Ontogen Corporation

Don Wendell

Romaine R Maiefski

Jonathan D Krakover

William Charles Ripka

A multiple channel high throughput purification system for purifying a plurality of samples, preferably four or more samples from a chemical library. The high throughput purification uses chromatography, and more preferably, super critical fluid chromatography. Four parallel channels are provided in this system and coupled to a common analyzer and computer. The four channels direct the selected sample flow through a separator, such as an SFC column, a detector, such as a UV detector, to detect peaks within the sample flow, and a micro sample valve that splits a sampling of the flow to an analyzer, such as a mass spectrometer. The system also utilizes unique back pressure regulator assemblies and pressure relief assemblies to maintain a selected pressure within the purification channel. While the sample flow continues, the mass spectrometer simultaneously analyzes the sampling to determine if a target compound is within the sample portion.

Apparatus and method for multiple channel high throughput purification

A wash station assembly and method for washing selected samples in a sample containing assembly. The wash station assembly includes a wash station having a frame and a fluid dispensing assembly connected to the frame. The fluid dispensing assembly has a selector valve that is connectable to a plurality of fluid lines and is adjustable to allow only one of the fluids to pass through the selector valve at a time. An array of syringes is coupled to the selector valve and positioned to receive the fluid passing through the selector valve. Each syringe includes a check valve that prevents backflow of fluid or air into the syringe through the pipetting needles. A distribution manifold is connected to the selector valve and receives the fluid passing through the selector valve. The manifold has a plurality of distribution channels coupled to the syringes, to direct the fluid into the syringes. Each distribution channel has a manifold valve therein that prevents backflow of fluid into the manifold from the syringes. An array of pipetting needles is connected to the syringes and is positioned to direct the fluid into the sample containing assembly for washing the samples. The pipetting needles have a radially directed opening in the distal end to direct the fluid radially away from the needle during the dispensing process. A waste management system is connected to the wash station to automatically separate halogenated waste fluids from non-halogenated waste fluids.

Sample wash station assembly

A fraction collection assembly having a frame and a dispensing head movably connected to the frame for movement about three axes. The dispensing head has a dispensing tube that receives and dispenses the sample portion. The dispensing head is movable between a dispensing position, a rinse position, and a pickup position. A receiving container with a receiving well is positioned to receive the sample portion of the selected sample dispensed from the dispensing tube when the dispensing head is in the dispensing position. The receiving well has a 1-to-1 corresponding position to the well from which the sample is originally taken from the supplying container. The rinse station is connected to the frame and positioned to removably receive the dispensing tube when the dispensing head is in the rinse position. A pickup station is provided adjacent to an expansion chamber distribution assembly to retain the expansion chambers in a selected position to be picked up by the dispensing head when in the pick up position prior to distribution of the sample into the receiving container.

Sample collection apparatus and method for multiple channel high throughput purification

A multiple channel high throughput purification system for purifying a plurality of samples, preferably four or more samples from a chemical library. The high throughput purification uses chromatography, and more preferably, super critical fluid chromatography. Four parallel channels are provided in this system and coupled to a common analyzer and computer. The four channels direct the selected sample flow through a separator, such as an SFC column, a detector, such as a UV detector, to detect peaks within the sample flow, and a micro sample valve that splits a sampling of the flow to an analyzer, such as a mass spectrometer. The system also utilizes unique back pressure regulator assemblies and pressure relief assemblies to maintain a selected pressure within the purification channel. While the sample flow continues, the mass spectrometer simultaneously analyzes the sampling to determine if a target compound is within the sample portion. A fraction collection valve directs sample portions to one of two fraction collectors such as a microtiter plate. The purified target compounds are collected in one microtiter plate and the other non-desirable peaks are collected in a second microtiter plate in corresponding wells. In the supercritical fluid chromatography purification system, an expansion chamber is provided to condense the vaporous sample flow before the purified compounds are added to the particular well of the microtiter plate. A fraction collection assembly is used that automates the use of disposable expansion chambers for depositing the samples in the microtiter plates.

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San Diego, CA, United States of America

Don Wendell