Abstract:
A solid phase synthesis system including one or more reaction vessels, one or more structural unit chemical dispensing units, one or more synthesis chemical dispensing units, and a controller is provided. The arrangement of the reaction vessels, dispensing units and corresponding fluid interconnections restricts cross-contamination within the system. The controller facilitates automated or semi-automated production of various organic compounds. Associated software including varying command structures may be provided to facilitate ease in programming and automating of the synthesis system.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/748,113 filed on Dec. 6, 2005, and entitled “AUTOMATED SOLID PHASE SYNTHESIS SYSTEMS AND METHODS”, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The present invention relates generally to the synthesis of organic compounds using sequential solid phase chemistry synthesis. More particularly, the present invention relates to an automatable system for use in the synthesis of various organic compounds using solid phase chemical synthesis techniques and methods relating thereto.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     There are many instances where it is desirable to synthesize an organic compound of a desired structure. For example, it is often desirable to synthesize peptides, polynucleotides, polysaccharides and other organic compounds in a specific sequence. However, synthesizing such organic compounds in a specific sequence can be troublesome due to the reactivity of various portions of the reactants used in the synthesis. With respect specifically to peptides, it may be difficult to synthesize peptides of a desired sequence due to the reactivity of the amino acid functional groups and terminal ends.  
         [0004]     One approach to synthesizing peptides and other organic compounds is solid phase chemical synthesis (“solid phase synthesis”). In this approach, one end of a structural unit chemical (e.g., an amino acid) is bound to a solid phase support (e.g., an insoluble resin). The non-bonded end may be bonded to another structural unit chemical, with various intervening rinses and deprotection steps, to create an organic compound. These processes may be repeated as desired until an organic compound of a desired structure is produced.  
         [0005]     For example, to create a peptide using solid phase synthesis, the carboxyl terminus of an amino acid may be covalently bonded to an insoluble solid support, such as a resin, while the amine terminus of the amino acid is left “unprotected” to react with an incoming amino acid. The incoming amino acid generally includes a “protecting” agent bonded to the amine terminus and/or functional group to restrict the amine terminus and/or functional group from reacting with the bonded amino acid. Thus, the carboxyl terminus of the incoming amino acid may react with the amine terminus of the supported amino acid to form the desired peptide. After reaction, the amine terminus of the peptide is deprotected with a deprotection agent so that it may react with the carboxyl terminus of a second incoming amino acid. A solvent may be used to wash away excess reagents while the synthesized peptide remains attached to the insoluble support. This approach may be repeated as desired to create peptides of a defined sequence and length. Similar solid phase synthesis techniques may also be utilized in the synthesis of other organic compounds, such as polynucleotides and polysaccharides, to name a few.  
         [0006]     Solid phase synthesis of peptides has traditionally been accomplished using Boc and Fmoc chemistry. Boc chemistry includes the use of t-butyloxycarbonyl chloride (tBocCl) or t-butyloxycarbonyl azide (tBocN 3 ), collectively referred to herein as “Boc”, as the protection agent for the amine group. Boc chemistry generally requires the use of weakly acidic fluids, such as tetrafluoroacetic acid (“TFA”) to deprotect the peptide (i.e., to remove Boc from the amine terminus of the peptide), and the use of strongly acidic fluids (e.g., hydrofluoric acid) to cleave the synthesized peptide from the insoluble support. Peptide synthesis systems utilizing Boc chemistry may require special materials, plumbing and/or environmental precautions to facilitate use of strongly acidic solutions. Various peptide synthesis systems using solid phase synthesis techniques and Boc chemistry are known, including those described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,531,258 to Merrifield et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,192,798 to Verlander et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,362,699 to Verlander et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,746,490 to Saneii, U.S. Pat. No. 4,748,002 to Neimark et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,362,447 to Nokihara and PCT Publication No. WO90/02605 to Morten et al., each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.  
         [0007]     Fmoc chemistry generally includes the use of 9-fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl (“Fmoc”) to protect the amine terminus of incoming amino acids during peptide synthesis. Fmoc chemistry is desirable in that a basic fluid (e.g., piperidine) may be utilized to deprotect the peptide (i.e., to remove Fmoc from the amine terminus of the peptide) and a weakly acidic fluid (e.g., TFA) may be used to cleave the synthesized peptide from the insoluble support. Thus, the use of Fmoc chemistry enables the use of less corrosive solvents during peptide synthesis. Various peptide synthesis systems using solid phase synthesis techniques and Fmoc chemistry are known, including those described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,362,699 to Verlander et al. and PCT Publication No. WO90/02605 to Morten et al.  
         [0008]     Other reagents may also be used during solid phase peptide synthesis. For example, one or more coupling reagents, such as dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (“DCC”), N-hydroxybenzotriazole (“HOBt”), 2-(6-Nitro-1-oxy-benzotriazol-3-yl)-1,1,3,3-tetramethyluronium hexafluorophosphate (“NBTU”), and N,N-Diisopropylethylamine (“DIEA”) may be utilized to increase the reactivity of the carboxyl terminus of the incoming amino acid. Also, various solvents, including 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (“NMP”), dichloromethane (“DCM”), and ethanol (“EtoH”) may be used to wash the peptide and any intermediates, and to remove excess reagents from the reaction chamber and chemical delivery lines. Similar chemicals may be used in the synthesis of other organic compounds. Thus, a wide variety of chemicals may be utilized during solid phase synthesis.  
         [0009]     Various systems exist for supplying solid phase synthesis chemicals to a reaction vessel. In systems where the chemicals are directed into the reaction vessel using shared line(s), the flow of numerous chemicals through such systems can result in cross contamination of these chemicals. Moreover, the liquid measurement techniques utilized during solid phase synthesis needs to be sufficiently accurate. Such cross contamination and/or a low dispensing accuracy can result in undesired reactions, by-products and low yield.  
         [0010]     Automating the delivery of the numerous chemicals can be a non-trivial task as multiple components may require controlled operation and/or various processes may have to be monitored to ensure that the synthesis is proceeding in the appropriate manner. A computer can be utilized to assist in automating the solid phase synthesis, but the preparation of associated software is also non-trivial due to the relatively infinite number of organic compounds (e.g., peptide, polynucleotide and polysaccharide sequences) that can be produced.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0011]     In view of the foregoing, one objective of the present invention is to provide automated solid phase synthesis with reduced or no cross-contamination. Another object of the present invention is to provide for accurate dispensing of chemicals (e.g., amino acids, reagents, solvents, etc.) used during solid phase synthesis. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide for flexible control of automated solid phase synthesis. Yet another object of the present invention is to automate or semi-automate the production of chemicals utilized in solid phase synthesis.  
         [0012]     One or more of these objects may be achieved by the inventive solid phase synthesis system and methods of the present invention. In one aspect of the invention, a solid phase synthesis system includes a reaction vessel, a structural unit chemical dispensing unit, a synthesis chemical dispensing unit, and a controller. The structural unit chemical dispensing unit may be fluidly interconnectable to the reaction vessel via a first fluid interconnection line, and the synthesis chemical dispensing unit may be fluidly interconnectable to the reaction vessel via a second fluid interconnection line, the second fluid interconnection line being fluidly isolated from the first fluid interconnection line. The reaction vessel may be adapted to receive structural unit chemicals and synthesis chemicals. In one embodiment, the reaction vessel is adapted to operate at or near atmospheric pressure (e.g., from about 0.5 atm to about 2.5 atms). The controller may be communicably interconnectable to the structural unit chemical dispensing unit and the synthesis chemical dispensing unit, the controller being operable to send signals to control delivery of structural unit chemicals and synthesis chemicals. In one embodiment, the controller may be operable to control delivery of structural unit chemicals from the structural unit chemical dispensing unit to the reaction vessel via the first fluid interconnection line. In a related embodiment, the controller may be operable to control delivery of synthesis chemicals from the synthesis chemical dispensing unit to the reaction vessel via the second fluid interconnection line.  
         [0013]     The structural unit chemical dispensing unit may include a plurality of containers, each of the containers being adapted to contain structural unit chemicals (e.g., amino acids, nucleotides, saccharides, etc.). The structural unit chemical dispensing unit may include a multi-position valve, which includes a plurality of inlet ports and an outlet port, with the inlet ports being fluidly interconnected to a corresponding one of the plurality of containers. The structural unit chemical dispensing unit may include a pump, which may be fluidly interconnectable to the outlet port of the multi-position valve and the first fluid interconnection line. Thus, the structural unit chemical dispensing unit may be operable to dispense a plurality of structural unit chemicals to the reaction vessel. The structural unit chemical dispensing unit may further include a controllable thermal unit operable to control a temperature of the structural unit chemicals within the plurality of containers. One or more of the multi-position valve, the pump and the controllable thermal unit may be communicably interconnectable to the controller, where the controller is operable to send signals to control one or more of the multi-position valve, the pump and the controllable thermal unit.  
         [0014]     The synthesis chemical dispensing unit may include at least one container, which is adapted to contain a synthesis chemical (e.g., non-structural unit chemicals, such as reagents or solvents). The synthesis chemical dispensing unit may include at least one pump fluidly interconnectable to the at least one container. The at least one pump may also be fluidly interconnectable to the second fluid interconnection line, where the pump is operable to dispense synthesis chemicals from the at least one container to the reaction vessel via the second fluid interconnection line. The at least one pump may be communicably interconnectable to the controller, and the controller may be operable to send signals to control the pump.  
         [0015]     Thus, as the first and second fluid lines may be fluidly isolated from one another, the solid phase synthesis system may be operable to deliver a plurality of structural unit chemicals and synthesis chemicals to the reaction vessel, wherein such structural unit chemicals and synthesis chemicals are fluidly isolated from one another prior to entering the reaction vessel, thereby restricting cross-contamination of such chemicals. Moreover, utilizing the controller with such dispensing units and/or reaction vessel enables the automated or semi-automated operation of the solid phase synthesis system.  
