WO2023170258A1

WO2023170258A1 - Apparatus for enzymatic synthesis of a plurality of polynucleotides comprising a condensation trap

Info

Publication number: WO2023170258A1
Application number: PCT/EP2023/056143
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sean MCCUSKER; Grace HAO
Original assignee: Dna Script
Priority date: 2022-03-11
Filing date: 2023-03-10
Publication date: 2023-09-14

Abstract

An apparatus (500) for enzymatic synthesis of a plurality of polynucleotides, the apparatus (500) comprising a chiller (11) with a condensation generating device (8) and a condensation trap (1) comprising a frame with a front surface (2) and an opposing back surface (4) connected by first and second lateral sides (6), wherein the frame houses a U-shaped inner structure that is formed by two opposing inner side surfaces (12) connected by an inner bottom surface (14), wherein the U-shaped inner structure forms a space traversing the frame between the front surface (2) and the back surface (4), the space configured to accommodate a protuberance of the condensation generating device (8), wherein the inner bottom surface (14) comprises a trough (10) configured to collect condensate from the condensation generating device (8), the trough (10) comprising a sloped surface (16) angled downward from a top edge (18) nearest the back surface (4) to a bottom edge (20) nearest the front surface (2), the bottom edge (20) connecting to a first edge (22) of a condensate channel (23), wherein the condensation trap (1) also comprises a plate (24) forming part of the front surface (2) of the frame and forming a vertical wall of the trough along a second edge of the condensate channel (23) across from the first edge (22), wherein the condensate channel (23) slopes downwards, terminating at an aperture (26), wherein the aperture (26) is in fluid communication with a tubing connector (28).

Description

TITLE: Apparatus for enzymatic synthesis of a plurality of polynucleotides comprising a condensation trap

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a condensation trap associated to a condensation generating device of an apparatus for enzymatic synthesis.

INTRODUCTION

Interest in enzymatic approaches to polynucleotide synthesis has recently increased not only because of increased demand for synthetic polynucleotides in many areas, such as synthetic biology, CRISPR-Cas9 applications, high-throughput sequencing, and the like, but also because of the limitations of chemical approaches to polynucleotide synthesis, such as the difficulty of performing multi-step synthesis reactions under inert atmospheres and moisture-free environments, the upper limits on product length, the use of, and needed disposal of, organic solvents, and so on, e.g. Jensen et al, Biochemistry, 57: 1821-1832 (2018); Sindalar et al, Nucleic Acids Research, 23(6):982-987 (1995); Lashkari et al, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., 92: 7912-7915 (1995); Hargreaves et al, Nucleosides, Nucleotides and Nucleic Acids, 34: 691-707 (2015). Enzymatic synthesis is attractive not only because of the specificity and efficiency of enzymes, but also because of its use of mild aqueous reaction conditions which simplify handling and eliminate the need for hazardous reagents.

Among the processes for automated enzymatic synthesis is vacuum transfer. Automated enzymatic synthesis can be performed in a plurality of reaction wells, each reaction well being capable of accepting reactants, wash solutions, synthesis supports through an inlet or opening, holding such reactants, wash solutions and synthesis supports for predetermined incubation times, and having such reactants and wash solutions removed through an outlet operationally associated with a filter that retains the synthesis supports. The plurality of reaction chambers are usually provided in a regular, e.g. rectilinear, planar array.

In view of the above, parallel enzymatic synthesis of polynucleotides using template-free polymerases would be advanced if the transfer of various numbers of reactants is performed in parallel within a minimal limited space. In view of the foregoing, one objective of the present invention is to provide a condensation trap which attaches to the exterior of a climate-controlled apparatus for the enzymatic synthesis of polynucleotides. The condensation trap fits around the bottom and sides of a heat exchanger that both protrudes from the device and generates condensation during its operation. The condensate is collected by the condensation trap and redirected for disposal.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for enzymatic synthesis of a plurality of polynucleotides, the apparatus comprising a chiller with a condensation generating device and a condensation trap that has a frame with a front surface and an opposing back surface connected by first and second lateral sides. The frame houses a U-shaped inner structure that is formed by two opposing inner side surfaces connected by an inner bottom surface. The U-shaped inner structure forms a space traversing the frame between the front surface and the back surface. This space is configured to accommodate the protuberance of a condensation generating device. The front surface of the frame may face the direction by which the protuberance extends. The inner bottom surface comprises a trough configured to collect condensate from the condensation generating device. The trough comprises a sloped surface angled downward from a top edge nearest the back surface to a bottom edge nearest the front surface, the bottom edge connecting to a first edge of a condensate channel. The condensation trap also comprises a plate forming part of the front surface of the frame and forming a vertical wall along a second edge of the condensate channel across from the first edge. The condensate channel slopes downwards, terminating at an aperture. The aperture is in fluid communication with a tubing connector.

According to one or more embodiments, the condensation trap comprises a plate removably attached to the front surface of the frame, forming a vertical wall of the trough along a second edge of the condensate channel across from the first edge.

According to one or more embodiments, the condensate channel slopes downwards in the direction of a middle region of the trough.

According to one or more embodiments, the aperture is in fluid communication with a tubing connector on the back surface.

According to one or more embodiments, the frame further comprises an inner top surface connecting the inner side surfaces of the U-shaped inner structure to form an opening at the front surface and an opening at the back surface. Here, the inner top surface, inner side surfaces, and inner bottom surface are configured to surround a segment of the protuberance.

According to one or more embodiments, an area defined by the opening at the front surface is larger than an area defined by the opening at the back surface.

According to one or more embodiments, the opening at the front surface extends to a portion of a top surface of the frame above the inner bottom surface.

According to one or more embodiments, the inner top surface is formed by a crossbar on the top surface of the frame.

According to one or more embodiments, the crossbar extends a height above the top surface of the frame.

According to one or more embodiments, the crossbar has a back surface in the same plane as the back surface of the frame.

According to one or more embodiments, the crossbar extends fully between the first and second exterior sides of the frame.

According to one or more embodiments, the aperture is positioned at an equal distance from the inner side surfaces of the U-shaped inner structure.

According to one or more embodiments, the aperture is connected to the tubing connector by a length of flexible tubing.

According to one or more embodiments, the aperture is connected to the tubing connector by an interior conduit within the frame.

According to one or more embodiments, a plane enclosed by an edge of the aperture is substantially parallel with a plane of the top surface of the frame.

According to one or more embodiments, a plane enclosed by an edge of the aperture is substantially parallel with a plane of the first and/or second lateral sides.

According to one or more embodiments, the aperture is elongated, having a ratio of longest dimension to shortest dimension in a range of 2: 1 to 100: 1.

According to one or more embodiments, the sloped surface of the trough comprises grooves or ribbings. According to one or more embodiments, the sloped surface of the trough is hydrophobic.

According to one or more embodiments, the condensation trap further comprises a fluid detection device in the trough.

According to one or more embodiments, the condensation trap further comprises a fluid detection device in a fluid path between the aperture and the tubing connector.

According to one or more embodiments, the inner side surfaces of the U-shaped inner structure are configured to be spaced by at least 0.5 cm from a nearest surface of the protuberance.

According to one or more embodiments, the plate is flush against the front surface.

According to one or more embodiments, the plate is removably attached by screws.

According to one or more embodiments, the tubing connector is connected to a vacuum manifold by a length of tubing.

According to one or more embodiments, the inner bottom surface comprises a planar surface parallel with the plane of the top surface.

According to one or more embodiments, the apparatus also comprises a vacuum manifold connected to the tubing connector by a tubing, the vacuum manifold having a remotely- operated valve to control a pressure differential on the tubing.

The present invention also relates to a method for redirecting condensation from a condensation generating device in the apparatus of the first aspect. This method involves initiating a control system to begin a process comprising cooling an interior of the apparatus using a cooling device. A protruding portion of the cooling device generates a condensate. The condensation trap is attached to the apparatus and is located around the protruding portion, so that condensate drips into the trough forming a collected condensate which is directed to an aperture by a channel.

According to one or more embodiments, the condensation trap further comprises a fluid detection device in the trough or in a fluid path between the aperture and the tubing connector, and a vacuum manifold connected to the tubing connector by a tubing. The vacuum manifold has a remotely-operated valve to control a pressure differential on the tubing. When the fluid detection device detects a fluid, the fluid detection device sends a signal to the control system, a second control system, or the vacuum manifold to open the remotely-operated valve to drain the collected condensate to a waste receptacle. The process of the automated apparatus may further comprise an enzymatic polynucleotide synthesis process. The enzymatic polynucleotide synthesis process can generate a DNA polynucleotide and/or a RNA polynucleotide.

