Flow control mechanism for high-throughput oligonucleotide synthesis

Abstract

An improved apparatus for oligonucleotide synthesis, that has four or more synthesis vessels, each synthesis vessel having a waste emitting end, a synthesis plate holding the four or more synthesis vessels, a drain block located below and coupled to the synthesis plate, a sealing device in contact with the synthesis plate and the drain block, one or more waste collection reservoirs located inside of the drain block, one or more equilibration holes, each equilibration hole penetrating the exterior of the drain block and the waste collection reservoir(s), one or more waste tubes connected to the waste collection reservoir(s), each waste tube comprising a waste valve. The sealing device may have one or more sealing blocks, and the equilibration holes may be located in the sealing blocks in lieu of in the drain block. Each equilibration hole may be coupled to a solenoid or flow control valve.