Construction and Evaluation of an Instrument for the Automated Synthesis of Oligodeoxyribonucleotides

Abstract

The details for constructing an easily used and maintained laboratory instrument capable of routine oligode-oxyribonucleotide synthesis are presented. The synthesizer consists of relatively inexpensive, commercially available components and is controlled by an Apple IIe computer. Since reagents are distributed from pressurized reservoirs through a liquid manifold by opening solenoid-activated valves, no pump is required. More than 600 oligomers containing up to 122 bases have been produced with a condensation cycle time of approximately 15 min with apparent coupling yields of 98.5%. A unique bidirectional flow reactor and controlled reagent distribution system provide for rapid mass transfer during solvent and reactant equilibrations and for long-term stability of reagent solutions. Aspects of the system should also find use in other solid-phase synthetic and analytical strategies.