Agitation stabilizer in solid-phase peptide synthesizer

Abstract

In an automated solid-phase peptide synthesizing apparatus comprising at least one reaction vessel containing particulate resin as an insoluble support matrix which anchors elongating peptide chains yielded through coupling-assembly formation of peptide bonds, mixing agitation of reagents, as well as circulation agitation of washing solvents flushing the coupling-associated reaction solutions, introduced in peptide chain-assembly process steps into the reaction vessel, is effected by the bubbling of an inert gas forcibly passed through the reagents or washing solvent via a drainage port of the reaction vessel, in order to promote peptide synthesis. A removable agitation stabilizer is inserted into the reaction vessel as a barrier for inhibiting extra-vessel escape, due to action of the bubbling inert gas, of the reagents as well as the washing solvents, and of the support matrix anchoring the elongating peptide chains. The stabilizer also breaks clumping and coagulative skinning of elongated peptides bound to the support matrix, as effects further consequent of the action of the bubbling inert gas and levitated thereby toward the mouth of the reaction vessel during peptide synthesis. The stabilizer additionally acts as a baffle furthering mixing agitation, to promote dispersive mixing of the peptidyl resin with the reagents and washing solvents during peptide chain assembly; and It also serves to distribute washing solvents evenly along the inner surface of the reaction vessel.