The foregoing paragraphs have been provided by way of general introduction, and are not intended to limit the scope of the following claims. The described embodiments, together with further advantages, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete appreciation of the disclosure and many of the attendant advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[FIG.1] illustrates diagrammatically the basic steps of enzymatic synthesis of a polynucleotide;

[FIG.2] illustrates a planar array of reaction chambers in the form of a rectilinear arrangement of n reaction wells in a planar substrate based on a 96 wells plate;

[FIG.3] illustrates an exemplary instrument for performing enzymatic polynucleotide synthesis;

[FIG.4A] is a schematic diagram of stations within the instrument of FIG.3;

[FIG.4B] is a schematic diagram of a top view of the stations;

[FIG.5A] is a top view of an exemplary arrangement of a reagent tray for 96 reaction wells;

[FIG.5B] is a top view of an exemplary arrangement of a reagent tray for 384 reaction wells;

[FIG.6A] illustrates an exemplary sipper plate for a 96 well synthesis,

[FIG.6B] illustrates an exemplary sipper plate for a 384 well synthesis;

[FIG.7A] illustrates an exemplary heater/shaker module;

[FIG.7B] illustrates the exemplary heater/shaker module of FIG.7A;

[FIG.8A] illustrates distance between plates in a 96 plate format; [FIG.8B] illustrates distance between other plates in a 96 plate format;

[FIG.9A] illustrates distance between plates in a 384 plate format;

[FIG.9B] illustrates distance between other plates in a 384 plate format;

[FIG.10A] is schematic diagram of a vacuum transfer station having a wedge-based drive mechanism;

[FIG.1 OB] is another schematic diagram of a vacuum transfer station having a wedgebased drive mechanism;

[FIG. IOC] is schematic diagrams of the vacuum transfer station with nozzle manifold;

[FIG.10D] is another schematic diagrams of the vacuum transfer station with nozzle manifold;

[FIG.10E] illustrates an exemplary implementation of the vacuum transfer station;

[FIG.1 OF] also illustrates the exemplary implementation of the vacuum transfer station;

[FIG.l 1A] is a side view of a condensation trap;

[FIG.1 IB] is a cross section view of the condensation trap of FIG. 11A.

[FIG.l 1C] is a view of the condensation trap arranged inside a reagent storage cabinet;

[FIG.12] is a front view of a condensation trap being used with a condensation generating device.

[FIG.13] is a vacuum manifold for use with a condensation trap.

[FIG.14] is a flowchart for the operation of stations in the instrument of FIG. 3;

[FIG.15] is a flowchart for the synthesis sub-process;

[FIG.16] is a flowchart for the nucleotide addition sub-process;

[FIG.17] is a flowchart for the transfer and liberation sub-process;

[FIG.18] is a flowchart for the desalting sub-process;

[FIG.19] is a flowchart for the elution sub-process; and

[FIG.20] is a flowchart for the quantification and normalization sub-process.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the disclosure are shown.

The present disclosure will be better understood with reference to the following definitions. As used herein, the words “a” and “an” and the like carry the meaning of “one or more.” It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

As used herein, the words “about,” “approximately,” or “substantially similar” may be used when describing magnitude and/or position to indicate that the value and/or position described is within a reasonable expected range of values and/or positions. For example, a numeric value may have a value that is +/- 0.1% of the stated value (or range of values), +/- 1% of the stated value (or range of values), +/- 2% of the stated value (or range of values), +/- 5% of the stated value (or range of values), +/- 10% of the stated value (or range of values). Within the description of this disclosure, where a numerical limit or range is stated, the endpoints are included unless stated otherwise. Also, all values and subranges within a numerical limit or range are specifically included as if explicitly written out.

The general principles of the invention are disclosed in more detail herein particularly by way of examples, such as those shown in the drawings and described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the invention to the particular embodiments described. The invention is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics of which are shown for several embodiments. The intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the principles and scope of the invention. Guidance for selecting materials and components to carry out particular functions may be found in available treatises and references on scientific instrumentation including, but not limited to, Moore et al, Building Scientific Apparatus, Third Edition (Perseus Books, Cambridge, MA); Hermanson, Bioconjugate Techniques, 3rd Edition (Academic Press, 2013); and like references. In one aspect, the invention is directed to systems and apparatus for parallel enzymatic synthesis of a plurality of polynucleotides in an array of addressable reaction chambers using a template-free polymerase. That is, systems and apparatus of the invention carry out automatically synthesis of a plurality of polynucleotides using for each polynucleotide the synthesis scheme shown in FIG. 1. Each synthesized polynucleotide or at least some of the synthesized polynucleotides may have a predetermined sequence. It is understood that the term “predetermined” in reference to polynucleotide sequences includes the placement of random sequences at predetermined locations of the whole polynucleotide, e.g. in the synthesis of random sequence tags or barcodes. In some embodiments, systems of the invention comprise apparatus of the invention whose practice comprises the implementation of specific method steps. In some embodiments, systems and apparatus of the invention may further carry out cleavage or release of synthesized polynucleotides from their synthesis supports and isolation of the cleaved or released polynucleotide products. In some embodiments, systems and apparatus of the invention comprise (i) a plurality of reaction wells or reaction chambers, each reaction well being capable of accepting reactants, wash solutions, synthesis supports through an inlet or opening, holding such reactants, wash solutions and synthesis supports for predetermined incubation times, and having such reactants and wash solutions removed through an outlet operationally associated with a filter that retains the synthesis supports, wherein the plurality of reaction chambers are usually provided in a regular, e.g. rectilinear, planar array, (ii) a waste manifold operationally associated with the outlets of the reaction chambers for accepting reactants and wash solutions removed from the reaction chambers whenever a positive pressure differential is established between the reaction chambers and the waste manifold causing fluid in the reaction chambers to flow through the reaction chamber outlet to the waste manifold, (iii) a fluid delivery system for storing and delivering reagents to reaction chambers under the control of a control system, (iv) a user interface for accepting polynucleotide sequences, for example, via direct entry by a user or transmission from another device, e.g. a personal computer, cell phone, or the like, and for displaying process options, recommendations and warnings to a user, (v) a control system for controlling the operation of the fluid delivery system, waste manifold, and reaction chambers to effect polynucleotide synthesis in the reaction chambers, and additionally to collect and store process data, error management, and to implement adaptive processes, i.e., corrective actions, based on process data analysis, and (vi) liquid level sensors also under control of the control system for monitoring fluid removal from reaction wells or reaction chambers during a synthesis cycle and detecting failure to remove fluid or inadequate fluid removal. In some embodiments, apparatus of the invention may further include components for performing a preliminary (i.e. presynthesis) polymerase activity assay. Based on the results of the assay, the control system can adjust incubation times and temperature of coupling reactions to optimize yields, or in extreme cases can recommend to a user via the user interface that reagents should be changed. In some embodiments, apparatus and systems of the invention may include elements for cleaving polynucleotide products from their synthesis supports and isolating the cleaved product. These embodiments may vary widely depending on the cleavage mechanism used and the isolation method used. In some embodiments, after cleavage, isolation is accomplished by conventional purification techniques, including gel filtration or adsorption onto silica-based materials, such as glass. Thus, in such embodiments, commercially available polynucleotide purification/isolation plates compatible with synthesis plates (comprising a plurality of reaction chambers) may be employed and positioned by a conventional plate mover or other robotic component of the apparatus. Exemplary commercially available purification/isolation plates are available from Invitek Molecular (Berlin), Enzymax (Lexington, KY), Qiagen (San Diego), or like vendors. Such commercially available purification/isolation plates are typically used in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommended protocols. Exemplary plate movers for use in the invention may comprise simple custom made plate-gripping components coupled with movement on a track for transport between stations, or plate movers may comprise commercially available robots, such as Spinnaker Microplate Robot (ThermoFisher), or the like. Such plate mover moves the synthesis plate and/or the polynucleotide purification/isolation plate so that they are in proper relation to one another for cleavage and purification/isolation to take place. In some embodiments, cleaved polynucleotide product can be isolated by chromatography, for example, in embodiments using 96-well synthesis plates, by use of Repligen’s OPUS® RoboColumn® plate, or the like, with suitable packing material.