         [0016]     The pump of the structural unit chemical dispensing unit and/or the synthesis chemical dispensing unit may be any pump adapted to dispense fluids to the reaction vessel via the first fluid interconnection line. In one arrangement, the pump comprises a syringe adapted to dispense liquid volumes of from about 25 microliters to about 50 milliliters and with a dispensing precision of at least about 2 microliters for every milliliter dispensed. Thus, in this arrangement, the structural unit chemical dispensing unit and/or the synthesis chemical dispensing unit may be operable to dispense chemicals to the reaction vessel with a relatively high accuracy, thereby obviating the need for flow meters or other measurement devices within such dispensing units and/or fluid interconnection lines. Eliminating such measurement devices is advantageous because the synthesis system can be operated without feedback from the valves and/or pumps.  
         [0017]     In one arrangement, the structural unit chemical dispensing unit includes a rinsing container fluidly interconnectable to the pump. The rinsing container may be adapted to include a rinsing solution. In one embodiment, the pump may be operable to dispense the rinsing solution in the rinsing container to the reaction vessel via the first fluid interconnection line and the multi-position valve. Thus, the structural unit chemical dispensing unit may be able to cleanse the multi-position valve and/or the fluid interconnection lines, thereby further restricting cross-contamination.  
         [0018]     The synthesis chemical dispensing unit may comprise any of the components discussed above in relation to the structural unit chemical dispensing unit. In one embodiment, the synthesis chemical dispensing unit comprises a pump fluidly interconnectable to a plurality of containers, said containers comprising one of a solvent and a reagent. In another embodiment, the synthesis chemical dispensing units may comprise a multi-position valve arrangement, as discussed above in relation to the structural unit chemical dispensing unit, to facilitate the provision of a plurality of reagents and/or solvents from the synthesis chemical dispensing unit. In this embodiment, the synthesis chemical dispensing unit may also comprises a rinsing container fluidly interconnectable to the pump, as described above in relation to the structural unit chemical dispensing unit.  
         [0019]     The solid phase synthesis system may include one or more reaction vessels, one or more structural unit chemical dispensing units, and/or one or more synthesis chemical dispensing units, with each of such reaction vessels and/or dispensing units including any of the above described components. In one arrangement, the solid phase synthesis system includes a first and second reaction vessel, a structural unit chemical dispensing unit, and first, second and third synthesis chemical dispensing units. In this arrangement, the solid phase synthesis may also include a controller communicably interconnectable to any one of the first and/or second reaction vessels, the structural unit dispensing unit and/or the first, second and/or third synthesis chemical dispensing units to control the operation of such reaction vessels and dispensing units.  
         [0020]     In this arrangement, the first reaction vessel may be fluidly interconnectable to the structural unit chemical dispensing unit via a first fluid interconnection line. The first reaction vessel may be fluidly interconnectable to the first synthesis chemical dispensing unit and the second synthesis chemical dispensing unit via second and third fluid interconnection lines, respectively. The second fluid interconnection line may be fluidly isolated from the first fluid interconnection line and the third fluid interconnection line. Additionally, the third fluid interconnection line may be fluidly isolated from the first fluid interconnection line. Thus, the first, second, and third fluid interconnection lines may be fluidly isolated from one another, thereby restricting cross-contamination between such dispensing units.  
         [0021]     Further in this arrangement, the first synthesis chemical dispensing unit may be operable to dispense a first set of synthesis chemicals to the first reaction vessel via the second fluid interconnection line. The second synthesis chemical dispensing unit may be operable to dispense a second set of synthesis chemicals to the reaction vessel via the third fluid interconnection line. In one embodiment, the first set of synthesis chemicals comprises a first coupling agent and a first solvent. In a related embodiment, the second set of synthesis chemicals comprises a second coupling agent and a second solvent. Thus, the solid phase synthesis system may be operable to provide a plurality of coupling agents and solvents to the reaction vessel with restricted or no cross-contamination between the coupling agents and/or the structural unit chemicals.  
         [0022]     Further in this arrangement, the second reaction vessel may be adapted to contain a solid phase support and be fluidly interconnectable to the first reaction vessel via a fourth fluid interconnection line. The second reaction vessel may be fluidly interconnectable to the third synthesis chemical dispensing unit via a fifth fluid interconnection line, this fifth fluid interconnection line being fluidly isolated from the first, second, and third interconnection lines. The third synthesis chemical dispensing unit may be operable to dispense a third set of synthesis chemicals to the second reaction vessel via this fifth fluid interconnection line. In one embodiment, the third set of synthesis chemicals comprises a deprotection agent and a third solvent. In another embodiment, the third set of synthesis chemicals comprises a cleaving agent and a third solvent. Thus, the solid phase synthesis system is operable to deliver a plurality of solvents to the second reaction vessel between subsequent couplings to rinse the produced organic compound prior to coupling with a structural unit chemical, thereby restricting undesired side reactions. Also, the solid phase synthesis system is operable to deliver a deprotection agent to the second reaction vessel, separate from the delivery of the coupling agent, thereby restricting cross-contamination between the deprotection agent and coupling agent reactions. Additionally, the first and/or second reaction vessels may be rinsed with solvents while the other reaction vessel is coupling and/or deprotecting, respectively, thereby increasing production rates.  
         [0023]     In one arrangement, the solid phase synthesis system includes a chemical solution synthesis unit, the chemical solution synthesis unit including a dispenser and an in-unit conveyor. The dispenser may be adapted to dispense selected amounts of chemical to one or more containers. The in-unit conveyor may be adapted to move the containers from a first position to a second position, wherein in the first position the container may be adapted to receive chemicals from the dispenser. In one aspect, the dispenser may comprise a motorized unit and a syringe adapted for engagement therewith, wherein the dispenser may be adapted to dispense selected quantities of solid-phase chemical to one or more containers. In one embodiment, the in-unit conveyor may include a turntable and/or robotic elements for moving the containers to and/or from the first position.  
         [0024]     In one aspect, the chemical solution synthesis unit may include a measurer adapted to measure an amount of chemical dispensed from the dispenser to a container or containers. In one embodiment, the measurer comprises a tarable (i.e., capable of being tared) electric scale. In another embodiment the measurer comprises an electronic and/or optical sensor adapted to detect an amount of fluid contained in the container.  
         [0025]     In a further aspect, the chemical solution synthesis unit may include an agitator adapted to agitate chemicals contained in the dispenser. In one embodiment, the agitator is adapted to physically agitate chemicals in the dispenser (e.g., via a rotatable arm adapted to physically and repeatedly impact the side of the container). In another embodiment the agitator may comprise a stir rod. In another embodiment, the agitator is adapted to agitate the chemical within the dispenser via electronic, optic and/or magnetic means (e.g., via heating or otherwise exciting such chemicals via electromagnetic means).  
         [0026]     The controller may also be communicably interconnectable to the chemical solution synthesis unit. In one embodiment, the controller is communicably interconnectable to the dispenser and the in-unit conveyor and is operable to send signals to the dispenser and the in-unit conveyor to control the dispenser and in-unit conveyor. In a related embodiment, the controller may be communicably interconnectable to the agitator to control the operation of the agitator. In one embodiment, the controller is communicably interconnectable to and operable to receive signals from the measurer, thereby enabling the controller to calculate an amount of chemical dispensed from the dispenser. Thus, in this arrangement the solid phase synthesis system may be operable to automatically or semi-automatically produce chemicals (e.g., structural unit chemicals and/or synthesis chemicals) that may be utilized by the solid phase synthesis system (e.g., by a structural unit chemical dispensing unit and/or a synthesis chemical dispensing unit), thereby increasing productivity of the system.  
         [0027]     The chemical solution synthesis unit may include any number of dispensers and conveyors to enable automated or semi-automated production of chemicals. In one arrangement, the chemical solutions synthesis unit includes a first dispensing unit, a second dispensing unit, a global conveyor, and a source chemical array. The first dispensing unit may include any of the above described dispenser, in-unit conveyor, agitator, and/or measurer. The second dispensing unit may also include any of the above described dispenser, in-unit conveyor, agitator, and/or measurer.  
         [0028]     In a particular embodiment, the first dispensing unit includes a first dispenser adapted to dispense selected amounts of solid phase chemical into the containers. The second dispensing unit includes a second dispenser adapted to dispense a selected amount of liquid phase chemical into the containers for mixing with the solid phase chemical dispensed from the first dispenser, thereby enabling the production of one of a structural unit chemical and a synthesis chemical. The produced structural unit chemical may be employed by the structural unit chemical dispensing unit. The produced synthesis chemical may be employed by the synthesis chemical dispensing unit. In one embodiment, the first position corresponds to the first dispenser, and the second position corresponds to the second dispenser, wherein the in-unit conveyor is adapted to position the containers from the first position to the second position. Thus, the chemical solution synthesis unit may be operable to produce chemicals utilizable by the solid phase synthesis system.  
         [0029]     The source chemical array may include a plurality of chemicals, each of these plurality of chemicals being contained in a separate one of a plurality receptacles. These plurality of chemicals may be employable to produce structural unit chemicals and/or synthesis chemicals. Moreover, the receptacles may be adapted for engagement with a dispenser of a dispensing unit. In one arrangement, the dispenser may comprise a motorized unit and the plurality of receptacles may comprise syringes adapted for engagement with the motorize unit. In one embodiment, each of the syringes includes a pre-determined amount of one of the plurality of chemicals. Thus, the chemical solution synthesis unit may be operable to provide chemicals to the dispenser to enable the production of other chemicals that may be utilized by the solid phase synthesis system. In one embodiment, the global conveyor may be adapted to convey selected ones of the plurality of receptacles from the source chemical array to at least a first dispensing unit. The conveyor may also be adapted to remove spent ones of the receptacles from at least the first dispensing unit.  
