Automated modular system and method for production of biopolymers
First Claim
1. An automated production system comprising:
- a production control system which controls production in an automated oligonucleotide production process;
a plurality of equipment modules for processing materials under control of the production control system, wherein each equipment module comprises on a front side a mechanical interface for receiving materials and transmitting processed materials, and, on a rear side, an interface for connecting power, network, and any required reagents;
wherein the plurality of equipment modules includes;
an oligonucleotide synthesis system and one or more of,an oligonucleotide purification system,an oligonucleotide quantization system,an oligonucleotide quality control system, anda packaging/labeling system;
a linear array in which the plurality of equipment modules is secured such that the mechanical interfaces are accessible from a front side of the linear array and all the interfaces are accessible from a rear side of the linear array; and
a robotic transport system positioned adjacent to the front side of the linear array, wherein the robotic transport system includes a plurality of robot arms adapted to move processed materials between the mechanical interfaces of the plurality of equipment modules under the control of the production control system;
whereby oligonucleotides can be automatically synthesized and processed by the plurality of equipment modules under control of the production control system.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
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.
-
Citations
20 Claims
-
1. An automated production system comprising:
-
a production control system which controls production in an automated oligonucleotide production process; a plurality of equipment modules for processing materials under control of the production control system, wherein each equipment module comprises on a front side a mechanical interface for receiving materials and transmitting processed materials, and, on a rear side, an interface for connecting power, network, and any required reagents; wherein the plurality of equipment modules includes; an oligonucleotide synthesis system and one or more of, an oligonucleotide purification system, an oligonucleotide quantization system, an oligonucleotide quality control system, and a packaging/labeling system; a linear array in which the plurality of equipment modules is secured such that the mechanical interfaces are accessible from a front side of the linear array and all the interfaces are accessible from a rear side of the linear array; and a robotic transport system positioned adjacent to the front side of the linear array, wherein the robotic transport system includes a plurality of robot arms adapted to move processed materials between the mechanical interfaces of the plurality of equipment modules under the control of the production control system; whereby oligonucleotides can be automatically synthesized and processed by the plurality of equipment modules under control of the production control system. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
-
-
7. An automated production system comprising:
-
a production control system which controls an automated oligonucleotide production process; a plurality of equipment modules which process materials under control of the production control system, wherein each equipment module comprises a mechanical interface for receiving materials and transmitting processed materials, a system interface for connecting power, network, and any required fluids, and reagents; wherein the plurality of equipment modules includes; an oligonucleotide synthesis system and one or more of, an oligonucleotide purification system, an oligonucleotide quantization system, an oligonucleotide quality control system, and a packaging/labeling system; an array in which the plurality of equipment modules is arranged and secured such that the mechanical interfaces are accessible from a front side of the array; and a robotic transport system positioned adjacent to the front side of the array, wherein the robotic transport system includes one or more robot arms adapted to move materials and processed materials between the mechanical interfaces of the plurality of equipment modules under the control of the production control system; whereby oligonucleotides can be automatically synthesized and processed by the plurality of equipment modules under control of the production control system. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
-
-
15. An automated production system comprising:
-
a production control system which controls production in an automated oligonucleotide production process; a plurality of equipment modules which process materials under control of the production control system wherein the plurality of equipment modules includes; an oligonucleotide synthesis system and one or more of, an oligonucleotide cleavage system an oligonucleotide purification system, an oligonucleotide quantization system, an oligonucleotide quality control system, an oligonucleotide re-plating system, a centrifuge system for oligonucleotide dry down, and a packaging/labeling system; wherein each equipment module comprises a mechanical interface for receiving materials and transmitting processed materials, and, a system interface which provides power, communication with the production control system, and any required reagents; a robotic transport system including one or more robotic arms adapted to move processed materials between the mechanical interfaces of the plurality of equipment modules under the control of the production control system; and an array in which the plurality of equipment modules is arranged adjacent to the robotic transport system such that the mechanical interfaces are accessible by the one or more robotic arms; whereby oligonucleotides can be automatically synthesized and processed by the plurality of equipment modules under control of the production control system. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
-
Specification