The plurality of reaction chambers in an apparatus of the invention may vary widely. In some embodiments, the plurality may be in the range of from 2 to 10000, or from 2 to 5000, or from 2 to 2000, or from 2 to 500, or from 2 to 100. In other embodiments, the plurality may be in the range of from 100 to 2000, or from 100 to 500. In some embodiments, the plurality of reaction chambers is equal or less than the number of wells in a standard, commercially available multi-well plate, such as a 24-well, 48-well, 96- well, 384-well or 1536-well plate. In some embodiments, the plurality of reaction chambers is the same as or less than the number of reaction chambers, or reaction wells, in a planar array. The lengths of the plurality of polynucleotides synthetized by an apparatus may be the same or different and, in some embodiments, may vary between 10 and 1000 nucleotides. In other embodiments, the lengths of polynucleotides synthesized by systems and apparatus of the invention may vary between 10 and 500 nucleotides, or between 10 and 200 nucleotides, or between 10 and 100 nucleotides.

Each reaction chamber of a plurality has an inlet and an outlet and a filter operationally associated with the outlet which is capable of retaining a synthesis support material in the reaction chamber whenever liquid reagents are removed from the reaction chamber through the outlet. In some embodiments, an array of reaction chambers for use with the invention may be a commercially available 24-well, 48-well, 96-well, 384-well or 1536- well filter plate, e.g. available from Pall, Agilent, ThermoFisher, or like companies. In some embodiments, the volume of the reaction chambers may be in the range of from 0.5 pL to 10 mL, or in the range of from 1.0 pL to 5 mL, or in the range of from 2.0 pL to 5 mL, or in the range of from 5 pL to 5 mL, or in the range of from 1.0 pL to 400 pL. Typical working reaction volumes of a reaction chamber are in the range of from 50% to 75% of the reaction chamber volume. In some embodiments, reaction chambers are formed in a planar substrate that comprises a material that is inert to and stable under exposure to the reagents and conditions of the enzymatic synthesis process. Exemplary materials include, but are not limited to, nylon, polypropylene, polystyrene, polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE), poly vinylidene fluoride (PVDF), or the like. FIG. 2 shows an array or plate 200 of reaction chambers (in this case, wells 202) arranged in a rectilinear array, wherein each well in the array or plate is addressable, particularly in the sense that the control system can be programmed to precisely deliver a predetermined reagent to any predetermined well SI, S2 ... Sn in the array. In other embodiments, an array of reaction chambers may have different arrangements, such as, hexagonal, concentric, or the like. In some embodiments, each different polynucleotide of a plurality is synthesized in a different reaction chamber.

Each reaction chamber contains a synthesis support material that has attached initiators as detailed later in the application onto which monomers are coupled during synthesis. As described more fully below, the type of synthesis support employed with the system and apparatus may vary widely in both size and composition. In some embodiments, synthesis supports may comprise the filter of a reaction chamber. In some embodiments, synthesis supports may be separate from and disposed in the reaction chambers. For example, in some embodiments, synthesis supports are solid particles or beads. Such solid particles or beads may include either nonporous solid particles or beads wherein synthesis occurs on the surface of the synthesis support material, or porous solid particles or beads, such as gel particles or resins, wherein synthesis occurs on both the surface and interior of the synthesis support material. In some embodiments, the plurality of reaction chambers may be in the form of a synthesis plate comprising an array of wells, e.g. in a conventional 96-well or 384-well format, each containing a predetermined quantity of synthesis support with initiators attached. As described more fully below, in some embodiments, such synthesis plates may include synthesis supports disposed in a predetermined volume of viscous humectant solution deposited in the well. The viscous humectant protects synthesis supports in a well from drying out and immobilizes or localizes the supports so that movement within the well is minimized or eliminated. In some embodiments, such synthesis supports are provided to users in vacuum packaged form, for example, vacuum packed in a plastic, mylar, metal foil or other protective material. Appliances for producing such vacuum packaged synthesis plates include such simple device as a Kitchenboss, or like appliances. In some embodiments, humectants are selected from glycerol, alcohol sugars, ethylhexylglycerin, panthenol, sorbitol, xylitol, maltitol, propylene glycol, hexylene glycol, butylene glycol, sodium lactate, hyaluronic acid, polydextrose, or the like. In some embodiments, such humectant have a viscosity equivalent to a glycerol/water solution in the range of 40-60 percent (v/v) glycerol: water. In some embodiments, the humectant is a 50 percent (v/v) glycerol: water solution. As used herein, a “humectant” is any hygroscopic substance that attracts and retains moisture. In some embodiments, synthesis plates may comprise mixtures of two or more humectants or with different humectants in different wells. In some embodiments, either separate from viscous humectants or together with viscous humectants, synthesis supports also may be immobilized or localized in a dissolvable gel, such as, a dissolvable hydrogel, such as, a disulfide-stabilized hydrogel, e.g. Chong et al, Small, 5(22): 2601-2610 (2009); Lu et al, Bums & Trama, 6:35 (2018); Konieczynska et al, Acc Chem Res, 50(2): 151-160); and the like. The filter associated with a reaction chamber or an array of reaction chambers may be a planar sheet of filter material bonded to, or sealingly attached to, the outlet or outlets of reaction chambers. Typically, the filter is made of a material inert to, and stable under, the reagents and conditions of the enzymatic synthesis process. For example, such filtration membranes may comprise polyethersulfone, polysulfone, cellulose, nylon, polypropylene, cellulose acetate, cellulose nitrate, polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE), glass fiber, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polyvinyl chloride, acrylic copolymer, aluminum oxide, polyester, and the like. In some embodiments, filter material is, or has been treated to be, hydrophobic, for example, to prevent seepage of aqueous reagents through the filter during incubations. In some embodiments, filters comprise PTFE, PVDF or polypropylene.

Pore size, pore size distribution, pore density, and like characteristics of the filter material of a reaction chamber are selected so that it retains the synthesis support material but permits passage of proteins and other reagents upon application of a pressure differential between the reaction chamber and waste manifold. Thus, in some embodiments, the pore size selected depends in part on the nature of the synthesis support material. In some embodiments, when synthesis supports are conventional solid or gel particles or beads (e.g. > 40 pm diameter), filters having pores with average diameters in the range of 0.1 pm to 10.0 pm may be employed; or in other embodiments, filters having pores with average diameters in the range of 0.1 pm to 1.0 pm may be employed. In some embodiments, commercially available 96-well and 384-well filter plates having 0.45 pm pores or 1.2 pm pores may be used. In some embodiments, filters employed have pore densities ranging from 1 to 106 pores per cm². In some embodiments, for example, in which soluble synthesis supports, such as polymer supports, are employed, nanofiltration may be used. Nanofiltration may be accomplished, for example, using filters having average pore size (or diameters) in the range of from 1 nm to 50 nm, or in the range of from 1 nm to 10 nm.