         [0030]     In another embodiment, the global conveyor may be adapted to convey the containers from a first and/or second dispensing unit to one or more of the structural unit chemical dispensing unit and/or the synthesis chemical dispensing unit. In a related embodiment, the global conveyor may be adapted to convey the containers from the first dispensing unit to the second dispensing unit (e.g., to enable mixing of a solid phase chemical dispensable from the first dispensing unit with a liquid phase chemical dispensable from the second dispensing unit). Thus, the solid phase synthesis system may be operable to automate production of chemicals utilizable in a solid phase synthesis system.  
         [0031]     In related embodiment, the controller may be communicably interconnectable to the global conveyor, wherein the controller is operable to send signals to control the conveyor (e.g., to control positioning of the containers, such as to and/or from any of the dispensing units of the chemical solution synthesis unit, the structural unit chemical dispensing unit and/or the synthesis chemical dispensing unit). In one embodiment, the controller may be operable to control the chemical solution synthesis unit in parallel with the control of at least one of the structural unit chemical dispensing unit and the synthesis chemical dispensing unit.  
         [0032]     As noted, the solid phase synthesis system may include one or more electronically controllable pumps, one or more electronically controllable valves, containers adapted to contain structural unit chemicals and synthesis chemicals, and one or more reaction vessels. To further facilitate automation of the solid phase synthesis system, the solid phase synthesis system may include software and corresponding hardware adapted to interface with such components.  
         [0033]     More particularly, and in one aspect, the solid phase synthesis system may include a command routine, a processor, a translation routine, and an interface. The command routine may include a plurality of higher-level commands arranged in a preselected order, each of these higher-level commands including one or more lower-level commands also arranged in a preselected order, these lower-level commands including instructions corresponding to a least one of activating a pump and positioning a valve. The processor may be operable to execute the command routine. The translation routine may be executable by the processor to translate the lower-level commands to electronic signals. The interface may be operable to direct the electronic signals to the one or more controllable pumps and the one or more controllable valves in order to operate the one or more controllable pumps and the one or more controllable valves in accordance with the command routine, thereby directing preselected amounts of structural unit chemicals and/or synthesis chemicals from containers to a reaction vessel in a preselected order. In one embodiment, the arrangement of the valves and pumps within the reaction system is such that feedback from the reaction system is not required to operate the system. Thus, a command routine may be executable without feedback from the solid phase synthesis system.  
         [0034]     In one arrangement, the lower-level commands may include parameters and these parameters may include information identifying a particular pump or valve included in the solid phase synthesis system. In one embodiment, the lower-level commands may include a delay command associated with delaying the time between execution of prior and subsequent lower-level commands.  
         [0035]     In another arrangement, each of the higher-level commands may include one or more intermediate level commands arranged in a preselected order, wherein the intermediate level commands include one or more of the lower-level commands. In one embodiment, at least one of the intermediate level commands does not include any lower-level commands and such intermediate level commands include instructions corresponding to at least one of activating a pump and positioning a valve.  
         [0036]     Thus, the solid phase synthesis system via the controller provides a flexible system that enables the quick and efficient synthesis of nearly infinite organic compounds of a desired structure in an automated fashion. More particularly, since a higher level command may reference a plurality of intermediate level and/or lower level commands, a variety of higher number commands can be efficiently prepared simply by referencing one or more intermediate level and/or lower level commands. Moreover, since the intermediate level commands may include a plurality of lower level commands that translate to specific operations of the system, a variety of intermediate level commands can be efficiently prepared simply by referencing one or more lower level commands. Thus, a command routine can be prepared by placing a series of higher level commands in a preselected order without requiring the programming of specific parameters for each desired synthesis, thereby decreasing programming time and increasing productivity.  
         [0037]     In one arrangement, the interface may be interconnectable with a general purpose computer, and the interface may include an RS-232 interface. Further, the command routine may be executable by the general purpose computer. In a related embodiment, the command routine may be specified within a spreadsheet program on the general purpose computer. In another related embodiment, the command routine may further include a set page comprising user-defined names and reaction system functions corresponding with these user-defined names. Thus, the solid phase synthesis system may be easily programmable to facilitate production of nearly infinite organic compounds.  
         [0038]     Associated methods are also included within the scope of the present invention. More particularly, a method of controlling a solid phase synthesis system is provided, the solid phase synthesis system including one or more controllable pumps, one or more controllable valves, containers adapted to contain structural unit chemicals and synthesis chemicals, and one or more reaction vessels. The method includes executing a command routine, the command routine including a plurality of higher-level commands arranged in a preselected order, each of the higher-level commands corresponding to one or more lower-level commands arranged in a preselected order, the lower-level commands including instructions corresponding to at least one of activating a pump and positioning a valve. The method further includes translating at least the lower-level commands to electronic signals, and directing these electronic signals via an interface to one or more controllable pumps and one or more controllable valves to operate the one or more controllable pumps and one or more controllable valves in accordance with the command routine to direct preselected amounts of structural unit chemicals and synthesis chemicals from the containers to a reaction vessel in a preselected order. The method may further include the step of receiving a user-defined name and associating this user-defined name with one an intermediate-level and/or lower-level command.  
         [0039]     In another aspect, a method of producing an organic compound of a desired structure is provided, the method including the steps of executing a command to direct a first quantity of a structural unit chemical to a first reaction vessel via a first fluid interconnection line and executing a command to direct a first quantity of a synthesis chemical to the first reaction vessel via a second fluid interconnection line, the second fluid interconnection line being fluidly isolated from the first fluid interconnection line. The method further includes the steps of executing a command to direct this first quantity of structural unit chemical and this first quantity of synthesis chemical to a second reaction vessel via a third fluid interconnection line, and executing a command to direct a second quantity of structural unit chemical to the first reaction vessel via the first fluid interconnection line. The method further includes the step of executing a command to direct a second quantity of synthesis chemical to the second reaction vessel via a fourth fluid interconnection line, this fourth fluid interconnection line being fluidly isolated from both the first and second fluid interconnection lines.  
         [0040]     In one embodiment, the method may further include the step of executing a command to direct a third quantity of synthesis chemical to the first reaction vessel after the step of executing a command to direct the second quantity of structural unit chemical to the first reaction vessel step. The method may further include the step of executing a command to direct the second quantity of synthesis chemical out of the second reaction vessel after the step of executing a command to direct the second quantity of a synthesis chemical to the second reaction vessel step. The method may further include the step of executing a command to direct the second quantity of structural unit chemical to the second reaction vessel via the third fluid interconnection line after the step of executing a command to direct a second quantity of the structural unit chemical to the first reaction vessel step.  
         [0041]     Additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the further description provided hereinbelow. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0042]      FIG. 1  is a schematic view of one embodiment of a synthesis system useful in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0043]      FIG. 2  is a schematic view of one embodiment of a reaction unit and associated connections of the synthesis system of  FIG. 1 .  
         [0044]      FIG. 3  is a schematic view of one embodiment of structural unit chemical dispensing unit and associated connections of the synthesis system of  FIG. 1 .  
         [0045]      FIG. 4  is a schematic view of one embodiment of a pump and associated connections of the structural unit chemical dispensing unit of  FIG. 3 .  
         [0046]      FIG. 5  is a is a schematic view of one embodiment of a synthesis chemical dispensing unit and associated connections of the synthesis system of  FIG. 1 .  
         [0047]      FIG. 6  is a schematic view of one embodiment of a controller and associated connections of the synthesis system of  FIG. 1 .  
         [0048]      FIG. 7  is a schematic view of one embodiment of instructions of the controller of  FIG. 6 .  
         [0049]      FIG. 8  illustrates one embodiment of a command routine of the instructions of  FIG. 7 , including a lower level command screen, an intermediate level command screen, and a higher level command screen view.  
         [0050]      FIG. 9  illustrates a screen view of one embodiment of a lower level command screen associated with another command routine.  
         [0051]      FIG. 10  illustrates a screen view of one embodiment of a lower level command screen associated with another command routine.  
         [0052]      FIG. 11  illustrates a screen view of one embodiment of a set-up screen associated with a command-routine.  
         [0053]      FIG. 12  illustrates one embodiment of a synthesis system useful in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0054]      FIG. 13   a  illustrates a schematic view of one embodiment of a synthesis system including a chemical solution synthesis unit.  
         [0055]      FIG. 13   b  illustrates a schematic view of one embodiment of the chemical solution synthesis unit of  FIG. 13   a.    
         [0056]      FIG. 13   c  illustrates a schematic view of one embodiment of a first dispensing unit of the chemical solution synthesis unit of  FIG. 13   b.    
         [0057]      FIG. 13   d  illustrates a side view of one embodiment of a first dispensing unit of  FIG. 13   b.    
         [0058]      FIG. 13   e  illustrates one embodiment of chemical being dispensed from the first dispensing unit of  FIG. 13   d.    
         [0059]      FIG. 13   f  is one embodiment of a second dispensing unit of the chemical solution synthesis unit of  FIG. 13   b.    
         [0060]      FIG. 14  is one controller interconnection embodiment in accordance with the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0061]     Reference is now made to the accompanying drawings, which at least assist in illustrating various pertinent features of the present invention. Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a synthesis system  1  useful in accordance with the present invention is illustrated. The synthesis system  1  generally includes a reaction system  10  and a controller  400  communicably interconnectable to various portions of the reaction system  10  via one or more controller connection cable(s)  410 . The reaction system includes a reaction unit  100 , a structural unit chemical dispensing unit  200 , and a synthesis chemical dispensing unit  300 . The structural unit chemical dispensing unit  200  may be operable to dispense structural unit chemicals (e.g., amino acids, nucleotides, etc.) to the reaction unit  100 , and may be upstream of and fluidly interconnectable to the reaction unit  100  via a first interconnection line  210 . The synthesis chemical dispensing unit  300  may be operable to dispense synthesis chemicals (e.g., reagents and/or solvents) to the reaction unit  100 , and may be upstream of and fluidly interconnectable to the reaction unit  100  via a second fluid interconnection line  310 . The first and second fluid interconnection lines  210 ,  310  may be fluidly isolated from one another. Fluidly isolating the first and second fluid interconnection lines  210 ,  310  from one another assists in restricting cross-contamination between the synthesis chemicals and the structural unit chemicals.  
