Multi-well rotary synthesizer

• US 6,270,730 B1
• Filed: 06/16/1998
• Issued: 08/07/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 06/16/1998
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Mcluen Design Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Northwest Engineering, Inc.
• Inventors: McLuen, Gary R., Hanney, Richard J., Hugens, Daniel W.
• Primary Examiner(s): Knode, Marian C.
• Assistant Examiner(s): VARCOE JR, FREDERICK T
• Application Number:
  US09/097,966
• Time in Patent Office: 1,148 Days
• Field of Search: 422/131, 422/134, 422/188, 422/189, 422/63, 422/64, 422/65, 422/81, 422/99, 422/101, 422/102, 422/104, 422/129, 422/130, 935/87, 935/88
• US Class Current: 422/131
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 19/00 Chemical, physical or physico-chemical processes in general; Their relevant apparatus
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 19/0046 Sequential or parallel reactions, e.g. for the synthesis of polypeptides or polynucleotides; Apparatus and devices for combinatorial chemistry or for making molecular arrays synthesis methods per se C40B50/00
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 2219/00286 Reactor vessels with top and bottom openings
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 2219/00308 interchangeably mounted in racks or blocks
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 2219/00326 Movement by rotation
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 2219/00351 Means for dispensing and evacuation of reagents
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 2219/00353 Pumps
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 2219/00423 using filtration, e.g. through porous frits
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 2219/00585 Parallel processes
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 2219/0059 Sequential processes
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 2219/00596 Solid-phase processes
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 2219/00689 using computers
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 2219/0072 Organic compounds
• CPC Class Codes: C40B 60/14 for creating libraries
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 35/025 having a carousel or turntable for reaction cells or cuvettes
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 436/11 Automated chemical analysis
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 436/111666 Utilizing a centrifuge or compartmented rotor
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 436/113332 with conveyance of sample along a test line in a container or rack
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 436/114165 with step of insertion or removal from test line
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 436/114998 with treatment or replacement of aspirator element [e.g., cleaning, etc.]
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 436/25375 : Liberation or purification of sample or separation of material from a sample [e.g., filtering, centrifuging, etc.]
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 436/255 : including use of a solid sorbent, semipermeable membrane, or liquid extraction
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 436/25625 : Dilution
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 436/2575 : Volumetric liquid transfer

Abstract

An apparatus for synthesizing polymer chains includes a controller, a plurality of precision fit vials circularly arranged in multiple banks on a cartridge, a drain corresponding to each bank of vials, a chamber bowl, a plurality of valves for delivering reagents to selective vials, and a waste tube system for purging material from the vials. A purging operation can be selectively performed on one or more of the banks of vials. The multiple banks of valves provide an additional number of reagent choices while operating in a serial mode and faster reagent distribution while operating in a parallel mode. The plurality of vials are stored in the cartridge and are divided among individual banks wherein each bank of vials has a corresponding drain. There is at least one waste tube system for expelling the reagent solution from vials within a particular bank of vials when the waist tube system is coupled to the corresponding drain. The cartridge holding the plurality of vials rotates relative to the stationary banks of valves and the waste tube system. The controller rotates the cartridge and operates the banks of valves and the waste tube system in response to the required sequence of dispensing various reagent solutions and flushing appropriate vials in order to form the desired polymer chain within each vial.

Claims

1. A synthesizer for foraging a polymer chain by sequentially adding monomer units found in one of a plurality of reagent solutions, the synthesizer comprising:

a. a first vial and a second vial, each for holding a selective one or more of the plurality of reagent solutions during synthesis;

b. means for dispensing configured for dispensing the selective one or more of the plurality of reagent solutions into the first and second vials;

c. a cartridge configured for holding the first vial and the second vial;

d. a drain plate coupled to the cartridge including a first collection area having a first drain configured to collect material from the first vial and a second collection area having a second drain configured to collect material from the second vial; and

e. means for expelling material from a selective ore of the first and second vials, including means for collecting configured for selectively engaging one of the first drain and the second drain corresponding to the selective one of the first and second vials and thereby purging material from the selective one of the first vial and the second vial when the means for collecting engages the selective one of the first drain and the second drain, wherein in order to engage the first drain and the second drain, a selective one or both of the means for collecting and the selective one of the first drain and the second drain are moved in relation to each other.

2. The synthesizer according to claim 1 wherein the cartridge holds the first vial and the second vial along a circular perimeter of the cartridge.