Apparatus of the invention comprise at least one waste manifold operationally associated with the plurality of reaction chambers and the control systems for simultaneously generating a positive pressure differential between all of the reaction chambers and the waste manifold which causes fluids in the reaction chambers to flow through the filter of the reaction chamber to the waste manifold (and subsequently to a waste container). The positive pressure differential may be generated by the application of a pressure head to the reaction chambers (for example, as described by Skold et al, U.S. patent 5273718) or by the application of a vacuum to the waste manifold chamber (for example, as described by Sindelar et al, Nucleic Acids Research, 23(6): 982-987 (1995)). Exemplary vacuum manifolds for use in the invention include the MilliporeHTS™ vacuum manifold, BioTek ELx405™ vacuum filtration module, or the like. Exemplary synthesis plates include filter plates for manifolds in either 96-well or 384-well formats. In embodiments employing vacuum, a waste manifold includes vacuum sensors and regulators that permit the intensity of vacuum applied to the reaction chambers to be controlled by the control system. In some embodiments, the waste manifold also includes components for regulating the temperature of the plurality of reaction chambers and a shaker for agitating the reaction mixtures in the reaction chambers. Operational association between the waste manifold and the plurality of reaction chambers includes the establishment of a seal between the substrate comprising the reaction chambers and the waste manifold so that the pressure differential between the waste manifold chamber and reaction chambers may be controlled. Such operational association also includes the timing of instructions generated and sent by the control system to the fluid delivery system and waste manifold for delivery of reagents, determination of incubation times and timing of reagent removal in order to effect the synthesis steps of the enzyme-based process. In some embodiments, such operational association may also include changing temperature, incubation times of reactions depending on measured activities of template-free polymerases. In some embodiments, a waste manifold may include vacuum sensors, vacuum regulators, temperature sensors, and temperature regulating devices to control the temperature of a plate mounted on the manifold. Such sensors and regulators are operationally associated with the control system and may be used by the control system to implement a corrective action whenever liquid level sensors indicated inadequate fluid removal from reaction chambers. Such corrective actions may include increasing the intensity of vacuum applied to the synthesis plate, increasing the duration that vacuum is applied, or both. For conventional 96-well and 384-well filter plates vacuum may be in the range of 100-600 mmHg and vacuum may be applied for a time in the range of from 5-40 sec. Guidance for operating a vacuum manifold for conventional 96-well and 384-well filter plates is found in Goodrich, Tech Note, “Tips for optimizing microplate vacuum filtration results,” Rev. 10/26/2011. A fluid delivery system comprises (i) reservoirs for storing reagents required for carrying out synthesis reactions and, in some embodiments, cleavage reactions and product purification and (ii) components for delivering at the proper time reagents from the reservoirs to the reaction chambers, which may comprise pipette-based delivery or a system of conduits, tubing, connectors, valves, pumps, nozzles, and the like. Fluidic delivery systems may also include temperature sensors at a variety of locations, e.g. reservoirs, valves, nozzles, etc., temperature control elements (e.g. heaters and/or refrigeration units) to maintain reagents at temperatures to maximize their stability and effectiveness, volume level sensor for reservoirs, and the like. Such sensors are operationally associated with the control system and may be used for monitoring for errors or anomalous conditions in the apparatus. A wide variety of fluid delivery apparatus and components may be constructed or adapted for use to carry out the fluid delivery requirements of the invention. Extensive guidance for this purpose is available in the literature of automated chemical synthesis and analysis, e.g. Miertus et al, editors, Combinatorial Chemistry and Technologies: Methods and Applications, Second Edition (CRC Press, 2005); West et al, U.S. patent 9103809; Butendeich et al, J. Laboratory Automation, 18(3): 245-250 (2013); Fluent Automated Workstations (Tecan Group); Tisone et al, U.S. patent 6063339; Cathcart et al, U.S. patent 5443791; Ingenhoven et al, U.S. patent 7529598; Glauser et al, U.S. patent 8580197; Sindalar et al, Nucleic Acids Research, 23(6): 982-987 (1995); Cheng et al, Nucleic Acids Research, 30(18): e93 (2002); Skold et al, U.S. patent 5273718; and the like. In some embodiments, the fluid delivery system of the invention may comprise in part a conventional fluid delivery robot. In other embodiments, apparatus of the invention may comprise in part inkjet fluid delivery systems. In some embodiments, the fluid delivery system may comprise a reagent cartridge, which may be disposable, and which may be conveniently attached or installed in a compatible receiving station of the apparatus. Such cartridges may contain a necessary quantity of reagents to synthesize a predetermined quantity of each of a predetermined number of polynucleotides each having a length below a predetermined maximum. In some embodiments, such predetermined quantity is in the range of from 1 to 1000 pmoles, or from 1 to 800 pmoles. In some embodiments, such predetermined number of polynucleotides is in the range of from 1 to 96, or in the range of from 1 to 384. In some embodiments, such predetermined length is in the range of from 10 to 600 nucleotides, or in the range of from 15 to 200 nucleotides. In accordance with the above, an apparatus for synthesizing a plurality of polynucleotides may comprise the following elements: (a) an array of a plurality of reaction chambers, each reaction chamber having a synthesis support wherein each reaction chamber has an inlet and an outlet and a filter that retains the synthesis support and that is operationally associated with the outlet so that reaction solutions exiting the reaction chamber pass through the filter; (b) a waste manifold operationally associated with the outlets of the reaction chambers such that reaction solutions are removed from the reaction chambers and enter the waste manifold whenever a positive pressure differential is establish between the reaction chambers and the waste manifold; (c) a fluid delivery system for delivering reaction solutions to the reaction chambers of the array; (d) a user interface for accepting nucleotide sequences of polynucleotides to be synthesized and providing a graphical display of spatially compact glyphs each representing all or one or more portions of a sequence of a polynucleotide wherein such glyphs are arranged in an array in which a relative position of a reaction chamber for a polynucleotide in the array of reaction chambers is the same as a relative position of a glyph of the polynucleotide in the array of glyphs; and (e) a control system operationally associated with the user interface, the array of reaction chambers, the fluid delivery system and the waste manifold, wherein the control system assigns the sequence of each polynucleotide to a reaction chamber for synthesis, and wherein for each reaction chamber, the control system directs repeated steps of: (i) delivering under coupling conditions to the synthesis supports or elongated fragments in each of the reaction chambers a nucleotide monomer to allow each of the synthesis supports or elongated fragments to be elongated by the nucleotide monomer to form an elongated fragment in accordance with the sequence thereof, and (ii) producing a pressure differential between the reaction chambers and the waste manifold to remove uncoupled nucleotide monomers from the reaction chambers. In some embodiments, such glyphs represent all or one or more portions of the sequence as curves or stings of symbols comprising within a defined or bounded area a nested set of closed circles or polygons or a continuous curve, such as a spiral.

Generally, methods of template-free (or equivalently, “template-independent”) enzymatic polynucleotide synthesis comprise repeated cycles of steps, such as are illustrated in FIG. 1, in which a predetermined nucleotide is coupled to an initiator or growing chain in each cycle. The general elements of template-free enzymatic synthesis are described in the following references: Ybert et al, International patent publication WO/2015/159023; Ybert et al, International patent publication WO/2017/216472; Hyman, U.S. patent 5436143; Hiatt et al, U.S. patent 5763594; Jensen et al, Biochemistry, 57: 1821-1832 (2018); Mathews et al, Organic & Biomolecular Chemistry, DOI: 0.1039/c6ob01371f (2016); Schmitz et al, Organic Lett., 1(11): 1729-1731 (1999).

Initiator polynucleotides 100 with free 3 ’-hydroxyl groups 130 are provided, for example, attached to synthesis support 120. As described more fully below, synthesis supports may be soluble supports or solid supports, such as, planar solid surfaces or beads, such as magnetic beads, agarose beads, or the like. To the initiator polynucleotides 100 (or elongated initiator polynucleotides in subsequent cycles) are added a 3’-O-protected- dNTP and a template-free polymerase, such as a terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase (TdT) or variant thereof (e.g. Ybert et al, WO/2017/216472; Champion et al, W02019/135007) 140 under conditions effective for the enzymatic incorporation of the 3’-O-protected-dNTP onto the 3’ end of the initiator polynucleotides 100 (or elongated initiator polynucleotides). This reaction produces elongated initiator polynucleotides whose 3’-hydroxyls are protected 160. If the elongated sequence is not complete, then another cycle of addition is implemented 180. If the elongated initiator polynucleotide contains a completed sequence, then the 3’-O-protection group may be removed, or deprotected, and the desired sequence may be cleaved from the original initiator polynucleotide 182. Such cleavage may be carried out using any of a variety of single strand cleavage techniques, for example, by inserting a cleavable nucleotide at a predetermined location within the original initiator polynucleotide. An exemplary cleavable nucleotide may be a uracil nucleotide which is cleaved by uracil DNA glycosylase. If the elongated initiator polynucleotide does not contain a completed sequence, then the 3 ’-0 -protection groups are removed to expose free 3’-hydroxyls 130 and the elongated initiator polynucleotides are subjected to another cycle of nucleotide addition and deprotection.

As used herein, an “initiator” (or equivalent terms, such as, “initiating fragment,” “initiator nucleic acid,” “initiator oligonucleotide,” or the like) usually refers to a short oligonucleotide sequence with a free 3 ’-hydroxyl at its end, which can be further elongated by a template-free polymerase, such as TdT. In some embodiments, the initiating fragment is a DNA initiating fragment. In some alternative embodiments, the initiating fragment is an RNA initiating fragment. In some embodiments, an initiating fragment possesses between 3 and 100 nucleotides, in particular between 3 and 20 nucleotides. In some embodiments, the initiating fragment is single-stranded. In alternative embodiments, the initiating fragment may be double- stranded. In some embodiments, an initiator oligonucleotide may be attached to a synthesis support by its 5 ’end; and in other embodiments, an initiator oligonucleotide may be attached indirectly to a synthesis support by forming a duplex with a complementary oligonucleotide that is directly attached to the synthesis support, e.g. through a covalent bond. In some embodiments a synthesis support is a solid support which may be a discrete region of a solid planar solid, or may be a bead.