         [0062]     The controller  400  may be communicably interconnectable to the structural unit chemical dispensing unit  200  and the synthesis chemical dispensing unit  300  via the controller connection cable(s)  410 . The controller  400  may also be communicably interconnectable to the reaction unit  100  via the controller connection cable(s)  410 . As discussed in further detail below, the controller  400  may be operable to send signals to control the structural unit chemical dispensing unit  200 , the synthesis chemical dispensing unit  300 , and/or the reaction unit  100 . For example, the controller  400  may send signals to the structural unit chemical dispensing unit  200  and/or the synthesis chemical dispensing unit  300  and/or the reaction unit  100  to control the sequential delivery of structural unit chemicals and/or synthesis chemicals to the reaction unit  100  and/or to control operation of the reaction unit  100  to synthesize various organic compounds (e.g., peptides, polynucleotides, etc.). As is discussed in further detail below, control software may be utilized with the controller  400  to facilitate flexible and automated or semi-automated organic compound synthesis.  
         [0063]     As noted, the controller connection cable(s)  410  may communicably interconnect the controller  400  to the reaction system  10 . The controller connection cable(s)  410  may, for example, be an electrically conductive cable including one or more electrically conductive wires/lines or may be an optical cable including one or more optic fibers. In other embodiments, the controller  400  may communicate with the reaction system  10  or particular components thereof without the controller connection cable(s)  410 , such as by wireless communication (e.g., via wireless radio frequency or over-the-air optical).  
         [0064]     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , the reaction unit  100  may include a reaction vessel  120  downstream of and fluidly interconnectable to the first and second fluid interconnection lines  210 ,  310 . The reaction vessel  120  may, for example, be a vessel designed for operation at near atmospheric pressures (e.g., between 0.5 atm and 2.5 atms). The reaction vessel  120  may also be interconnected to an agitation source  130 , such as a stir rod, for agitating the contents of the reaction vessel  120  to increase mass transfer and reaction kinetics within the reaction vessel  120 . The agitation source  130  may include a motor  132  for providing motive force to the agitation source  130 , and may be communicably interconnectable to the controller  400  via, for example, the controller connection cable(s)  410 .  
         [0065]     The reaction unit  100  may also include a sensor  140  for determining the status of the reaction within the reaction vessel  120 . For example, the sensor  140  may comprise an optical sensor adapted to project light into the reaction medium within the reaction vessel  120 , such as, for example, an optical sensor capable of projecting ultraviolet light and determining the status of a chemical reaction using absorption or florescence spectroscopy. In other embodiments, the sensor  140  may comprise an electrical sensor adapted to test the conductance of the reaction medium to determine the status of the chemical reaction. The controller  400  may be communicably interconnected to the sensor  140 , via, for example, the controller connection cable(s)  410 , to control such sensor  140  and/or provide signals thereto and/or receive signals therefrom (e.g., absorption readings).  
         [0066]     The reaction unit  100  may further include a controllable thermal unit  160 . The controllable thermal unit  160  may be interconnected to the reaction vessel  120  to provide thermal energy thereto. For example, the controllable thermal unit  160  may be adapted to increase or decrease the temperature of the reaction vessel  120  (e.g., by electrically heating or refrigerating the reaction vessel  120 ). The controller  400  may be communicably interconnected to the controllable thermal unit  160 , via, for example, the controller connection cable(s)  410 , to control such unit  160  and/or provide signals thereto and/or receive signals therefrom (e.g., temperature readings).  
         [0067]     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , the structural unit chemical dispensing unit  200  may include a plurality of containers  220  (e.g., containers  220   i - 220   n ) fluidly interconnectable to a multi-position valve  230 , which may be fluidly interconnectable to a pump  240 . The structural unit chemical dispensing unit  200  may also include a rinsing solution container  250  fluidly interconnectable to the pump  240 . The pump  240  may be fluidly interconnected to the reaction unit  100  via the first fluid interconnection line  210 . A controllable thermal unit  260  may be interconnected to the plurality of containers  220 . Each of the multi-position valve  230 , pump  240 , and controllable thermal unit  260  may be communicably interconnected to the controller  400  via, for example, the controller connection cable(s)  410 .  
         [0068]     The plurality of containers  220  may each include a structural unit chemical for use in creating organic compounds (e.g., amino acids for creating peptides, nucleotides for creating polynucleotides, etc.). The containers  220  may often include differing structural unit chemicals, but in some circumstances may include an equivalent structural unit chemical. As used herein, the term “structural unit chemical” refers to any chemical that acts as a structural unit for an organic compound. For example, amino acids are the structural unit chemicals for peptides, nucleotides are the structural unit chemicals for polynucleotides, and saccharides are the structural unit chemicals for polysaccharides. Other structural unit chemicals will be evident to those skilled in the art.  
         [0069]     The plurality of containers  220  may be fluidly interconnected to the multi-position valve  230  via multi-position valve interconnection lines  225  (e.g., lines  225   i - 225   n ). The multi-position valve  230  may be any valve adapted to receive structural unit chemicals from the plurality of containers  225 . The multi-position valve  230  may be further adapted to dispense one of the structural unit chemicals through the valve  230  and to the pump  240  via a pump interconnection line  235 . In this regard, the multi-position valve may include a plurality of input ports (e.g., “n” input ports) and at least one output port. In one embodiment, the multi-position valve  230  is an electrically controllable rotary valve. The multi-position valve  230  may also be communicably interconnected to the controller  400  via controller connection cable(s)  410 , and may be controllable by the controller  400  to automate delivery of structural unit chemicals therethrough.  
         [0070]     The pump  240  may be fluidly interconnected to the multi-position valve  230  via the pump interconnection line  235 . The pump  240  may also be fluidly interconnectable to the rinsing solution container  250  via a rinsing solution interconnection line  245 . The pump  240  may be further fluidly interconnectable to the first fluid interconnection line  210 . More particularly and with reference to  FIG. 4 , the pump  240  may comprise a pump valve  244  fluidly interconnectable to each of the pump interconnection line  235 , the rinsing solution interconnection line  245 , and the first fluid interconnection line  210 . The pump valve  244  may be further fluidly interconnectable to a liquid dispenser, such as an automated syringe  242 . The pump valve  244  and/or syringe  242  may be controllable by the controller  400  to automate delivery of chemicals.  
         [0071]     In operation and with reference to  FIGS. 1, 3  and  4 , when the pump valve  244  is in an appropriate orientation, fluids from either the multi-position valve  230  or the rinsing solution container  250  may be drawn into the syringe  242  during retraction of a plunger of the syringe  242 . Subsequently, the pump valve  244  may be moved to another orientation, wherein fluids contained in the syringe  242  may be dispensed to the reaction unit  100  via the first fluid interconnection line  210 .  
         [0072]     In one embodiment and with reference to  FIGS. 1, 3  and  4 , the pump  240  may be employed to dispense structural unit chemicals to the reaction unit  100 . In this embodiment, the multi-position valve  230  and the pump valve  244  may first be positioned to enable flow of a selected structural unit chemical from one of the plurality of containers  220 , through a corresponding multi-position valve interconnection line  225 , multi-position valve  230 , pump interconnection line  235 , pump valve  244  and into the syringe  242  as the plunger of the syringe  242  is retracted. Subsequently, the pump valve  244  may be moved to another position, and the structural unit chemical contained in the syringe  242  may be dispensed to the reaction unit  100  via the first fluid interconnection line  210  as the plunger of the syringe  242  is advanced.  
         [0073]     In another embodiment, the pump  240  may be employed to dispense a rinsing solution through the first fluid interconnection line  210  and into the reaction unit  100 . In this embodiment, the pump valve  244  may be positioned to enable a rinsing solution (e.g., a solvent) from the rinsing solution container  250  to flow through the pump valve  244  and into the syringe  242  as the plunger of the syringe  242  is retracted. Subsequently, the pump valve  244  may be moved to another position, and the rinsing solution contained in this syringe  242  may be dispensed through the first fluid interconnection line  210  into the reaction unit  100  as the plunger of the syringe  242  is advanced. Use of a rinsing solution enables both the first fluid interconnection line  210  and the reaction unit  100  to be rinsed of previously used structural unit chemicals, which helps to reduce cross-contamination.  
         [0074]     In a related embodiment, the pump  240  may further be employed to rinse the pump interconnection line  235 , multi-position valve  230  and/or a multi-position valve interconnection line  225 . In this embodiment, the pump valve  244  may be positioned to enable a rinsing solution from the rinsing solution container  250  to flow through the pump valve  244  and into the syringe  242  as the plunger of the syringe  242  is retracted. Subsequently, the pump valve  244  and multi-position valve  230  may be oriented to enable flow of the rinsing solution from the syringe  242  to and through at least a portion of the pump interconnection line  235  as the plunger of the syringe  242  is advanced. In a particular embodiment, the rinsing solution from the syringe  242  flows through at least the pump interconnection line  235  and the multi-position valve  230  so that the multi-position valve  230  and pump interconnection line  235  may be rinsed. In this regard, plunger advancement may cease prior to pushing chemicals within such multi-position valve  230  and/or pump interconnection line  235  into the corresponding container  220 .  
         [0075]     The rinsing solution container  250  may be any container adapted to contain a rinsing solution and interconnect with rinsing solution interconnection line  245 . The rinsing solution may be any chemical (e.g., a synthesis chemical) adapted to rinse/cleanse various portions of the structural unit chemical dispensing unit  200  and/or the reaction unit  100  and/or the first fluid interconnection line  210 . The fluid interconnection lines (e.g., lines  225 ,  234 ,  245  and  210 ) may comprise suitable tubing adapted to flow structural unit chemicals and synthesis chemicals therethrough.  