3. The synthesizer according to claim 2 further comprising a motor coupled to the cartridge configured for selectively rotating the cartridge relative to the means for dispensing and the means for collecting in a circular motion.

4. The synthesizer according to claim 3 wherein the cartridge separates the first vial into a first bank of vials and the second vial into a second bank of vials.

5. The synthesizer according to claim 1 further comprising a chamber bowl coupled to the means for expelling wherein the chamber bowl contains any spilled material.

6. The synthesizer according to claim 5 further comprising a seal coupled to the chamber bowl to prevent spilled material from escaping outside the chamber bowl.

7. The synthesizer according to claim 1 wherein the means for expelling further comprises means for forming a pressure differential between a first opening and a second opening of the selective one of the first vial and the second vial.

8. The synthesizer according to claim 1 wherein the means for dispensing further comprises:

a. a plurality of valves for controlling dispensing of the plurality of reagent solutions; and

b. a plurality of dispense lines wherein each of the plurality of the dispense lines is coupled to a corresponding one of the plurality of valves for delivering one of the plurality of reagent solutions to a selected vial.

9. The synthesizer according to claim 1 wherein each of the first vial and the second vial further comprise a bored interior having a consistent dimension for maintaining a consistent flow through the first and second vials and are configured to hold a frit for retaining a solid material above the frit.

10. The synthesizer according to claim 1 wherein the means for collecting comprises a waste tube to collect material expelled from the selective one of the first vial and the second vial.

18. The synthesizer according to claim 10 wherein the cartridge separates the first vial into a first bank of vials and the second vial into a second bank of vials.

11. A synthesizer for forming a polymer chain by sequentially adding monomer units found in a plurality of reagent solutions, the synthesizer comprising:

a. a first vial for holding a selective one or more of the plurality of reagent solutions during synthesis;

b. a second vial for holding a selective one or more of the plurality of reagent solutions during synthesis;

c. a cartridge to hold the first vial and the second vial;

d. a dispensing system to dispense the selective one or more of the plurality of reagent solutions into the first and second vials;

e. a drain plate coupled to the cartridge including a first collection area having a first drain configured to collect material from the first vial and a second collection area having a second drain configured to collect material from the second vial; and

f. a purging system including a waste tube to remove material from a selective one of the first vial and the second vial, wherein the waste tube is configured to selectively engage one of the first drain and the second drain corresponding to the selective one of the first vial and the second vial and purge material from the selective one of the first vial and the second vial when the waste tube engages the selective one of the first drain and the second drain, wherein in order to engage the first drain and the second drain a selective one or both of the waste tube and the selective one of the first drain and the second drain are moved in relation to each other.

12. The synthesizer according to claim 11 wherein the cartridge holds the first vial and the second vial along a circular perimeter of the cartridge.

13. The synthesizer according to claim 11 further comprising a chamber bowl coupled to the purging system wherein the chamber bowl contains spilled material.

14. The synthesizer according to claim 13 further comprising a seal coupled to the chamber bowl to prevent spilled material from escaping outside the chamber bowl.

15. The synthesizer according to claim 11 wherein the purging system further comprises means for forming a pressure differential between a first opening and a second opening of the selective one of the first vial and the second vial.

16. The synthesizer according to claim 11 wherein the dispensing system further comprises:

a. a plurality of valves for controlling dispensing of the plurality of reagent solutions; and

b. a plurality of dispense lines each coupled to one of the plurality of valves for delivering a corresponding one of the reagent solutions to a selected vial.

17. The synthesizer according to claim 11 wherein each of the first vial and the second vial further comprise a bored interior having a consistent dimension for maintaining a consistent flow through the first and second vials and are configured to hold a frit for retaining a solid material above the frit.

19. The synthesizer according to claim 11 further comprising a motor coupled to the cartridge to selectively rotate the cartridge relative to the dispensing system and relative to the waste tube.

20. A synthesizer for creating a polymer chain by sequentially adding monomer units found in one of a plurality of reagent solutions, the synthesizer comprising:

a. a plurality of vials each for holding material including a selective one of the plurality of reagent solutions during synthesis;

b. a cartridge for holding the plurality of vials and dividing the plurality of vials into a first bank of vials including at least one of the plurality of vials and a second bank of vials including at least one of the plurality of vials;

c. a first drain configured to collect material from the first bank of vials;

d. a second drain configured to collect material from the second bank of vials

e. a dispensing system configured to sequentially dispense selective ones of the plurality of reagent solutions into the plurality of vials; and

f. a purging system configured to purge material from a selective one of the first bank of vials and the second bank of vials, wherein the purging system includes a waste tube configured to mechanically engage a selective one of the first drain and the second drain corresponding to the selective one of the first bank vials and the second bank of vials to purge material from the selective one of the first bank of vials and the second bank of vials when the waste tube engages the selective one of the first drain and the second drain, wherein in order to engage the first drain and the second drain a selective one or both of the waste tube and the selective one of the first drain and the second drain are moved in relation to each other.

