Automated modular system and method for production of biopolymers
The present invention provides an automated modular system and method for production of biopolymers including DNA and RNA. The system and method automates the complete production process for biopolymers. Modular equipment is provided for performing production steps with the individual modules arrange in a linear array. Each module includes a control system and can be rack mounted. One side of the array of modules provides connections for power, gas, vacuum and reagents and is accessible to technicians. On the other side of the array of modules a robotic transport system is provided for transporting materials between module interfaces. The elimination of the requirement for human intervention at multiple steps in the production process significantly decreases the costs of biopolymer production and reduces unnecessary complexity and sources of quality variation.
1. A method for synthesizing a biopolymer comprising:
a) providing a production system comprising a synthesizer, wherein the synthesizer comprises a plurality of channels, comprising a solid support for performing extension reactions thereon, additionally the synthesizer comprises a mechanical interface configured to receive the solid support and an interface for power;
b) independently controlling which reagent of a plurality of reagents is added to each channel of the plurality of channels;
c) synthesizing a biopolymer on the solid support using a reagent of the plurality of reagents; and
d) continuously analyzing quality control data collected relevant to the production system.
2. The method of claim 1 , comprising determining, using the quality control data, if tuning or calibration of the production system is required.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the biopolymer comprises DNA, RNA, peptide, or aptamer.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the solid support is controlled pore glass.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the biopolymer comprises nucleic acid.
6. The method of claim 5 , wherein the synthesizing comprises sequential addition of nucleotides to each channel of the plurality of channels.
7. The method of claim 5 , within the plurality of reagents comprises amidite reagents.
8. The method of claim 1 , further comprising cleaving the biopolymer from the solid support, thereby generating a cleaved biopolymer.
9. The method of claim 8 , further comprising transferring the cleaved biopolymer to a purification system.
10. The method of claim 9 , further comprising purifying a desired biopolymer product from the cleaved biopolymer.
11. The method of claim 9 , further comprising separating a biopolymer product of the cleaved biopolymer from a contaminant.
12. The method of claim 1 , wherein the quality control data comprises an assessment of a quality of the biopolymer.
13. The method of claim 1 , wherein quality control data comprises data relevant to the synthesizer or a channel of the plurality of channels.
14. The method of claim 1 , wherein the quality control data are quality control data of the plurality of reagents.
15. The method of claim 1 , wherein the production control system is automated.
16. The method of claim 1 , wherein the production system comprises a plurality of synthesizers, wherein each synthesizer of the plurality of synthesizers comprises a plurality of channels and a plurality of solid supports for performing extension reactions thereon.
17. The method of claim 1 , wherein the mechanical interface comprises a door.
18. The method of claim 1 , wherein the synthesizer further comprises an interface for connection to a plurality of reagents for performing extension reactions.
19. The method of claim 1 , wherein the synthesizer further comprises an interface for network or gas.
20. The method of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of channels comprises the solid support for performing extension reactions thereon.