         [0076]     The controllable thermal unit  260  may be utilized to heat or cool any of the containers  220  of the structural unit chemical dispensing unit  200 . Additionally, the controllable thermal unit  260  may include any of the features of the controllable thermal unit  160  referenced in  FIG. 2 , and may be controllable by controller  400 .  
         [0077]     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , the synthesis chemical dispensing unit  300  may include containers  320  (e.g.,  320   i - 320   m ) fluidly interconnectable to a pump  340 , which may be fluidly interconnectable to the second fluid interconnection line  310 . The synthesis chemical dispensing unit  300  may also include a controllable thermal unit  360  adapted to control the temperature of one or more of the containers  320 . A controller  400  ( FIG. 1 ) may be communicably interconnectable to the pump  340  and the controllable thermal unit  360 , for example, via the controller connection cable(s)  410 .  
         [0078]     The containers  320  may each include a synthesis chemical for use in synthesizing organic compounds. Often the containers  320  may include differing synthesis chemicals, but in some circumstances may include the same synthesis chemical. As used herein, the term “synthesis chemical” refers to a chemical other than structural unit chemicals, such as reagents (e.g., coupling agents, deprotection agents, cleaving agents) and solvents. Suitable synthesis chemicals for peptide, polynucleotide, and polysaccharide synthesis, to name a few, are known in the art.  
         [0079]     The pump  340  may be fluidly interconnectable to each of the containers  320  via pump interconnection lines  325  (e.g.,  325   i - 325   m ). The pump  340  may also be fluidly interconnectable to the reaction unit  100  ( FIG. 1 ) via the second fluid interconnection line  310 . The pump  340  may include any of the features/components described above in relation to the pump  240  referenced in  FIGS. 3 and 4 . For example, the pump  340  may comprise a syringe and a pump valve (not shown) operable to sequentially dispense the synthesis chemicals from the containers  320  to the reaction unit  100 . The pump  340  may also be interconnected to the containers  320  via a multi-position valve and/or a rinsing container, such as described above in reference to the structural unit chemical dispensing unit  200 .  
         [0080]     The syringes  242 ,  342  utilizable in the structural unit chemical dispensing unit  200  and/or synthesis chemical dispensing unit  300  may be any commercially available syringe adapted for integration with the structural unit chemical dispensing unit  200  and/or the synthesis chemical dispensing unit  300 . In one embodiment, one or more of the syringes  242 ,  342  is adapted to dispense liquid volumes of from about 25 microliters to about 50 milliliters. In one embodiment, the syringes  242 ,  342  have a related precision of at least about ±2 microliters for every milliliter dispensed, more preferably of at least about ±1 micoliter for every milliliter dispensed, even more preferably of at least about ±0.5 microliter for every milliliter dispensed, and even more preferably of at least about ±0.1 microliter for every milliliter dispenses. The ability to dispense such liquid volumes with such precision may obviate the need for flow meters within any fluid interconnection lines.  
         [0081]     The controllable thermal unit  360  of the synthesis chemical dispensing unit  300  may be utilized to heat or cool any of the containers  320  of the synthesis chemical dispensing unit  300 . Additionally, the controllable thermal unit may include any of the features of the controllable thermal unit  160  referenced in  FIG. 2 , and may be controllable by controller  400 .  
         [0082]     As noted above and with reference to  FIG. 1 , the synthesis system  1  may also include a controller  400 , which may be adapted to send signals to one or more reaction units  100 , one or more structural unit chemical dispensing units  200 , and/or one or more synthesis chemical dispensing units  300 . One embodiment of a controller  400  useful in accordance with the present invention is illustrated in  FIG. 6 . The controller  400  comprises a computer  420 , which may include a processor  430  interconnectable to a data storage device  440  and an interface  460 . The data storage device  440  may include instructions  450  adapted to be processed by the processor  430  and communicated to portions of the reaction system  10  via the interface  460  and controller connector cable  410 . More particularly, the instructions  450  may include one or more executable routines adapted to automate the reaction system  10 . For example and with reference to  FIG. 7 , the instructions  450  may include a command routine  452  and a translation routine  454 .  
         [0083]     The command routine  452  may include a plurality of higher level, intermediate level and/or lower level commands, each arranged in a preselected order. The higher level commands may be associated with general operations of a reaction system (e.g., dispense a structural unit chemical, soak a reaction vessel, deprotect a structural unit chemical, etc.). Each higher level command may include a plurality of intermediate level commands that are more particular to the desired operation of the system.  
         [0084]     For example, an intermediate level command may be related to specific operations of the various valves, pumps, sensors, thermal units and agitators, to name a few. For example, the intermediate level commands may be associated with one of: positioning a valve (e.g., opening, closing or rotating a valve), activating or deactivating a pump (e.g., operating a pump in a first and/or second and/or other directions), activating or deactivating an agitator, activating or deactivating a thermal unit, and/or activating or deactivating a sensor, to name a few. The intermediate level commands may also include a time delay between two or more operations and may include parameters including information identifying a specific pump, valve, agitator, thermal unit, sensor and the like.  
         [0085]     In other embodiments, an intermediate level command may include a plurality of lower level commands that are associated with specific actions of the various components of the reaction system  10  (e.g., specific valves, pumps, sensors, thermal units and agitators). For example, each lower level command may be associated with one of: positioning a valve (e.g., opening, closing or rotating a valve), activating or deactivating a pump (e.g., operating a pump in a first and/or second and/or other directions), activating or deactivating an agitator, activating or deactivating a thermal unit, and/or activating or deactivating a sensor, to name a few. The lower level commands may also include a time delay between two or more operations and may include parameters including information identifying a specific pump, valve, agitator, thermal unit, sensor and the like.  
         [0086]     One embodiment of an exemplary command routine structure is illustrated in  FIG. 8 . The command routine  452  comprises a plurality of higher-level commands  462 , as illustrated in the right-hand window  453  of  FIG. 8 . Each of the higher level commands  462  comprise intermediate level commands  464 , as illustrated in the middle window  454  of  FIG. 8 . Each of the intermediate level commands  464  comprises lower level commands  466 , as illustrated in the left-hand window  455  of  FIG. 8 . Underlying operating code (e.g., VISUAL BASIC, Microsoft Corp., Redmond, Wash., U.S.A.) may be utilized to execute the higher, intermediate and lower level commands  462 ,  464 ,  466  in the preselected order.  
         [0087]     As the command routine  452  is initiated, the first command of the higher level commands  462  is executed, which calls one or more intermediate level commands  464 , which in turn may call one or more lower level commands  466 , which, as is discussed in further detail below, are translated to electronic signals and communicated to the reaction system  10 . For example, in the illustrated embodiment the higher level command  462  “SOAK” references a plurality of intermediate level commands  464  “Precharge DCM SOAK”, “CHARGE”, “STIRRER ON”, etc., each of which may reference lower level commands  466 . In the illustrated embodiment, the intermediate level command  464  being referenced is “CHARGE”, which references the lower level commands  466  “PUMP(1,AC1,ON)”, “1:00”, and “PUMP(1,AC1,OFF), which combination of lower level commands corresponds to turning on a certain pump for 1 minute and then turning off that certain pump. Another example of an intermediate level command/lower level command  464 / 466  relationship is provided in  FIG. 9 , which illustrates the lower level commands  466  included in a “BLOWDOWN” intermediate level command  464 . The “BLOWDOWN” intermediate level command  464  references the lower level commands  466  “PUMP(1,AC3,ON)”, “1:00”, and “PUMP(1,AC3,OFF)”, which combination of lower level commands corresponds to turning on a certain pump for 1 minute and then turning that certain pump off. Yet another example of an intermediate level command/lower level command  464 / 466  relationship is provided in  FIG. 10 , which illustrates the lower level commands  466  included in a “STIR3MIN” intermediate level command  464 . The “STIR3MIN” intermediate level command references the lower level commands  466  “STIRRER ON”, “3:00”, “STIRRER OFF”, which combination of lower level commands corresponds to turning an agitator (e.g., a stir rod) on for 3 minutes and then turning that agitator off. As shown in  FIG. 8 , an indicator  467  may be utilized in relation to any of the higher level, intermediate level, and/or lower level commands  462 ,  464 ,  466  to indicate that a specific command has been completed.  
         [0088]     The command structure provided in the command routine  452  provides a flexible software system that enables the quick and efficient synthesis of nearly infinite organic compounds in an automated fashion. That is, since a higher level command  462  may reference a plurality of intermediate level commands  464 , a variety of higher number commands  462  can be efficiently prepared simply by referencing one or more intermediate level commands  464 . Moreover, since the intermediate level commands  464  may include a plurality of lower level commands  466  that translate to specific operations of the system, a variety of intermediate level commands  464  can be efficiently prepared simply by referencing one or more lower level commands  466 . Thus, a command routine  452  can be prepared by placing a series of higher level commands  462  in a preselected order without requiring the programming of specific parameters for each desired synthesis.  
         [0089]     Although the command routine  452  has been described in relation to a higher level, intermediate level and lower level command  462 - 466  structure, the command routine  452  may include only higher and lower level commands  462 ,  466 . Additionally, the command routine  452  may include any number of levels between the higher level commands  462  and lower level commands  466  in addition to the intermediate level commands  464  to assist in facilitating command routine preparation.  
         [0090]     In a further related embodiment, the command routine  452  may further include a set-up page, wherein a user may relate any of the intermediate and/or lower level commands  464 ,  466  to a specific operation of the reaction system  10 . For example, a user can define any operation that can be performed by the reaction system (e.g., open valve) by name and that name can be used by any of the higher level, intermediate level or lower level commands  462 - 466  to operate the system. One embodiment of an exemplary set-up page is illustrated in  FIG. 11 , where user-defined names  472  are located in a first column and associated reaction system functions  474  are coded in a second column. Corresponding underlying code (e.g., VISUAL BASIC) may be utilized to correspond such coded functions  474  to the user-defined names  472 . Thus, a user can define/assign a reaction system  10  function in a more user-friendly manner to facilitate programming of the command routine  452 .  