In some embodiments, an initiator may comprise a non-nucleic acid compound having a free hydroxyl to which a TdT may couple a 3’-O-protected dNTP, e.g. Baiga, U.S. patent publications US2019/0078065 and US2019/0078126.

After synthesis is completed, polynucleotides with the desired nucleotide sequence may be released from initiators and the synthesis supports by cleavage.

A wide variety of cleavable linkages or cleavable nucleotides may be used for this purpose. In some embodiments, cleaving the desired polynucleotide leaves a natural free 5’- hydroxyl on a cleaved strand; however, in alternative embodiments, a cleaving step may leave a moiety, e.g. a 5 ’-phosphate, that may be removed in a subsequent step, e.g. by phosphatase treatment. Cleaving steps may be carried out chemically, thermally, enzymatically or by photochemical methods. In some embodiments, cleavable nucleotides may be nucleotide analogs such as deoxyuridine or 8-oxo-deoxyguanosine that are recognized by specific glycosylases (e.g. uracil deoxyglycosylase followed by endonuclease VIII, and 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase, respectively). In some embodiments, cleavage may be accomplished by providing initiators with a deoxyinosine as the penultimate 3’ nucleotide, which may be cleaved by endonuclease V at the 3’ end of the initiator leaving a 5 ’-phosphate on the released polynucleotide. In some embodiments, an initiator may contain a terminal uridine so that after synthesis the desired polynucleotide may be cleaved from the initiator by treatment with KOH, or like base. Further methods for cleaving single stranded polynucleotides are disclosed in the following references, which are incorporated by reference: U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,739,386, 5,700,642, 1,783,7660 and 5,830,655; and U.S. Patent Publication Nos. 2003/0186226 and 2004/0106728; and in Urdea and Horn, U.S. patent 5367066. Returning to FIG. 1, in some embodiments, an ordered sequence of nucleotides is coupled to an initiator nucleic acid using a template-free polymerase, such as TdT, in the presence of 3’-O-protected dNTPs in each synthesis step. In some embodiments, the method of synthesizing an oligonucleotide comprises the steps of (a) providing an initiator having a free 3 ’-hydroxyl; (b) reacting under extension conditions the initiator or an extension intermediate having a free 3 ’-hydroxyl with a template-free polymerase in the presence of a 3’- O-protected nucleoside triphosphate to produce a 3’-O-protected extension intermediate; (c) deprotecting the extension intermediate to produce an extension intermediate with a free 3 ’-hydroxyl; and (d) repeating steps (b) and (c) until the polynucleotide is synthesized. (Sometimes the terms “extension intermediate” or “elongation fragment” or “growing chain” are used interchangeably). In some embodiments, an initiator is provided as an oligonucleotide attached to a solid support, e.g. by its 5’ end. The above method may also include washing steps after the reaction, or extension, step, as well as after the de-protecting step. For example, the step of reacting may include a sub-step of removing unincorporated nucleoside triphosphates, e.g. by washing, after a predetermined incubation period, or reaction time. In some embodiments, such predetermined incubation periods or reaction times may be in the range of from 30 seconds to 30 minutes, or from 1 min to 30 min, or from 1 min to 15 min, or from 1 min to 10 min.

In some embodiments, after the synthesis cycles of FIG. 1 are completed, further steps may be performed to cleave the completed polynucleotides from the solid supports and to purify them for applications. Such further steps may be performed either in the reaction chambers of the array or the polynucleotides still attached to the solid supports may be transferred to other reaction vessels for the performance of such further steps. Additionally, some cleavage methods may result in a released product that still requires modification to convert it into a useable product. For example, the “endonuclease V- inosine” cleavage (described below) leaves a 5 ’-phosphate that must be removed for some applications. Thus, a further step of phosphatase treatment may be required.

In some embodiments, a synthesis cycle may be represented as follows:

Steps of Synthesis Cycle

As shown above, in some embodiments, the coupling reaction solution remains in the reaction chamber and the deblocking solution is simply added to it in step (ii). In some embodiments, a wash step may be performed after the coupling step and before the deprotection step.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary instrument for performing enzymatic polynucleotide synthesis. In an exemplary embodiment, an instrument 300 for performing enzymatic polynucleotide synthesis is configured in an instrument housing of a size that may be placed on a benchtop in a laboratory. In an embodiment, the benchtop arrangement can occupy a footprint that may be comparable to a desktop 3D printer. The exemplary instrument 300 can perform parallel synthesis in synthesis well plates to produce a number of oligonucleotides (oligos) per run, depending on the number of wells. The instrument 300 can automatically perform onboard purification, quantification, and normalization of oligos. Oligos of length 15-60 nt, or greater, can be produced. The exemplary instrument 300 can perform multiple runs in a 24-hour cycle. In some embodiments, the synthesis may be used to create custom DNA, of for example 15 to 30 mers or custom RNA, of for example 15 to 30 mers.

FIG.4A is a schematic diagram of stations within the instrument of FIG. 3. FIG.4A illustrates the arrangement of components in an embodiment of the system 500. Fluid movement and delivery is made through a system of reservoirs, valves and pumps connected to gantry head 508 by flexible lines (made of PTFE (Teflon), or like material), under the control of the control system. Reagent storage cabinet 516 houses coupling reagents, wash reagents, cleavage reagents, elution reagents, and other reagents used in whatever embodiment of the synthesis method is implemented on the system. Fluid from the reagent reservoirs is routed through banks of valves (not shown) and pumps 518 controlled by the control system and delivered to fluid delivery nozzles (not shown) for dispensing into reaction chambers. Such valve banks may include temperature control elements to ensure that reagents are at a predetermined temperature for desired reaction conditions in the reaction chambers.

In FIG.4A, station A 503 may be for performing synthesis in a first plate, here a synthesis plate 502 containing a plurality of reaction chambers each containing a synthesis support with initiators. The synthesis plate 502 is mounted on top of waste manifold 504. Adjacent to station A is station B 505 comprising vacuum manifold 506 which in this embodiment is used for releasing isolated or captured polynucleotide product from wells of a second plate, here a purification plate or isolation plate and transfer to a measurement plate (quantification plate) mounted below it on vacuum manifold 506. After entry of the polynucleotide sequences, for example, through user interface touch screen 520, all synthesis cycles are performed in synthesis plate 502 at station A 503 wherein fluid delivery nozzles (not shown) housed in gantry head 508 deliver the coupling reagents, deprotection reagents and wash solutions to the reaction chambers after which liquid level sensors, also housed in gantry head 508, measure liquid levels in each well. Besides reagent delivery nozzles and liquid level sensors, gantry head 508 also houses a 96- pipette bank, or a 384-pipette bank, or greater, for transferring synthesis supports with polynucleotide product to station C 510 and then a cleavage mixture from station C 510 back to station A 503. Gantry head 508 is mounted on gantry 509 and is capable of moving back and forth on gantry 509 as indicated by white arrow 511. Gantry 509 in turn is capable of moving back and forth as indicated by white arrow 512 on tracks 515a and 515b, shown in Fig. 4B, so that gantry head 508 can access stations A 503, B 505 and C 510.

A plate mover 524 can travel along track 526. Plate mover 524 can move the polynucleotide isolation plate to station B 505.

A spectrophotometer or fluorometer (533) measures DNA or RNA concentration or fluorescent emissions. Exemplary spectrophotometer or fluorometer (533) for measuring DNA or RNA concentration or fluorescent emissions is an Epoch microplate spectrophotometer (BioTek Instruments, Inc., Winooski, VT); Tecan infinite 200 (Mannedorf, CH); or like instrument. Such instruments are typically designed for 96-well and 384-well plates.

In other embodiments, station C may be used for pooling synthesis supports from predetermined reaction wells or reaction chambers from a synthesis plate at station A, for example, for increasing final product concentrations of selected polynucleotides. Station C may also be used for pooling polynucleotide products from a synthesis plate for synthesizing random oligonucleotide tags on polynucleotide products using a split-and- mix synthesis strategy. A top view of apparatus 500 is shown in FIG. 4B. Stations A 503, B 505 and C 510 are shown in relation to gantry head 508 and rails 515a and 515b. Component 532 is a rinse station to which fluid dispense nozzles may be positioned for flushing lines of the fluid delivery system. Reagent bottles or reservoirs 530 are held in a reagent rack 540 located in reagent cabinet 516. Bank of eight pumps 518 are shown mounted between reagent reservoirs 530 and gantry 508.