21. The synthesizer according to claim 20 wherein the dispensing system further comprises:

a. a plurality of valves for controlling the dispensing of the plurality of reagent solutions; and

b. a plurality of dispense lines each coupled to one of the plurality of valves for delivering a corresponding one of the plurality of reagent solutions to a selected vial.

27. The synthesizer according to claim 20 wherein each of the vials further comprise a bored interior having a consistent dimension for maintaining a consistent flow through the vials and are configured to hold ct frit for retaining a solid material above the frit.

22. A synthesizer for forming a polymer chain by sequentially adding monomer units found in one of a plurality of reagent solutions, the synthesizer comprising:

a. a cartridge configured to hold a first vial and a second vial, each for holding a selective one or more of the plurality of reagent solutions during synthesis;

b. a drain plate coupled to the cartridge including a first collection area having a first drain configured to collect material from the first vial and a second collection area having a second drain configured to collect material from the second vial;

c. a dispensing system configured to dispense the selective one or more of the plurality of reagent solutions into the first and second vials; and

d. a purging system including a waste tube configured to expel material from a selective one of the first and second vials, wherein a selective one or both of the waste tube and the cartridge are moved in relation to each other in order to allow the purging system to engage a selective one of the first drain and the second drain corresponding to the selective one of the first vial and the second vial and thereby expel material from the selected one of the first vial and the second vial through the selective one of the first drain and the second drain and through the purging system when the selective one of the first drain and the second drain is engaged.

23. The synthesizer according to claim 22 wherein the cartridge holds the first vial and the second vial along a circular perimeter of the cartridge.

24. The synthesizer according to claim 22 further comprising a motor coupled to the cartridge configured to selectively rotate the cartridge relative to the dispensing system and relative to the waste tube in a circular motion.

25. The synthesizer according to claim 22 wherein the dispensing system further comprises:

a. a plurality of valves for controlling dispensing of the plurality of reagent solutions; and

b. a plurality of dispense lines wherein each of the plurality of the dispense lines is coupled to a corresponding one of the plurality of valves for delivering one of the plurality of reagent solutions to a selected vial.

26. The synthesizer according to claim 22 wherein each of the first vial and the second vial further comprise a bored interior having a consistent dimension for maintaining a consistent flow through the first and second vials and are configured to hold a frit for retaining a solid material above the frit.

28. A synthesizer for forming a polymer chain by sequentially adding monomer units found in one of a plurality of reagent solutions, the synthesizer comprising

a. a first plurality of vials and a second plurality of vials, each of the vials for holding a selective one or more of the plurality of reagent solutions during synthesis;

b. means for dispensing configured for dispensing the selective one or more of the plurality of reagent solutions into the first plurality of vials and the second plurality of vials;

c. a cartridge configured for holding the first plurality of vials in a first bank of vials and the second plurality of vials in a second bank of vials;

d. a drain plate coupled to the cartridge including a first collection area having a first drain configured to collect material from the first bank of vials and a second collection area having a second drain configured to collect material from the second bank of vials; and

e. means for expelling material from a selective one of the first bank of vials and the second bank of vials, configured for selectively engaging the first drain and the second drain corresponding to the selective one of the first bank of vials and the second bank of vials and thereby purging material from the selective one of the first bank of vials and the second bank of vials when the corresponding first drain and second drain is engaged.

29. The synthesizer according to claim 28 wherein the cartridge holds the first plurality of vials and the second plurality of vials along a circular perimeter of the cartridge.

30. The synthesizer according to claim 28 further comprising a motor coupled to the cartridge configured for selectively rotating the cartridge relative to the means for dispensing and relative to the means for expelling in a circular motion.

31. The synthesizer according to claim 28 further comprising a chamber bowl coupled to the means for expelling wherein the chamber bowl contains any spilled material.

32. The synthesizer according to claim 31 further comprising a seal coupled to the chamber bowl to prevent spilled material from escaping outside the chamber bowl.

33. The synthesizer according to claim 28 wherein tire means for expelling further comprises:

a. means for forming a pressure differential between a first opening and a second opening of each of the vials within the selective one of the first bank of vials and the second bank of vials; and

b. a waste tube to collect material expelled from the selective one of the first bank of vials and the second bank of vials.