         [0091]     Referring again to  FIG. 7 , the translation routine  454  may be operable to translate the lower level commands  466  to electronic signals. For example, the translation routine  454  may be operable to translate an “open valve” instruction to a specific electronic signal. The translation routine  454  may communicate this electronic signal to the interface  460 , which may communicate the electronic signal to the reaction system  10  via the controller connector cable  410 , which may cause the specified valve to be opened. The translation routine  454  may be any known routine adapted to translate instructions from the command routine to electronic signals. For example, the translation routine may comprise WINWEDGE software (Tal Technologies, Inc., Philadelphia, Pa., United States of America).  
         [0092]     Referring again to  FIG. 6 , the interface  460  may be any interface adapted to communicate the signals from the translation routine to electronic signals that are sent to the reaction system  10 . For example, the interface  460  may comprise a serial port and an RS-232 interface, which interconnects with one or more controller connector cable(s)  410 .  
         [0093]     The interface  460  may be communicatively connected to the various portions of the reaction system  10  in serial and/or in parallel. For example, the interface  460  may be communicatively connected to a first pump via the controller interconnection cable(s)  410 , and to a second pump via a second cable interconnected to the first pump, wherein a RS-232 protocol is utilized to communicate between the controller and the first pump, and a RS-485 or similar protocol is utilized to communicate between the second pump and the first pump.  
         [0094]     The computer  420  may be any computer adapted to process instructions and translate those instructions to signals to control the reaction system  10  ( FIG. 1 ). In one embodiment, the computer  420  is a general use computer adapted to execute the instructions using an operating system (e.g., WINDOWS, APPLE, UNIX, LINUX, etc.). In a related embodiment, at least of a portion of the instructions (e.g., the command routine) is specified within a spreadsheet program (e.g., EXCEL, Microsoft Corp., Redmond, Wash., U.S.A.) and/or database program (e.g., ACCESS, Microsoft Corp., Redmond, Wash., U.S.A.) compatible with the generic operating system of the computer  420 .  
         [0095]     Another exemplary system for synthesizing organic compounds according to the present invention is illustrated in  FIG. 12 . The system  1000  includes a first reaction unit  100   a,  which may be fluidly interconnectable to a structural unit chemical dispensing unit  200  via a first fluid interconnection line  210  for receiving structural unit chemicals therefrom. The structural unit chemical dispensing unit  200  may include any of the features described above in relation to the structural unit chemical dispensing unit  200  of  FIGS. 3-4 . Moreover, although only one structural unit chemical dispensing unit  200  is illustrated, more than one structural unit chemical dispensing unit  200  could be included within the system  1000 .  
         [0096]     The first reaction unit  100   a  may further be fluidly interconnectable to a first synthesis chemical dispensing unit  300   a  via a second fluid interconnection line  310  and to a second synthesis chemical dispensing unit  300   b  via a third fluid interconnection line  315  for receiving synthesis chemicals therefrom. For example, the first synthesis chemical dispensing unit  300   a  may be operable to dispense one of a first reagent (e.g., a first coupling agent) and/or a first solvent and/or other synthesis chemicals to the first reaction unit  100   a  via the second fluid interconnection line  310 . The second synthesis chemical dispensing unit  300   b  may be operable to dispense one of a second reagent (e.g., a second coupling agent) and/or a second solvent and/or other synthesis chemicals to the first reaction unit  100   a  via the third fluid interconnection line  315 .  
         [0097]     The first reaction unit  100   a  may further be fluidly interconnectable to a second reaction unit  100   b  via a fourth fluid interconnection line  110  and a corresponding valve  112  (e.g., a solenoid valve). When the valve  112  is open, fluids may flow from the first reaction unit  100   a  to the second reaction unit  100   b,  and when the valve  112  is closed, fluids are restricted from flowing from the first reaction unit  100   a  to the second reaction unit  100   b.  In this regard, a nitrogen (N 2 ) or other inert gas source  113  may be interconnectable to the reaction unit  100   a  to assist in effecting fluid transfer between the first reaction unit  100   a  and second reaction unit  100   b.  The first and second reaction units  100   a,    100   b  may include any of the features described above in relation to the reaction unit  100  of  FIG. 2 .  
         [0098]     The second reaction unit  100   b  may also be fluidly interconnectable to a third synthesis chemical dispensing unit  300   c,  via a fifth fluid interconnection line  395 , for receiving synthesis chemicals therefrom. For example, the third synthesis chemical dispensing unit  300   c  may be operable to dispense one of a third reagent (e.g., a deprotection agent) and/or a third solvent and/or other synthesis chemicals to the second reaction in  100   b  via the fifth fluid interconnection line  395 . The first, second, and third synthesis chemical dispensing units (i.e., units  300   a,    300   b,  and  300   c,  respectively), may include any of the features described above in relation to the synthesis chemical dispensing unit  300  of  FIG. 5 . The first, second, third, and fifth fluid interconnection lines (i.e., lines  210 ,  310 ,  315 , and  395 , respectively) may be fluidly isolated from one another so as to facilitate the reduction of possible cross-contamination between the various chemicals contained in the various dispensing units.  
         [0099]     As noted, the reaction system  1000  includes two separate reaction units  100   a  and  100   b.  Utilizing two different reaction units enables the separation of the coupling reactions from the deprotection reactions, which further assists in reducing the possibility of cross-contamination and/or undesired side reactions with the reaction system  1000 . Moreover, utilizing two different reaction units also enables concurrent deprotection of the structural unit chemical (e.g., a peptide in the second reaction unit) and activation of the incoming structural unit chemical (e.g., an amino acid in the first reaction unit), which assists in reducing overall synthesis time and increases production rates.  
         [0100]     The second reaction unit  100   b  may further be fluidly interconnectable to a waste unit  500  via a waste interconnection line  510  and a corresponding valve  114  (e.g., a solenoid valve). When the valve  114  is open, fluids in the second reaction unit  100   b  may flow to the waste unit  500 , and when the valve  114  is closed, fluids in the second reaction unit  100   b  are restricted from flowing to the waste unit  500 . In this regard, a nitrogen (N 2 ) or other inert gas source  115  may be interconnectable to the second reaction unit  100   b  to assist in effecting fluid transfer between the second reaction unit  100   b  and the waste unit  500 . The nitrogen sources  113 ,  115  may be different sources or a single source and may share interconnection lines or have fluidly isolated lines.  
         [0101]     One embodiment of operating the exemplary synthesis system of  FIG. 12  is now described in reference to peptide synthesis. In this regard, the structural unit chemical dispensing unit  200  of  FIG. 12  is referred to as an amino acid dispensing unit. Preliminarily, set-up procedures are completed to ensure that the various fluid interconnection lines  110 ,  210 ,  310 ,  315 ,  395 ,  510  are interconnected to the appropriate unit, and that the containers within the amino acid dispensing unit  200  contain the appropriate amino acids and the various synthesis chemical dispensing units  300   a - 300   c  contain the appropriate synthesis chemicals. Additionally, valves  112 ,  114  should be positioned in a closed position and an insoluble support structure should be disposed within the reaction unit  100   b.    
         [0102]     To begin synthesis, a first amino acid is coupled to the insoluble support structure contained within the second reaction unit  100   b.  More particularly, a first amino acid may be dispensed from the amino acid dispensing unit  200  to the first reaction unit  100   a  via the first fluid interconnection line  210 . Next, a synthesis chemical comprising a first coupling agent (e.g., NBTU) may be flowed from the first synthesis chemical dispensing unit  300   a  to the first reaction unit  100   a  the via second fluid interconnection line  310 . In this regard, the first coupling agent assists in activating a terminus of the first amino acid (e.g., either a carboxyl terminus or amine terminus) for bonding to the insoluble support. Subsequently, valve  112  may be opened and the nitrogen source  113  may be activated, and the first amino acid, coupling agent mixture may flow from the first reaction unit  100   a  to the second reaction unit  100   b,  which contains the insoluble support structure for supporting the first amino acid. Provided appropriate reaction conditions are present in the second reaction unit  100   b,  a terminal end of the first amino acid may covalently bond to the insoluble support structure. Any of these procedures can be repeated as necessary.  
         [0103]     As the first amino acid is bonding to the insoluble support structure, or afterwards, the valve  112  may be closed, the nitrogen source  113  may be deactivated and the internal lines of the amino acid dispensing unit  200  may be rinsed with a rinsing solution contained within the amino acid dispensing unit  200 . More particularly and with reference to  FIGS. 3, 4  and  12 , the pump valve  244  of the pump  240  may be oriented such that a rinsing solution (e.g., NMP) from a rinsing solution container  250  may be flowed into the barrel of the syringe  242  via rinsing solution interconnection line  245  during retraction of a plunger of the syringe  242 . Next, the pump valve  244  may be oriented to allow flow of the rinsing solution in the syringe  242  through the pump valve  244 , pump interconnection line  235  and at least partially through the multi-position valve  230  during advancement of the plunger of the syringe  242 . Subsequently, the multi-position valve  230  may be moved to a second position to allow flow of a second amino acid through the multi-position valve  230 , and the plunger of the syringe  242  may be retracted to return the rinsing solution, and optionally a portion of a second amino acid, into the barrel of the syringe  242 . Subsequently, the pump valve  244  may be oriented to another position to enable flow of the chemicals in the barrel out of the syringe  242 , through the first interconnection line  210  and into the first reaction unit  100   a.  Any of these procedures can be repeated as necessary.  
