Methods and apparatus for synthesizing labeled combinatorial chemistry libraries
View Patent ↗The present invention provides labeled synthetic libraries of random oligomers and methods and apparatus for generating labeled synthetic oligomer libraries. Each member of such a library is labeled with a unique identifier tag that specifies the structure or sequence of the oligomer. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the identifier tag is a microchip that is pre-encoded or encodable with information that is related back to a detector when the identifier tag is pulsed with electromagnetic radiation.
1. A device for tracking synthesis of a library member of a combinatorial library, the device comprising:
a synthesis support having a surface adapted for linking to a first monomer;
an identifier tag disposed within or linked to the synthesis support, the identifier tag comprising encoded information readable by a radiofrequency scanner or bar-code scanner that is unique to the synthesis support and means for scanning the identifier tag, wherein, when a first monomer is linked to the synthesis support, the first monomer and any oligomer synthesized using the first monomer is identified.
2. The device of claim 1 wherein the identifier tag comprises a microchip having an electronic memory within which is stored unique electronic information.
3. The device of claim 2 wherein the microchip comprises means for receiving and transmitting a radiofrequency signal.
4. The device of claim 2 , wherein the microchip is encodable for recording synthesis information during synthesis of the library member.
5. The device of claim 4 , wherein the synthesis information comprises descriptions of synthesis steps.
6. The device of claim 2 , wherein the microchip is pre-encoded with an identification of the synthesis support.
7. The device of claim 2 , wherein the microchip is encased in a glass or polymeric material.
8. The device of claim 7 , wherein the polymeric material is derivatized with a functional group or linker.
9. The device of claim 8 , wherein the polymeric material is selected from the group consisting of polystyrene-divinyl benzene, polyethylene-grafted polystyrene, polyacrylamide kieselguhr composite, and controlled pore glass.
10. The device of claim 8 , wherein the linker is cleavable by a reaction selected from the group consisting of thermal, photochemical, electrochemical, oxidative, and reductive reactions.
11. The device of claim 3 , wherein the microchip is powered by the radiofrequency signal.
12. The device of claim 2 , wherein the unique electronic information is digitally encoded.
13. The device of claim 2 , wherein the synthesis support is in a form selected from the group consisting of pellets, disks, capillaries, hollow fibers, solid fibers, cellulose beads, pore-glass beads, silica gels, polystyrene beads, grafted co-poly beads, poly-acrylimide beads, latex beads, dimethylacrylamide beads, and glass particles.
14. The device of claim 2 , wherein the first monomer is linked to the synthesis support by a linker comprising a spacer residue.
15. The device of claim 1 , wherein the identifier tag comprises a bar code having unique information.
16. The device of claim 15 , wherein the bar code is capable of receiving sequential synthesis information.
17. The device in claim 16 , wherein the synthesis information comprises descriptions of synthesis steps.
18. The device of claim 15 , wherein the barcode is pre-encoded with the identity of the synthesis support.
19. The device of claim 15 , wherein the barcode is encased in a glass or polymeric material.
20. The device of claim 19 , wherein the polymeric material is derivatized with a functional group or linker.
21. The device of claim 20 , wherein the polymeric material is selected from the group consisting of polystyrene-divinyl benzene, polyethelene-grafted polystyrene, polyacrylamide kieselguhr composite, and controlled pore glass.
22. The device of claim 20 , wherein the linker is cleavable by a reaction selected from the group consisting of thermal, photochemical, electrochemical, oxidative, and reductive reactions.