34. The synthesizer according to claim 28 wherein the means for dispensing further comprises:

a. a plurality of valves for controlling dispensing of the plurality of reagent solutions; and

b. a plurality of dispense lines wherein each of the plurality of the dispense lines is coupled to a corresponding one of the plurality of valves for delivering one of the plurality of reagent solutions to a selected vial.

35. The synthesizer according to claim 28 wherein each of the vials further comprise a bored interior having a consistent dimension for maintaining a consistent flow through the vials and are configured to hold a frit for retaining a solid material above the frit.

36. A synthesizer for forming a polymer chain by sequentially adding monomer units found in a plurality of reagent solutions, the synthesizer comprising:

a. a first plurality of vials each for holding a selective one or more of the plurality of reagent solutions during synthesis;

b. a second plurality of vials each for holding a selective one or more of the plurality of reagent solutions during synthesis.

c. a cartridge to hold the first plurality of vials in a first bank of vials and the second plurality of vials in a second bank of vials;

d. a dispensing system to dispense the selective one or more of the plurality of reagent solutions into the first and second plurality of vials;

e. a drain plate coupled to the cartridge including a first collection area having a first drain configured to collect material from the first bank of vials and a second collection area having a second drain configured to collect material from the second bank of vials; and

f. a purging system to remove material from a selective one of the first bank of vials and the second bank of vials, wherein the purging system is configured to selectively engage the first drain and the second drain corresponding to the selective one of the first bank of vials and the second bank of vials and purge material from the selected one of the first bank of vials and the second bank of vials when the corresponding first drain and second drain is engaged.

37. The synthesizer according to claim 36 wherein the cartridge holds the first plurality of vials and the second plurality of vials along a circular perimeter of the cartridge.

38. The synthesizer according to claim 36 further comprising a chamber bowl coupled to the purging system wherein the chamber bowl contains spilled material.

39. The synthesizer according to claim 36 further comprising a seal coupled to the chamber bowl to prevent spilled material from escaping outside the chamber bowl.

40. The synthesizer according to claim 36 wherein the purging system further comprises:

a. means for forming a pressure differential between a first opening and a second opening of each of the vials within the selective one of the first bank of vials and the second bank of vials; and

b. a waste tube to collect material expelled from the selective one of the first bank of vials and the second bank of vials.

41. The synthesizer according to claim 36 wherein the dispensing system further comprises:

a. a plurality of valves for controlling dispensing of the plurality of reagent solutions; and

b. a plurality of dispense lines each coupled to one of the plurality of valves for delivering a corresponding one of the reagent solutions to a selected vial.

42. The synthesizer according to claim 36 wherein each of the vials within the first plurality of vials and the second plurality of vials further comprise a bored interior having a consistent dimension for maintaining a consistent flow through the vials and are configured to hold a frit for retaining a solid material above the frit.

43. The synthesizer according to claim 36 further comprising a motor coupled to the cartridge to selectively rotate the cartridge relative to the dispensing system and relative to the purging system.

44. A synthesizer for creating a polymer chain by sequentially adding monomer units found in one of a plurality of reagent solutions, the synthesizer comprising:

a. a plurality of vials each for holding material including a selective one of the plurality of reagent solutions during synthesis;

b. a cartridge for holding the plurality of vials and dividing the plurality of vail into a first bank of vials including two or more of the plurality of vials and a second bank of vials including two or more of the plurality of vials;

c. a first drain configured to collect material from the first bank of vials;

d. a second drain configured to collect material from the second bank of vials;

e. a dispensing system configured to sequentially dispense selective ones of the plurality of reagent solutions into the plurality of vials; and

f. a purging system configured to purge material from a selective one of the first bank of vials and the second bank of vials, wherein the purging system includes a waste tube configured to mechanically engage the selected one of the first drain and the second drain corresponding to the selective one of the first bank of vials and the second bank of vials to purge material from the selective one of the first bank of vials and the second bank of vials when the waste tube engages the selective one of the first drain and the second drain, wherein in order to engage the first drain and the second drain a selective one or both of the waste tube and the selective one of the first drain and the second drain are moved in relation to each other.

45. The synthesizer according to claim 44 wherein the dispensing system further comprises:

a. a plurality of valves for controlling the dispensing of the plurality of reagent solutions; and

b. a plurality of dispense lines each coupled to one of the plurality of valves for delivering a corresponding one of the plurality of reagent solutions to a selected vial.

