| abstract |
A system for the automated synthesis of peptides includes a reaction vessel (12) that has a single port (12a) for both injection and withdrawal of the various fluids used in the peptide synthesis sequence, a plurality of amino acid reservoirs (14a -14n) and a plurality of solvent and reagent reservoirs (16a -16n) for the synthesis of the peptide chains. A volume displacement pump regulates the pressure within the vessel (12) and in combination with valves (44, 48, 72, 66, 82 and 92) allows connection of a selected reservoir (14a, 16a) to the reaction vessel (12). Maintaining the system at a reference pressure enables transfer of amino acids, reagents and solvents from the reservoirs (14a, 16a) to the reaction vessel (12) without using high vacuum conditions. The system is also optionally equipped with a yield monitor (120) that assesses the completeness of each amino acid addition. |