| abstract |
A method and apparatus for fabricating replicate arrays of nucleic acid molecules include the preparation of the molecules and the application the molecules onto a substrate in an ordered array. The apparatus comprises a synthesis unit and a plurality of outlets. The synthesis unit comprises a plurality of synthesis chambers that are spatially arranged relative to each other to provide an array suitable for conducting parallel nucleic acid syntheses. The chambers are suitable for containing discrete compositions of nucleic acid molecules. Each outlet of the plurality of outlets communicates with a single synthesis chamber. The plurality of outlets are configured such that nucleic acid molecules can be removed from the chambers through the outlet and deposited onto the substrate in an ordered array that corresponds to the spatial arrangement of the synthesis chambers. |