46. The synthesizer according to claim 44 wherein each of the vials further comprise a bored interior having a consistent dimension for maintaining a consistent flow through the vials and are configured to hold a frit for retaining a solid material above the frit.

47. A synthesizer for forming a polymer chain by sequentially adding monomer units found in one of a plurality of reagent solutions, the synthesizer comprising:

a. a cartridge configured to hold a first plurality of vials in a first bank of vials and a second plurality of vials in a second bank of vials, each of the vials for holding a selective one or more of the plurality of reagent solutions during synthesis;

b. a drain plate coupled to the cartridge including a first collection area having a first drain configured to collect material from the first bank of vials and a second collection area having a second drain configured To collect material from the second bank of vials;

c. a dispensing system configured to dispense the selective one or more of the plurality of reagent solutions into the first and second plurality of vials and

d. a purging system configured to expel material from a selective one of the first bank of vials and the second bank of vials, wherein a selective one or both of the purging system and the cartridge are moved in relation to each other in order to allow the purging system to engage a selective one of the first drain and the second drain corresponding to the selective one of the first bank of vials and the second bank of vials and thereby expel material from the selected one of the first bank of vials and the second bank of vials through the selective one of the first drain and the second drain and through the purging system when the selective one of the first drain and the second drain is engaged.

48. The synthesizer according to claim 47 wherein the cartridge holds the first plurality of vials and the second plurality of vials along a circular perimeter of the cartridge.

49. The synthesizer according to claim 47 firer comprising a motor coupled to the cartridge configured to selectively rotate the cartridge relative to the dispensing system and relative to the purging system in a circular motion.

50. The synthesizer according to claim 47 wherein the dispensing system further comprises:

a. a plurality of valves for controlling dispensing of the plurality of reagent solutions; and

b. a plurality of dispense lines wherein each of the plurality of the dispense lines is coupled to a corresponding one of the plurality of valves for delivering one of the plurality of reagent solutions to a selected vial.

51. The synthesizer according to claim 47 wherein each of the first plurality of vials and the second plurality of vials further comprise a bored interior having a consistent dimension for maintaining a consistent flow through the vials and are configured to hold a frit for retaining a solid material above the frit.

52. A synthesizer for forming a polymer chain by sequentially adding monomer units found in one of a plurality of reagent solutions, the synthesizer comprising:

a. a first vial and a second vial, each for holding a selective one or more of the plurality of reagent solutions during synthesis;

b. means for dispensing configured for dispensing the selective one or more of the plurality of reagent solutions into the first and second vials;

c. a cartridge configured for holding the first vial and the second vial;

d. a drain plate coupled to the cartridge including a first collection area having a first drain configured to collect material from the first vial and a second collection area having a second drain configured to collect material from the second vial;

e. means for expelling material from a selective one of the first and second vials, including means for collecting configured for selectively engaging one of the first drain and the second drain corresponding to the selective one of the first and second vials and thereby purging material from the selective one of the first vial and the second vial when the means for collecting engages the selective one of the first drain and the second drain; and

f. means for positioning the cartridge coupled to the cartridge for selectively involving the cartridge relative to the means for dispensing for positioning the vials to receive the selective one or more of the plurality of reagent solutions from the means for dispensing and for moving the cartridge relative to the means for collecting for positioning the selective one of the first drain and the second drain in order to be engaged by the means for collecting.

53. The synthesizer according to claim 52 wherein the cartridge holds the first vial and the second vial along a circular perimeter of the cartridge.

54. The synthesize according to claim 52 wherein the means for positioning includes a motor.

55. The synthesize according to claim 52 wherein the cartridge separates the first vial into a first bank of vials and the second vial into a second bank of vials.

56. The synthesizer according to claim 52 wherein the means for collecting comprises a waste tube to collect material expelled from the selective one of the first vial and the second vial.

57. The synthesizer according to claim 52 wherein the means for expelling further comprises means for forming a pressure differential between a first opening and a second opening of the selective one of the first vial and the second vial.

58. The synthesizer according to claim 52 wherein the means for dispensing further comprises:

a. a plurality of valves for controlling dispensing of the plurality of reagent solutions; and

b. a plurality of dispense lines wherein each of the plurality of dispense lines is coupled to a corresponding one of the plurality of valves for delivering one of the plurality of reagent solutions to selected vial.

59. The synthesizer according to claim 52 wherein each of the first vial and the second vial further comprise a bored interior having a consistent dimension for maintaining a consistent flow through the first and second vials and are configured to hold a frit for retaining a solid material above the frit.

