Patent ID: 7858364
Filing Date: 2010-12-28
Classification: B01J,C07B,C07H,C07K,C40B,G01N

Abstract:
1. A polymer synthesis apparatus for building a polymer chain by sequentially adding polymer units in a reagent solution, said apparatus comprising: a head assembly having a plurality of nozzles mounted thereto in generally spaced-apart relation, each nozzle being coupled to a reservoir of liquid reagent for controlled delivery therethrough; a base assembly having at least one reaction well; a transport mechanism coupled to at least one of said head assembly and said base assembly to produce relative movement therebetween to position said reaction well and a selected one nozzle in alignment for deposition of a liquid reagent into said reaction well for synthesis of a polymer chain; and a sliding seal positioned between said head assembly and said base assembly forms a common chamber enclosing both said reaction well and said nozzles therein; wherein, each said nozzle terminates proximate a substantially planar bottom surface of said head assembly, and said base assembly includes a substantially planar top surface in opposed relation to said head bottom surface; and wherein, said sliding seal is provided by a balloon seal having one end affixed to one of said head bottom surface and said base top surface, and an opposite end in sliding contact with the other of said base top surface and said head bottom surface; wherein, said seal one end is mounted to said base bottom surface, and said seal opposite end is in sliding contact with said base top surface.