein in a manner such that an upper zone space is defined between an exterior of the reaction vessel and an inner wall of the vessel receptacle in the upper zone. Likewise, a lower zone space is defined between an exterior of the reaction vessel and inner wall of the vessel receptacle in the lower zone.

Abstract: A synthetic strategy for the creation of large scale chemical diversity. Solid-phase chemistry, photolabile protecting groups, and photolithography are used to achieve light-directed spatially-addressable parallel chemical synthesis. Binary masking techniques are utilized in one embodiment. A reactor system, photoremovable protective groups, and improved data collection and handling techniques are also disclosed. A technique for screening linker molecules is also provided.

Abstract: Microwells, which are open on both sides and are arranged two-dimensionally in a microwell matrix (4), are hermetically closed by pressure on both sides using plugs (6) covered with a sealing sheet (11). A layer of elastic material (9), which is arranged between the plug (6) and the sealing sheet (11), guarantees uniform pressure on all the microwells of a microwell matrix (4) which is loosely held by a frame structure (1). Continuous peripheral elevations (2), which protrude in both directions at right angles to the plane of the microwell matrix (4), ensure that the deformable thin layer of elastic material (9) does not escape sideways between the plug (6) and the microwell matrix (4) during the pressing process. A plurality of microwell matrices (4) are held simultaneously by the frame structure (1) and are hermetically closed by a corresponding number of allocated plugs (6), which are fastened to a base plate (7) and a cover plate (8), respectively.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method to charaterize an array of polymeric materials comprising: deposition wettable, preferably unsilanizable material, onto a substrate which is preferably silanizable, in at least 10 regions, thereafter contacting the substrate with a non-wettable material, preferably an organosilane agent, thereby rendering the substrate non-wettable, preferably silanizing the substrate, but not the wettable, preferably unsilanziable, material in Raid regions, optionally, partially or completely removing the wettable, preferably unsilanziable, material, depositing at least 10 polymeric materials onto said regions, and characterizing the materials.

Abstract: A device and methods for performing biological or chemical analysis is provided. The device includes an array of three-dimensional microcolumns projecting away from a support plate. Each microcolumn has a relatively planar, first surface remote from the support plate. An array of multiple, different biological materials may be attached to the first surface. The device, when used in combination with existent micro-titer well plates, can improve efficiency of binding assays using microarrays for high-throughput capacity.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for controlling atmospheric characteristics inside a chamber. An apparatus comprises a mechanism for diffusively introducing pressurized gas into the apparatus, an outlet element in fluid communication with the mechanism, and a chamber in fluid communication with the outlet element. The outlet element and the chamber are disposed such that gas flow therethrough is substantially uniform. The chamber comprises a gas outlet and the outlet element comprises a plurality of openings. The apparatus may be employed in the manufacture of biopolymers on the surface of a support such as an array of biopolymer features on the support.

Abstract: A method for carrying out parallel reactions in a reactor having a plurality of individual reaction chambers under elevated pressure, in which the chambers are filled in parallel or series with liquid and/or solid reactants, the chambers are sealed using a common seal, subsequently pressurized and the reaction is carried out. An individual lid with a plurality of self-closing openings is used as the seal for the chambers, at least one opening being assigned to each chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polymer synthesizers and methods of using polymer synthesizers. For example, the present invention provides highly efficient, reliable, and safe synthesizers that find use, for example, in high throughput and automated nucleic acid synthesis. The present invention also relates to synthesizer arrays for efficient, safe, and automated processes for the production of large quantities of polymers.

Abstract: A multiple parallel catalytic reactor assembly has been developed. The assembly has (1) a plurality of vessels for containing catalyst, each vessel having an open end and a fluid permeable end (2) a plurality of bottoms, each bottom having an open end and a closed end with the plurality being supported by a single first support plurality of vessels positioned within the plurality of bottoms; (3) a plurality of tops supported by a single second support with the plurality of tops engaged with the plurality of bottoms to form a plurality of sealed independent reaction chambers; (4) a plurality of first fluid conduits in fluid communication with the reaction chambers, and (5) a plurality of second fluid conduits in fluid communication with the reaction chambers.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for rapid screening of potential reactants, catalysts, or associated process conditions. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of providing a reaction substrate having at least one substrate reservoir and introducing a reactant system at least partially embodied in a liquid into the substrate reservoirs. The reactant system is heated to at least one predetermined temperature. A flow of inert gas is provided through a manifold above the substrate reservoir. The reaction in the substrate reservoir can be monitored, e.g., visually or spectrophotometrically during the course of the reaction, or the reaction substrate block can be rapidly cooled to stop the reaction in the substrate reservoir prior to analysis.

Abstract: Fluidic methods and devices for conducting parallel chemical reactions are disclosed. The methods are based on the use of in situ photogenerated reagents such as photogenerated acids, photogenerated bases, or any other suitable chemical compounds that produce active reagents upon light radiation. The present invention describes devices and methods for performing a large number of parallel chemical reactions without the use of a large number of valves, pumps, and other complicated fluidic components. The present invention provides microfluidic devices that contain a plurality of microscopic vessels for carrying out discrete chemical reactions.

Abstract: A high throughput oligonucleotide synthesizer is described that includes masks for selectively deblocking of oligonucleotide synthesis sites and the simultaneous addition of reagents to all wells of the plate. The synthesizer includes a multi-well plate, each well of which contains a substrate for oligonucleotide synthesis. The use of masks expedites oligonucleotide synthesis by allowing for rapid delivery of reagents to all wells simultaneously.

Abstract: A synthetic strategy for the creation of large scale chemical diversity. Solid-phase chemistry, photolabile protecting groups, and photolithography are used to achieve light-directed spatially-addressable parallel chemical synthesis. Binary masking techniques are utilized in one embodiment. A reactor system, photoremovable protective groups, and improved data collection and handling techniques are also disclosed. A technique for screening linker molecules is also provided.