60. A synthesizer for forming a polymer chain by sequentially adding monomer units found in a plurality of reagent solutions, the synthesizer comprising:

a. a first vial for holding a selective one or more of the plurality of reagent solutions during synthesis;

b. a second vial for holding a selective one or more of the plurality of reagent solutions during synthesis;

c. a cartridge to hold the first vial and the second vial;

d. a dispensing system to dispense the selective one or more of the plurality of reagent solutions into the first and second vials;

e. a drain plate coupled to the cartridge including a first collection area having a first drain configured to collect material from the first vial and a second collection area having a second drain configured to collect material from the second vial;

f. a purging system to remove material from a selective one of the first vial and the second vial, wherein the purging system is configured to selectively engage one of the first drain and the second drain corresponding to the selective one of the first vial and the second vial and purge material from the selective one of the first vial and the second vial when the purging system engages the selective one of the first drain and the second drain; and

g. a positioning system coupled to the cartridge and configured to selectively move the cartridge relative to the dispensing system to position the vials to receive the selective one or more of the plurality of reagent solutions from the dispensing system and to move the cartridge relative to the purging system to position the selective one of the first drain and the second drain in order to be engaged by the purging system.

61. The synthesizer according to claim 60 wherein the cartridge holds the first vial and the second vial along a circular perimeter of the cartridge.

62. The synthesizer according to claim 60 wherein the purging system further comprises:

a. means for forming a pressure differential between a first opening and a second opening of the selective one of the first vial and the second vial; and

b. a waste tube to collect material expelled from the selective one of the first vial and the second vial.

63. The synthesizer according to claim 60 wherein the dispensing system further comprises:

a. a plurality of valves for controlling dispensing of the plurality of reagent solutions; and

b. a plurality of dispense lines each coupled to one of the plurality of valves for delivering a corresponding one of the reagent solutions to a selected vial.

64. The synthesizer according to claim 60 wherein each of the first vial and the second vial further comprise a bored interior having a consistent dimension for maintaining a consistent flow through the first and second vials and are configured to hold a frit for retaining a solid material above the frit.

65. The synthesizer according to claim 60 wherein the positioning system further comprises a motor.

66. A synthesizer for creating a polymer chain by sequentially adding monomer units found in one of a plurality of reagent solutions, the synthesizer comprising:

a. a plurality of vials each for holding material including a selective one of the plurality of reagent solutions during synthesis;

b. a cartridge for holding the plurality of vials and dividing the plurality of vials into a first bank of vials including at least one of the plurality of vials and a second bank of vials including at least one of the plurality of vials;

c. a first drain configured to collect material from the first bank of vials;

d. a second drain configured to collect material from the second bank of vials;

e. a dispensing system configured to sequentially dispense selective ones of the plurality of reagent solutions into the plurality of vials;

f. a purging system configured to purge material from a selective one of the first bank of vials and the second bank of vials, wherein the purging system is configured to engage a selective one of the first drain and the second drain corresponding to the selective one of the first bank of vials and the second bank of vials to purge material from the selective one of the first bank of vials and the second bank of vials when the purging system engages the selective one of the first drain and the second drain; and

g. a positioning system coupled to the cartridge and configured to selectively move the cartridge relative to the dispensing system to position the vials to receive the selective one or more of the plurality of reagent solutions from the dispensing system and to move the cartridge relative to the purging system to position the selective one of the first drain and the second drain in order to be engaged by the purging system.

67. The synthesizer according to claim 66 wherein the cartridge holds the first vial and the second vial along a circular perimeter of the cartridge.

68. The synthesizer according to claim 66 wherein the purging system further comprises:

a. means for forming a pressure differential between a first opening and a second opening of the selective one of the first bank of vials and the second bank of vials; and

b. a waste tube to collect material expelled from the selective one of the first bank of vials arid the second bank of vials.

69. The synthesizer according to claim 66 wherein the dispensing system further comprises:

a. a plurality of valves for controlling dispensing of the plurality of reagent solutions; and

b. a plurality of dispense lines each coupled to one of the plurality of valves for delivering a corresponding one of the reagent solutions to a selected vial.

70. The synthesizer according to claim 66 wherein each of the vials further comprise a bored interior having a consistent dimension for maintaining a consistent flow through the vials and are configured to hold a frit for retaining a solid material above the frit.

71. The synthesizer according to claim 66 wherein the positioning system further comprises a motor.