         [0104]     While the first amino acid is bonding to the insoluble support or after the bonding is complete, the pump valve  244  may be positioned to allow the rinsing solution from a rinsing solution container  250  to flow into the barrel of the syringe  242  via the rinsing solution interconnection line  245  during retraction of a plunger of the syringe  242 . Subsequently, the pump valve  244  may be positioned to allow the rinsing solution in the syringe  242  to dispense through the first interconnection line  210  and to the first reaction unit  100   a  to rinse/clean such syringe  242 , pump valve  244  and/or first fluid interconnection line  210 . These procedures assist in cleaning such components of the amino acid dispensing unit  200  and to facilitate the reduction of cross-contamination. Any of these procedures can be repeated as necessary.  
         [0105]     While the first amino acid is bonding to the insoluble support or after the bonding is complete and with reference to  FIGS. 5 and 12 , a synthesis chemical comprising a first solvent (e.g., DCM) of the first synthesis chemical dispensing unit  300   a  may be flowed through the second fluid interconnection line  310  and to the first reaction unit  100   a  to rinse such second fluid interconnection line  310  and/or portions of the first reaction unit  100   a.  Any of these procedures can be repeated as necessary.  
         [0106]     After the first amino acid has sufficiently bonded to the insoluble support structure, the controller may: (a) open the valve  112  and activate nitrogen source  113  to flow fluids in the first reaction unit  100   a  (e.g., solvents utilize to cleanse such first reaction unit  100   a ) through the fourth interconnection line  110  and into the second reaction unit  100   b;  and/or (b) direct flow of a synthesis chemical comprising a first solvent from the third synthesis chemical dispensing unit  300   b  through the fifth fluid interconnection line  395  and to the second reaction unit  100   b  to rinse such second reaction unit  100   b,  the first amino acid and/or the insoluble support structure. The valve  114  may be opened at an appropriate time and nitrogen source  115  may be activated to remove chemicals in the second reaction unit  100   b  to the waste unit  500 . Steps (a) and/or (b), noted above, can be repeated as necessary.  
         [0107]     Next, a second amino acid from the amino acid dispensing unit  200  may be bonded to the first amino acid. More particularly, valves  112 ,  114  may be closed, nitrogen sources  113 ,  115  may be deactivated and a second amino acid from the amino acid dispensing unit  200  may be dispensed to the first reaction unit  100   a.  Concomitantly, a synthesis chemical comprising a coupling agent may be dispensed to the first reaction unit  100   a  from either the first synthesis chemical dispensing unit  300   a  or the second synthesis chemical dispensing unit  300   b.  The selected coupling agent should be compatible with the amino acid to be bonded, and various coupling agents are more productive with selected amino acids. Thus, the first synthesis chemical disposing unit  300   a  may include a first coupling agent and the second synthesis chemical dispensing unit  300   b  may include a second coupling agent. Any of these procedures may be repeated as necessary.  
         [0108]     Concomitantly, a synthesis chemical comprising a deprotection agent (e.g., piperdiene) may be dispensed to the second reaction unit  100   b  from the third synthesis chemical dispensing unit  300   c  to deprotect the non-bonded terminus of the first amino acid. After the non-bonded terminus has been deprotected, the valve  114  may be opened, the nitrogen source  115  may be activated and the chemicals contained in the second reaction unit  100   b  may be dispensed to the waste unit  500  via the waste interconnection line  510 . After the deprotection agent has been dispensed to waste, the valve  114  may be closed, the nitrogen source  115  may be deactivated and one or more synthesis chemicals (e.g., comprising one or more solvents) may be dispensed to the second reaction unit  100   b  to rinse/cleanse such reaction unit  100   b  and prepare the first amino acid for bonding. These synthesis chemicals may later be dispensed to the waste unit  500 . Any of these procedures may be repeated as necessary.  
         [0109]     Next, valve  114  may be closed, valve  112  may be opened and nitrogen source  113  may be activated. Then, the coupling agent/second amino acid mixture from the first reaction unit  100   a  may flow to the second reaction unit  100   b,  when the second amino acid may bond to the unbonded terminus of the first amino acid to form a peptide. After sufficient bonding between the first amino acid and second amino acid has occurred, the valve  114  may be opened, the nitrogen source  115  may be activated and the chemicals contained in the reaction unit  100   b,  excluding the peptide bonded to the insoluble support, may be dispensed to the waste unit  500  via the waste interconnection line  510 . Any of these procedures may be repeated as necessary.  
         [0110]     After the second amino acid/coupling agent mixture has been dispensed to waste, the valve  114  may be closed, the nitrogen source  115  may be deactivated and one or more synthesis chemicals (e.g., comprising one or more solvents) may be dispensed to the second reaction unit  100   b  to cleanse such reaction unit  100   b  and peptide, after which such synthesis chemicals may also be dispensed to the waste unit  500 . Concomitantly, the valve  112  may be closed, the nitrogen source  113  may be deactivated and the amino acid dispensing unit  200  and/or the first synthesis chemical dispensing unit  300   a  and/or the second synthesis chemical dispensing unit  300   b  may be cleansed/rinsed, as described above. Subsequently, the valves  112 ,  114  may be opened, nitrogen sources  113 ,  115  may be activated and such synthesis chemicals may be dispensed to the waste unit  500  via waste interconnection line  510 . Any of these procedures may be repeated as necessary.  
         [0111]     The above described procedures may be repeated as necessary to add amino acids to the peptide to create a peptide of a defined sequence (e.g., a polypeptide comprising between 3-50 amino acids, more particularly between 5-25 amino acids, and even more particularly between 7-20 amino acids). When the desired peptide has been synthesized, the peptide may be cleaved from the insoluble support by dispensing a synthesis chemical comprising a cleaving agent (e.g., TFA) to the second reaction unit  100   b  from the third synthesis chemical dispensing unit  300   c  via fifth interconnection line  395 . The cleaved polypeptide may then be captured. Similar procedures may be utilized in the production of other organic compounds, such as polynucleotides and polysaccharides.  
         [0112]     The controller  400  may be used to control one or more of the above-described operations to semi-automate or even fully automate the synthesis system  1 . The controller  400  may be used to semi-automate or automate organic compounds synthesis with or without feedback from the reaction system  10 . In this regard, due to the high accuracy of the above described syringes, it is not necessary to monitor flow through the reaction system  10 , and therefore chemical dispensing operations can be completed without feedback from the reaction system  10 . Moreover, timing of the various operations can be estimated, as approximate reaction times are known. Thus, the synthesis system  1  is capable of being automated without feedback from the reaction system  10 , although, if desired, feedback may be provided to the controller from appropriate components (e.g., a controllable temperature unit, a sensor and the like).  
         [0113]     Another embodiment of a reaction system  2000  employable with the synthesis system  1  is now described in relation to  FIG. 13   a.  The reaction system  2000  comprises a structural unit chemical dispensing unit  200 , a synthesis chemical dispensing unit  300 , and a reaction unit  100 , as described above. The reaction system  2000  further comprises a chemical solution synthesis unit  600 . The chemical solution synthesis unit  600  may be utilized to synthesize structural unit chemicals and/or synthesis unit chemicals for use by the structural unit chemical dispensing unit  200  and/or the synthesis chemical dispensing unit  300 , respectively. In one embodiment, the chemical solution synthesis unit  600  may be automated and operable to deliver containers to one or more of the structural unit chemical dispensing unit  200  and/or the synthesis chemical dispensing unit  300 .  
         [0114]     One embodiment of the chemical solution synthesis unit  600  is now described in reference to  FIG. 13   b.  The chemical solution synthesis unit  600  may include a first dispensing unit  610 , a second dispensing unit  640 , a global conveyor  670  and/or a source chemical array  690 . The first dispensing unit  610  may be operable to dispense a first chemical to a container (e.g., a solid-phase chemical, such as a pellet), which may be later utilized by one of the structural unit chemical dispensing unit  200  and/or the synthesis chemical dispensing unit  300  (e.g., after being dissolved in and mixed with a solvent). The second dispensing unit  640  may be operable to deliver a second chemical to the container (e.g., a solvent for use with the first chemical to produce a structural unit chemical or a synthesis chemical). The global conveyor  670  may be operable to deliver the container to the structural unit chemical dispensing unit  200  and/or the synthesis chemical dispensing unit  300  for use thereby. The global conveyor  670  may also be operable to deliver a chemical from the source chemical array  690  to one or more of the first and second dispensing units  610 ,  640 . The controller  400  may be communicably interconnected to one or more of the first dispensing unit  610 , second dispensing unit  640 , the global conveyor  670  and the source chemical array  690  to control such components.  
         [0115]     Referring now to  FIG. 13   c,  one embodiment of a first dispensing unit  610  is now described. The first dispensing unit  610  may include one or more of a dispenser  612 , an agitator  614 , one or more containers  616  (“container(s)”), an in-unit conveyor  618  and a chemical amount measurement device  620  (“measurer”). The dispenser  612  may be any dispenser adapted to dispense a selected amount of chemical to the container(s)  616 , such as a dispenser comprising a motorized unit and a syringe, described below.  
         [0116]     The dispenser  612  may be communicably interconnectable to the controller  400  to facilitate automation of the first dispensing unit  610 . For example, the controller  400  may be operable to send signals to the dispenser  612  to control the direction (e.g., an advancement or retraction direction) and/or speed of operation of the dispenser  612  and/or to stop or start operation of the dispenser  612 . In conjunction with the measurer  620 , described below, the first dispensing unit  610  may thus be automatable to produce a chemical of a desired amount in the container(s)  616 .  
         [0117]     The agitator  614  may be utilized to agitate the chemical within the dispenser  612  to facilitate mixing and/or separation of the chemical (e.g. mixing of liquid; separation of solid-phase chemical pellets from one another). The agitator  614  may provide agitation by any know means, including physical and/or electromagnetic means. In a particular embodiment, when solid-phase chemicals are employed in the dispenser  612 , the agitator  614  may be operable to provide a one-time or repeating physical impact to the dispenser  612  to facilitate separation of the solid-phase chemical (e.g., separation of agglomerated solid-phase pellets) from one another. The agitator  614  may also be communicably interconnectable to the controller  400  to receive signals therefrom (e.g., start and/or stop agitation operations).  