Exemplary reagent racks 540, 560 to accommodate 96 or 384 well plates are shown in FIGs. 5 A and 5B, respectively. Reagent bottle/reservoir assignments for the reagent racks are provided in the following table.

dATP stands for deoxyadenosine triphosphate. dCTP stands for deoxycytidine triphosphate. dGTP stands for deoxyguanosine triphosphate. dTTP stands deoxythymidine triphosphate. Regarding FIG. 5B, the reagent rack 560 can include a second deblock buffer bottle DB2 in order to accommodate the 384 wells. In addition, the reagent rack 560 can include positioning tabs 554, 556.

The positioning tabs 554, 556 are for preventing the reagent rack 540, 560 from being inserted into the reagent storage cabinet 516 in a wrong direction, as the reagent rack 560 must be inserted in one direction and secured. To this end, the reagent storage cabinet 516 includes a connection structure into which the positioning tabs 554, 556 can be inserted. The connection structure has openings 555, 557 that match the profile of each positioning tab 554, 556. As such, when the reagent rack 540, 560 is correctly positioned in the reagent storage cabinet 516, the positioning tabs 554, 556 cooperate with the openings 555, 557 so that they are inserted in them. A cabinet door 514 of the reagent storage cabinet 516 can be shut once the positioning tabs 554, 556 have been inserted in the openings 555, 557, as the shutting of this cabinet door 514 is not hindered.

Alternatively, the positioning tabs 554, 556 could be placed on the reagent storage cabinet 516 while the connection structure and its openings 555, 557 are placed on the reagent rack 540, 560. When the positioning tabs 554, 556 are part of the reagent rack 540, 560, they may protrude from an insertion end of this reagent rack 560, the insertion end being the end of the reagent rack which enters the reagent cabinet first when it is correctly mounted, i.e., when it is mounted in a right direction. In such an embodiment, the openings 555, 557 are realized in a wall 517 of the reagent storage cabinet 516 which is opposed to the cabinet door 514. The positioning tabs 554, 556 may protrude from a bottom surface of the reagent rack 540, 560. In a case that the reagent rack 560 is improperly inserted into the reagent storage cabinet 516, the positioning tabs 554, 556 will be facing in an outward direction of the reagent storage cabinet 516, and thereby prevent the cabinet door 514 from properly closing. In such case, the reagent rack 560 must be reinserted in reverse direction so that the reagent rack 560 is secured in place and the cabinet door 514 can be shut. The positioning tabs 554, 556 also serve to secure the reagent rack 560 in position in the reagent storage cabinet 516.

Alternatively, the positioning tabs 554, 556 may protrude from a second end of the reagent rack opposed to the insertion end as previously defined and the openings are then realized in the cabinet door. FIG. 6A illustrates an exemplary sipper plate for a 96 well synthesis 600. FIG. 6B illustrates an exemplary sipper plate for a 384 well synthesis 610. Reagents can be drawn from reagent containers positioned in reagent racks 540, 560 using respective sipper plates 600, 610. These sipper plates 600, 610 each comprise a cover plate 601, 611 as well as sipping tubes 606, 616. The cover plate 601, 611 covers the tops of the reagent containers, while the sipping tubes 606, 616 pass through the cover plate to reach each reagent container. Each reservoir or bottle of these reagent containers may thus have stored reagents drawn using a sipping tube 606, 616 arranged in a specific position on the cover plate, providing a one-to-one correspondence between the reservoirs/bottles in the reagent racks 540, 560 and the sipping tubes 606, 616. Each sipping tube 606, 616 passes through an opening in the cover plate 601, 611 which provides support as well as positioning of the tubes 606, 616. According to the disclosure, the sipper plates 600, 610 comprise a plate insert 602, 612 which can be a part of the cover plate 601, 611. Such plate inserts 602, 612 are of a different material and/or color compared to the rest of the cover plate 601, 611.

FIG. 6A shows a plate insert 602 of the sipper plate 600 which covers a single reagent container, while on FIG. 6B the plate insert 612 of the sipper plate 610 is bigger and covers multiple reagent containers. The plate inserts 602, 612 may be in a different material because some reagents require a mechanically stable and chemically inert material such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK), or like material. This is especially true with a deblock buffer, such as sodium acetate. The sipper plate 600 in FIG. 6A thus includes at least one plate insert 602 for covering the bottle containing deblock buffer DB1 that is made from PEEK or the like. Likewise, the sipper plate 610 in FIG. 6B includes at least a larger plate insert 612 for covering more than one bottle, such as two bottles containing deblock buffers DB1, DB2, where the plate insert 612 can be made from PEEK or the like. Most of the other reagents may not require a PEEK material. A remaining portion 608, 618 of the plates 600, 610 may be made of a plastic.

Alternatively or additionally to being made in a different material, the plate insert 602, 612 may be of a different color. As such, labels or inscriptions on the insert plate 602, 612 are easier to read.

In some embodiments, the sipper plate 600, 610 may be placed on the reagent rack 540, 560 in only one position and orientation, due to the position of an alignment post of these sipper plates 600, 610. Such alignment post may extend from the cover plate in the direction of the reagent racks 540, 560. The alignment post can for instance be a protruding rod 604, 614.

As shown of FIG. 5B, the reagent rack 540, 560 can include a receiving structure 552 for this alignment post of the sipper plate 600, 610. This receiving structure 552 of the reagent rack 540, 560 is in a location that allows one orientation of the sipper plate 600, 610. In some embodiments, the receiving structure 552 is positioned off-center on the reagent rack 540, 560, for instance between the reservoir/bottle for the eluant SE and the reservoir/bottle for the elongation buffer EL.

FIGs. 7A, 7B illustrate an exemplary heater-shaker module. As previously mentioned, in some embodiments the waste manifold 504 may include components for regulating the temperature of the plurality of reaction chambers and a shaker for agitating the reaction mixtures in the reaction chambers. Several plates may be mounted on the heater-shaker module 700 throughout the course of polynucleotide synthesis. The plates are more precisely mounted on a well plate holder 701 of the heater-shaker module 700.

Plates, such as synthesis plate 502, purification plate or isolation plate, and quantification plate or measurement plate, may have flaws due to manufacturing defects, such that they may not stay in place in the well plate holder 701 during temperature regulation and agitation operations. In that context, the heater-shaker module 700 of the disclosure is equipped with a clamping mechanism to maintain the plate in the heater-shaker module during such operations. The clamping mechanism can include a pair of clamps 706, a pair of clamp levers 702, and a pair of release latches 704.

The pair of clamps is arranged on the well plate holder 701 such that each clamp 706 is positioned on one longitudinal end of the well plate holder. Each clamp 706 is configured to pivot around a transversal axis, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, between a locked position wherein the clamp is in in contact with a surface of the synthesis plate, purification plate or quantification plate, and quantification plate or measurement plate disposed in the well plate holder of the heater-shaker module and an unlocked position wherein the clamp is at a distance to such plate to allow the plate mover 524 to displace it. Bearings 707 are disposed at each transversal end of the clamp to realize the rotational mounting.

The clamp levers 702 may be configured with rollers 712 at a tip end. The release latches 704 may be configured with a spring 714 at a spring end of a latch to force the respective latch to hold the clamp 706 in a lock position. Pressing down the latch in the spring- loaded end allows the clamp 706 to be released.

As illustrated in figures 7A and 7B, for each longitudinal end of the well plate holder, a release latch is positioned on a transversal side opposite to the side wherein a lever is positioned. Moreover the pair of levers and the pair of release latches may be located in such a manner that both levers are diagonally opposite one to the other and both release latches are diagonally opposite too.

Plate mover 524 may be a conventional laboratory robot comprising a plate gripper mechanism and a plate transport function, e.g. available from several different manufacturers, such as, Hudson Robotics (NJ), Hamilton Microlab(NV), TPA Motion (SC), Beckman Coulter (CA), or the like. Plate mover 524 can be a general purpose robotic arm or a special purpose plate mover with restricted movement. The plate gripper mechanism is configured to interact with both the release latches 704 and the clamp levers 702.

More particularly the plate gripper mechanism, or robotic arm, presses down on the release latches 704 at the spring-loaded end which results in compressing the corresponding spring 714, in order for the latches to pivot around a transversal axis to release the plate clamp 706.

Simultaneously the plate gripper mechanism, or robotic arm, lift and/or push both levers in an outward longitudinal direction O such that the pair of levers are pushed outwards away from each other in the longitudinal direction. The release latches 704 being in a releasing position, out of the way of the movement of the corresponding clamp 706, the clamps 706 can move to the unlocked position.

