Equilibration Ports for Oligonucleotide Synthesis Fluid Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing oligonucleotide synthesis systems face challenges with reagent consumption and yield, particularly due to inefficient fluid management, which can lead to ineffective synthesis and waste disposal issues.
Innovation Solution
The development of an equilibrated oligonucleotide synthesis (EOS) system that includes a machined block for receiving microtiter plates or other vessels, with equilibration ports to control fluid flow and prevent premature drainage, thereby optimizing solvent movement through synthesis vessels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If conventional microtiter plates are used without equilibration ports, then the apparatus structure remains simple, but reagent consumption increases and yield decreases due to premature drainage and inefficient fluid management
Solution Approach 1:
The drain block is segmented with multiple equilibration ports distributed across its surface, allowing independent fluid management for different regions of the microtiter plate. This segmentation enables controlled solvent movement through specific pathways while preventing premature drainage in other areas, thereby reducing reagent consumption without requiring complete system redesign
Solution Approach 2:
The equilibration ports serve as intermediary elements between the microtiter plate wells and the drain block. These ports mediate the fluid flow by providing controlled equilibration pathways that prevent direct, uncontrolled drainage. The ports act as intermediaries that balance pressure and allow gradual solvent movement, improving yield while maintaining a relatively simple overall apparatus structure
2Productivity
If fast solvent drainage is used to increase productivity, then synthesis speed improves, but reagent consumption increases and synthesis effectiveness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The equilibration ports enable periodic solvent movement through the synthesis vessels rather than continuous rapid drainage. The controlled flow allows the solvent to move gradually through the resin bed, providing sufficient contact time for effective synthesis while maintaining productivity. This periodic, controlled action prevents the reagent waste associated with fast, uncontrolled drainage
Solution Approach 2:
The equilibration ports change the flow parameters of the solvent by controlling pressure equilibration and flow rate. Instead of rapid, high-velocity drainage, the ports enable slower, controlled flow that maintains synthesis effectiveness. The parameter change in flow velocity and pressure management reduces reagent consumption while preserving productivity through optimized solvent utilization
3Quantity of substance
If vacuum pressure is applied to move solvent through vessels, then fluid flow improves, but pressure management becomes complex and yield decreases due to ineffective synthesis
Solution Approach 1:
The equilibration ports create equipotential pathways that allow pressure to equalize across the system without requiring complex vacuum management. By providing multiple equilibration pathways, the ports enable natural pressure balancing that moves solvent through the vessels without intense vacuum pressure. This equipotential approach simplifies pressure management while maintaining effective solvent flow and synthesis yield
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The EOS system reduces reagent consumption, increases yield, and enhances the efficiency of oligonucleotide synthesis by allowing for controlled and slow solvent movement, addressing issues related to vacuum quality, waste disposal, and pressure management.
Implementation Method 1
a machined block that can receive conventional microtiter plates, syringe bodies, tubules, or other vessels filled with the necessary elements to begin oligonucleotide synthesis and control the flow via equilibration ports or 'equilibration' holes
Implementation Method 2
These equilibration ports or holes can prevent premature drainage and facilitate gravitational flow
Data Source
AI summary
An improved apparatus for oligonucleotide synthesis that reduces reagent consumption and increase yield, typically comprising one or more synthesis vessels, each having a waste emitting end, a drain block located below and operably coupled to the synthesis vessel(s), a sealing device disposed between the synthesis vessel(s) 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 an exterior of the drain block and the waste collection reservoir(s), one or more waste tubes leading from the waste collection reservoir(s), each waste tube comprising a waste valve. In some embodiments the sealing device may comprise one or more sealing blocks, and the equilibration holes may be located in the sealing blocks in lieu of in the drain block. In some embodiments, each equilibration hole may be operably coupled to a solenoid or flow control valve.