         [0118]     The in-unit conveyor  618  may be any conveyor adapted to move the container(s)  616  into position to be filled by the dispenser. For example, the in-unit conveyor  618  may be a turntable operable to move the containers from a first container position (e.g., in a position to be filled by the dispenser  612 ) to another position. In a particular embodiment, the in-unit conveyor  618  is robotic. In this regard, the in-unit conveyor  618  may include robotic elements (e.g., servo motors, stepper motors, sensors, switches, articulate arms, grasping devices, hydraulics, etc.), which may be a portion of robotic elements of the global conveyor  670 , discussed below, that enable automated operation of the in-unit conveyor  618  and/or the global conveyor  670 .  
         [0119]     The in-unit conveyor  618  may be communicably interconnectable to the controller  400  to control positioning of the container(s)  616  in relation to the dispenser  612 . For example, the in-unit conveyor  618  may be operable to receive signals from the controller  400  corresponding to the positioning of the container(s)  616 . The in-unit conveyor  618  may also be operable to send signals to the controller  400  to facilitate control over the positioning of the container(s)  616 . For example, the in-unit conveyor  618  may send position coordinate signals to the controller  400  to facilitate positioning of the container(s)  616 .  
         [0120]     The measurer  620  may be any measurement device adapted to measure an amount of chemical dispensed from the dispenser  612  to the container(s)  616 . For example, when solid-phase chemicals are employed in the dispenser  612 , the measurer  620  may comprise a tarable electric scale. In one embodiment, the tarable electric scale is communicably interconnectable with the controller  400  and operable to send signals to the controller  400  to facilitate automated operation of the first dispensing unit  610 . The controller  400  may be operable to utilize such received signals to calculate an amount of chemical dispensed to facilitate operation of the first dispensing unit  610 . The controller  400  may also be operable to send signals to the measurer  620  to reset the measurer  620  (e.g., operable to send a “zero signal” to zero out the tarable scale at the beginning of a dispensing operation).  
         [0121]     One embodiment of a dispenser is now described with reference to  FIGS. 13   d - 13   e.  The dispenser  612  may comprise a motor unit  621  adapted to receive a syringe  630  to dispense a selected amount of a solid-phase chemical to the container(s)  616 . The syringe  630  may comprise a barrel  632  having a proximal end  636  and a distal end  638 . The syringe  630  may also include a plunger  634  slidably disposed within the barrel  630  and extending from the distal end  638  thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, the proximal end  636  of the barrel  630  is substantially open (e.g., the cross-sectional shape of the barrel) to facilitate dispensing and loading of a solid-phase chemical. In another embodiment, the proximal end  636  of the barrel  630  may comprise a nozzle shaped to correspond with the shape of a solid-phase chemical. The motor unit  621  may include a moveable adapter  623  adapted to interconnect with a portion of the plunger. An agitator  614  (not shown) may be interconnectable to the syringe  630 . The in-unit conveyor  618  may comprise a turntable disposed on the measurer  620 , and the measurer  620  may comprise a tarable electric scale. The controller  400  may be interconnectable with one or more of the motor unit  621 , the in-unit conveyor  618  and the measurer  620 .  
         [0122]     In operation, a first one or more of the containers  616  may be positioned in a fill position(s) (e.g., via receipt of a signal from the controller  400  and rotation of a turntable a preselected amount) and the measurer  620  may be tared (e.g., via receipt of a signal from the controller  400 ). The moveable adapter  623  may be advanced (e.g., via the motor unit  621 , which may be activated by the controller  400 ), which may result in advancement of the plunger  634  thereby dispensing chemical from the syringe  630  to one or more of the containers  616 . Concurrently, the agitator  614  (not illustrated) may be activated (e.g., via receipt of a signal from the controller  400 ) to facilitate separation of the chemical (e.g., to facilitate un-agglomeration of dry chemical pellets). As the chemical in the syringe  630  is dispensed into one or more of the containers  616 , the measurer  620  may send measurement signals to the controller  400 , whereupon attaining a preselected threshold the controller  400  may terminate dispensing of the chemical (e.g., via deactivation of the motor unit  621 ) and deactivation of the agitator  614  (not illustrated). Subsequently, the in-unit conveyor  618  may position a second one or more of the containers  616  to the fill position(s) (e.g., via receipt of a signal from the controller  400  and rotation of a turntable a preselected amount). These procedures may be repeated as desired to facilitate filling of the containers  616  with a desired chemical.  
         [0123]     As noted above, a second dispensing unit  640  may also be provided to facilitate automated synthesis of structural unit chemicals and/or synthesis chemicals. One embodiment of a second dispensing unit  640  is now described in reference to  FIG. 13   f.  The second chemical dispensing unit  640  may include a dispenser  642 , one or more of the container(s)  616  and/or an in-unit conveyor  644 . The dispenser  642  may be adapted to provide a chemical to the container(s)  616  to facilitate production of structural unit chemicals and/or synthesis chemicals. For example, the dispenser  642  may be operable to deliver selected quantities of fluids to a solid-phase chemical contained in the container(s)  616  to produce a chemical of a desired volume and concentration. In one embodiment, the dispenser  642  is a syringe pump adapted to dispense liquid volumes of from about 25 microliters to about 50 milliliters. In one embodiment, the syringe  642  has a dispensing precision of at least about ±2 microliters for every milliliter dispensed, more preferably of at least about ±1 micoliter for every milliliter dispensed, even more preferably of at least about ±0.5 microliter for every milliliter dispensed, and even more preferably of at least about ±0.1 microliter for every milliliter dispensed. The ability to dispense liquid volumes with such dispensing precision may obviate the need for flow meters or other measurement devices within the second dispensing unit  640 .  
         [0124]     The in-unit conveyor  644  may be configured similar to the in-unit conveyor  618  of the first dispensing unit  610  (e.g., robotic) and may contain any features described in relation thereto. The in-unit conveyor  644  may be communicably interconnectable to the controller  400  to control positioning of the container(s)  616  in relation to the dispenser  642 . For example, the in-unit conveyor  644  may be operable to receive signals from the controller  400  corresponding to the positioning of the container(s)  616 . The in-unit conveyor  644  may also be operable to send signals to the controller  400  to facilitate control over the positioning of the container(s)  616 . For example, the in-unit conveyor  644  may send position coordinate signals to the controller  400  to facilitate positioning of the container(s)  616 .  
         [0125]     Referring back to  FIG. 13   b,  the global conveyor  670  may be utilized to convey the containers to and/or from the first and/or second dispensing units  610 ,  640  and/or the structural unit chemical dispensing unit  200  and/or the synthesis chemical dispensing unit  300 , as appropriate. For example, the global conveyor  670  may comprise robotic elements adapted to remove containers from and place containers in the structural unit chemical dispensing unit  200  and/or the synthesis chemical dispensing unit  300 . The global conveyor  670  may also be adapted to interface with the in-unit conveyors  618 ,  644  of the first and second dispensing units  610 ,  640 , respectively, to facilitate placement of and removal of containers thereto and therefrom, respectively.  
         [0126]     The global conveyor  670  may also be adapted to supply and remove chemicals from the dispensers  612 ,  642  of the first and second dispensing units  610 ,  640 , respectively. For example, the global conveyor  670  may be adapted to supply receptacles from the source chemical array  690  to the first and/or second dispenser  612 ,  642  to facilitate automated production of structural unit chemicals and/or synthesis chemicals. The global conveyor  670  may also be adapted to remove spent receptacles from the first and/or second dispenser  612 ,  642  to further facilitate automated production of chemicals.  
         [0127]     The source chemical array  690  may be any array of receptacles containing chemicals for use in the production of structural unit chemicals and/or synthesis chemicals. Each of the receptacles may contain a different chemical, or some or all of the receptacles may contain the same chemical. In one embodiment, the receptacles are adapted to engage with the first and/or second dispenser  612 ,  642  to facilitate automated production of structural unit chemicals and/or synthesis chemicals. For example, the first dispenser  612  may comprise a motorized unit  21 , as described above, and the receptacles may be syringes adapted for engagement with the motorized unit  21 . In a particular embodiment, at least one of the syringes of the source chemical array  690  comprises a predetermined amount of fluid to facilitate production operations. In this regard, the controller  400  may be operable to receive signals from the source chemical array  690  corresponding to which chemical and/or an amount of chemical is contained in each of the receptacles.  
         [0128]     As noted above, the controller  400  may be interconnected to the chemical solution synthesis unit  600  to facilitate control thereof. In this regard, the controller  400  may include the above-described higher, lower and/or intermediate level commands, each arranged in a preselected order, and each being associated with operations of the chemical solution synthesis unit (e.g., move a container, operate a pump, etc.). Thus, the controller  400  may be utilized to facilitate automated or semi-automated production of structural unit chemicals and/or synthesis chemicals.  
         [0129]     The controller  400  may further be operable to operate one or more reaction systems. For example and with reference to  FIG. 14 , the controller  400  may be used to semi-automate or automate a plurality of reaction systems  10 ,  1000  and/or  2000 . The controller may be communicatively connected to such plurality of reaction systems  10 ,  1000  and/or  2000  by one or more interconnections (e.g., via controller connection cables  410  and  412 ).  
         [0130]     The embodiments described above are for exemplary purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Various adaptations, modifications and extensions of the described system/method will be apparent to those skilled in the art and are intended to be within the scope of the present invention. Moreover, the various numeral references utilized (e.g., first interconnection line, second valve, etc.) are for illustration purposes only and are not meant to imply a number of such components, a required order of use or otherwise.