In some embodiments, an ultrasonic sensor (not shown) can be used to detect if the clamp 706 is opened or closed. When the clamp 706 is opened, in the unlocked position, the plate mover 524 can place or remove a plate to rearrange plates at stations B 505 and D 528. The rollers 712 can facilitate movement of the plate mover 524 past the clamp levers 702 while placing or removing a plate.

When the appropriate well plate(s) is/are disposed on the well plate holder of the heatershaker module 700, the plate mover 524, i.e. the robotic arm, first push the pair of levers inwards towards each other in order to close the clamps in the locked position then release the latches by stopping pressing down the spring-loaded end of the release latches. The clamps are now in the locked position, blocked by the release latches and the force of the spring.

As before described, station B 505 comprises a vacuum manifold 506 which is used for releasing isolated or captured polynucleotide product from wells of a purification plate and to transfer to a quantification plate (measurement plate) mounted below it on vacuum manifold 506 in order to control volume transferred. In some embodiments, station B 505 is implemented as a vacuum transfer station. The vacuum transfer station is configured to facilitate transfer of a synthesis plate over a purification plate, and of the purification plate over a quantification plate. In some embodiments, the vacuum transfer station can accommodate a 384 well format as well as a 96 well format.

FIGs. 8A, 8B illustrate a predetermined distance between plates in a 96 well format. In one exemplary embodiment, a first predetermined distance DI between a bottom surface of a synthesis plate 502 and a bottom surface of a purification plate 804 is 40.33 mm. The synthesis plate 502 is placed on a lid 808. A second predetermined distance D2 between a bottom surface of a purification plate 804 and a bottom surface of a quantification plate 806 is 20.08 mm. The purification plate 804 is placed on the lid 808.

FIGs. 9A and 9B illustrate a predetermined distance between plates in a 384 well format. In an exemplary embodiment, a first predetermined distance D3 between a bottom surface of a synthesis plate 902 and a bottom surface of a purification plate 904 is 16.22 mm. The synthesis plate 902 is placed on a lid 908. A second predetermined distance D4 between a bottom surface of a purification plate 904 and a bottom surface of a quantification plate 906 is 15.50 mm. The purification plate 904 is placed on the lid 908.

A first predetermined distance DI, D3 must be understood as the distance between a synthesis plate and a purification plate whatever the number of wells in such plates. A second predetermined distance D2, D4 must be understood as the distance between a purification plate and a quantification plate whatever the number of wells in such plates.

It results from these measurements that the determined distance between two well plates in the apparatus may be different when the types of the well plates in regard one to each other are different and/or when the number of wells of the well plates of both plates are different.

FIGs. 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams of a vacuum transfer station having a wedgebased drive mechanism. The vacuum transfer station 1000 is configured to perform actuation in a vertical direction in order to accommodate for required positioning of various well plates for different well formats. In order to perform vertical actuation in the limited space of station B 505, the vacuum transfer station 1000 is configured with a horizontal actuator 1010 accompanied by a wedge-shaped component 1004 in order to drive a plate lifting platform 1006 in a vertical direction. The vacuum transfer station 1000 can include linear bearings 1002 to smoothly guide the plate lifting platform 1006 vertically. In addition, a vacuum line connector 1012 is positioned sideways to minimize clearance to accommodate for adjacent components such as accessory racks.

FIG. 10A shows a side view of the lid 1008. The lid 1008 can be mounted on the vacuum transfer station 1000 and it covers it. It comprises a frame that is sized to mount an upper plate or a first well plate, such as a synthesis plate 502, 902 or a purification plate 804, 904. More precisely, this upper plate may be placed on top of the lid 1008. The lid 1008 is removable by a gripper. When the lid 1008 is removed, a lower plate or a second well plate, such as a purification plate 804, 904 or a quantification plate 806, 906 may be placed inside the vacuum transfer station 1000, on the plate lifting platform 1006. Such placement of the second well plate occurs before the placement of the first well plate. The plate lifting platform 1006 can then raise the second well plate or lower plate to the predetermined distance from the first well plate or upper plate, as shown in FIGs. 8A, 8B, 9 A, 9B. Both the lid 1008 and the plate lifting platform 1006 have an opening within the frame structure that is sufficient to allow communication between wells in the upper plate and corresponding wells in the lower plate.

Regarding FIG. 10B, the plate lifting platform 1006 includes a tab 1014 that extends from an edge of the platform 1006 on a side in which the wedge-shaped component 1004 is located. The wedge-shaped component 1004 may be moved horizontally by a screw 1016 that is driven by the horizontal actuator 1010.

FIGs. 10C, 10D are schematic diagrams of the vacuum transfer station with a nozzle manifold. The vacuum transfer station 1000 includes a drainage section 1020 for removing leakage that may occur from the purification plate. As illustrated in FIG. 10D, the drainage section 1020 may be angled to a back right comer when viewed from the front of the desktop instrument.

FIGs. 10E, 10F illustrate an exemplary implementation of the vacuum transfer station. FIG. 10E shows the plate lifting platform 1006 in the fully raised position to receive a second well plate or lower plate. Here, the vacuum transfer station 1000 is not equipped with the lid 1008s so as to facilitate the positioning of the lower plate. FIG. 10F illustrates the vacuum transfer station 1000 holding a lower plate 804, 806, 904, 906 in a receded position; the lid 1008 is here mounted on the vacuum transfer station 1000. As such, the lid 1008 is ready to receive the first well plate or upper plate 502, 902, 904, 906.

As mentioned before, in FIG. 10E the plate lifting platform 1006 is in the fully raised position. In such fully raised position, the tab 1014 extending from the side of the plate lifting platform 1006 is in contact with the wedge-shaped component 1004, and more precisely with the diagonal edge of this wedge-shaped component 1004, which is close to a first end of the screw. When the plate lifting platform needs to be in the receded position shown on FIG. 10F, the wedge-shaped component 1004 is close to the second end of the screw, here near the stepper motor. In such a position, the diagonal edge of this wedge-shaped component 1004 may be still in contact with the tab 1014 or located at a distance from this tab 1014. The plate lifting platform 1006 goes from its receded position to its fully raised position by the wedge-shaped component 1004 being moved horizontally; it is thus placed in contact with the tab 1014, which is raised when the wedge-shaped component 1004 slides towards it.

According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a condensation trap 1 which is connected to a chiller 11 associated to the reagent storage cabinet storage 516 as illustrated in Fig. 11C. The condensation trap 1 may be arranged as illustrated in a wall 517 of the reagent storage cabinet 516 which is opposed to the cabinet door 514.

The condensation trap 1 has a frame comprising a front surface 2 and an opposing back surface 4 connected by first and second lateral sides 6. One embodiment is shown in Figs. 11A and 11B. In some embodiments, the frame has a length, width, and depth each individually in a range of 3-60 cm, 4-55 cm, 5-50 cm, 6-45 cm, 7-40 cm, 8-35 cm, 9-30 cm, 10-28 cm, 11-26 cm, 12-22 cm, 14-24 cm, 15-22 cm, 16-20 cm, or 16-18 cm.

The frame houses a U-shaped inner structure that is formed by two opposing inner side surfaces 12 connected by an inner bottom surface 14. The U-shaped inner structure forms a space traversing the frame between the front surface 2 and the back surface 4. The inner side surfaces 12 are parallel to first and second lateral sides 6. The space may have a height and width independently in a range of 4-30 cm, 6-28 cm, 8-26 cm, 9-24 cm, 10- 22 cm, 11-20 cm, 12-19 cm, 13-18 cm, or 14-17 cm. This space is configured to accommodate a protuberance of a condensation generating device 8 forming a part of the chiller 11. The condensation generating device 8 may comprise a heatsink, a fan, a cooling block, a liquid coolant, a condenser, an evaporator, a thermoelectric device (such as a Peltier device or heat pump), or some other related structure. In some embodiments, a surface of the condensation generating device is cooled below an ambient dew point, thus forming liquid condensation. In another embodiment, a surface of the condensation generating device may be cooled below a dew point such that ice forms on the surface, which subsequently melts or flakes off into the trough of the condensation trap. In some embodiments, the condensation generating device is connected to a refrigeration element which provides refrigeration to an enclosure. In some embodiments, the condensation generating device may form condensate at a rate of 0.01-6 mL/min, 0.1-5 mL/min, or 0.5- 3 mL/min.

An example configuration is shown in Fig. 12.

The front surface of the frame faces the direction by which the protuberance extends, and the inner bottom surface 14 comprises a trough 10 configured to collect condensate from the condensation generating device. The trough comprises a sloped surface 16 angled downward from a top edge 18 nearest the back surface to a bottom edge 20 nearest the front surface, the bottom edge connecting to a first edge 22 of a condensate channel 23, or liquid channel. The sloped surface may form an interior angle with a horizontal plane in a range of 20°-80°, 25-70°, or 30-65°.

The condensation trap also comprises a plate 24 removably attached to the front surface 2 of the frame, forming a vertical wall along a second edge of the condensate channel 23 across from the first edge 22. The condensate channel slopes downwards in the direction of a middle region of the U-shaped inner structure forming a space for the condensation generating device 8, such condensate channel terminating at an aperture 26.

The condensate channel 23 and sloped surface 16 may each independently have a length that 60-100%, 70-95%, 80-90% of the length of the opening at the front surface 2 formed by the U-shaped inner structure. In some embodiments, the condensate channel 23 slopes downwards, forming an interior angle with a horizontal plane that is in a range of 5°-45°, 10-40°, or 15-30°. The aperture 26 is in fluid communication with a tubing connector 28 on the back surface, and the aperture 26 and tubing connector 28 may be connected by an interior fluid line 34 having an inner diameter of 0.2-2 cm, 0.3-1 cm, or 0.4-8 cm. The fluid line, aperture, and connector may accommodate flow rates of up to 20 mL/min, preferably up to 30 mL/min, more preferably up to 40 mL/min, and pressures up to 50 kPa, preferably up to 70 kPa, more preferably up to 90 kPa. In some embodiments, more than one aperture may be present within the trough.

In some embodiments, the frame further comprises an inner top surface 30 connecting the inner side surfaces of the U-shaped inner structure to form an opening at the front surface and an opening at the back surface. Here, the inner top surface, inner side surfaces, and inner bottom surface are configured to surround a segment of the protuberance. This segment may have a length that is 5-30%, 6-20%, 8-15% of the total length of the protuberance.

In some embodiments, an area defined by the opening at the front surface 2 is larger than an area defined by the opening at the back surface 4. In some embodiments, this area may be 10-90% larger, 15-80% larger, 20-60% larger, or 25-50% larger. This design may enable the condensation trap to fit more closely to the condensation generating device 8 while allowing user access or visual inspection of the trough 10.

In some embodiments, the opening at the front surface 2 extends to a portion of a top surface 42 of the frame above the inner bottom surface 14. In combination with the inner top surface 30 being formed by a crossbar 32 on the top surface of the frame, this feature allows the crossbar to provide structural integrity to the frame while allowing airflow to the top of the condensation generating device. This airflow helps to increase the heat exchanging efficiency of the condensation generating device.

In a further embodiment, the crossbar 32 extends a height above an exterior top surface 42 of the frame. The crossbar may extend 0.5-5 cm, 0.8-4 cm, 0.9-3 cm, 1.0-2 cm, 1.2- 1.5 cm above the exterior top surface 42. In a further embodiment, the crossbar 32 extends fully between the first and second lateral sides 6 of the frame. Both of these design features, taken together or individually, help to increase the structural strength of the crossbar while not restricting airflow to the top of the condensation device as discussed above.

In a further embodiment, the crossbar 32 has a back surface in the same plane as the back surface 4 of the frame. This may enable the condensation trap to fit more closely against the equipment or housing that has the protruding condensation generating device. In some embodiments, a plane enclosed by an edge of the aperture 26 is substantially parallel with a plane of the inner top surface 30 of the frame. In other words, the aperture 26 is substantially horizontal. Alternatively, in some embodiments, a plane enclosed by an edge of the aperture 26 is substantially parallel with a plane of the first and/or second lateral sides 6. Here the aperture 26 is substantially vertical.

In some embodiments, the aperture 26 is positioned at an equal distance from the first and second lateral sides 6 of the frame.

The aperture 26 may be in the shape of a circle with a diameter of 0.2-1.5 cm, 0.2-1 cm, 0.3-0.9 cm, 0.4-0.8 cm, or about 5 cm. The aperture 26 may instead be an elongated shape, such as an ellipse, and oval, a rectangle, a hemisphere, or some other shape with curved, straight, and/or angled edges. For an elongated shape, the longest dimension may be 0.5-4 cm, 0.8-3 cm, or 1-2.5 cm, and the shortest dimension may be 0.2-1.5 cm, 0.2-1 cm, 0.3-0.9 cm, or 0.4-0.8 cm. In some embodiments, the aperture 26 is elongated, having a ratio of longest dimension to shortest dimension in a range of 2: 1 to 100: 1, 2.5-20: 1, 2.8-10: 1, or 3: l-5: l.

In some embodiments, the sloped surface 16 of the trough 10 comprises grooves or ribbings. Preferably, these grooves or ribbings are angled in a downward position in order to direct droplets of condensate to the channel and aperture. In a related embodiment, the sloped surface 16 of the trough 10 is hydrophobic, for instance, the surface may be treated with a hydrophobic coating. Alternatively, the sloped surface may not be treated but may already be made from a hydrophobic material.

In some embodiments, the aperture 26 is connected to the tubing connector 28 by a length of flexible tubing or by an interior conduit 34 within the frame.

In some embodiments, the condensation trap further comprises a fluid detection device in the trough 10, or between the aperture 26 and the tubing connector 28. As illustrated at FIG.13, the fluid detection device may be used to trigger a vacuum manifold 36 to apply a suction to tubing 38 in fluid communication with the aperture in order to aspirate collected condensate. In another embodiment, the fluid detection device may continually monitor a flow of condensate, with or without further activating a switch or a pump. In some embodiments, a pressure differential may not be applied to a tubing, but condensate may evacuate from the aperture and tubing by gravity or capillary action. In some embodiments, the condensation trap and a vacuum manifold 36 connected to the connector by a tubing may be considered a condensation trap assembly. Similar to the above description, the vacuum manifold may have a remotely-operated valve to control a pressure differential on the tubing.

The tubing connector 28 may be connected to a vacuum manifold 36 by a length of tubing 38. The tubing may comprise an elastomeric compound. Elastomeric compounds include natural rubber, polyisoprene (for example, cis-l,4-polyisoprene natural rubber and trans- 1,4-polyisoprene gutta-percha), synthetic polyisoprene, polybutadiene, chloroprene rubber (for example, polychloroprene, NEOPRENE, BAYPREN), butyl rubber (copolymer of isobutylene and isoprene), halogenated butyl rubbers, styrene-butadiene rubber, nitrile rubber (copolymer of butadiene and acrylonitrile), hydrogenated nitrile rubbers (for example, THERBAN and ZETPOL), ethylene propylene rubber (a copolymer of ethylene and propylene), ethylene propylene diene rubber (a terpolymer of ethylene, propylene, and a diene-component), epichlorohydrin rubber, polyacrylic rubber, silicone rubber, fluorosilicone rubber, fluoroelastomers (for example, VITON, TECNOFLON, FLUOREL, AFLAS, and DAI-EL), perfluoroelastomers (for example, TECNOFLON PFR, KALREZ, CHEMRAZ, and PERLAST), polyether block amides, chlorosulfonated polyethylene (for example, HYPALON), ethylene-vinyl acetate, thermoplastic elastomers, resilin, elastin, polysulfide rubber, elastolefin, and combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the interior sides of the U-shaped inner structure are configured to be spaced by at least 0.5 cm, at least 0.6 cm, at least 0.7 cm, at least 0.8 cm, at least 0.9 cm, at least 1 cm, at least 1.2 cm, at least 1.5 cm, at least 1.7 cm, at least 2.0 cm, at least 2.2 cm, at least 2.5 cm from a nearest surface of the protuberance.

In some embodiments, the plate 24 is flush against the front surface 2. In some embodiments, the plate 24 is removably attached to the front surface 2. The plate 24 may be removably attached by screws, a tab insert, clips, a magnet, or may slide into place between exterior tabs. In some embodiments, an elastomeric gasket may surround at least a part of an inner perimeter of the plate 24 in order to seal to the front surface 2 to prevent leaks. In some embodiments, the plate 24 may comprise a transparent or partially transparent material to allow inspection of the trough, channel, and/or aperture. In some embodiments, the inner bottom surface 14 comprises a planar surface 40 parallel with the plane of the exterior top surface 42, the trough 10 being arranged next to the planar surface with its sloped surface 16 starting below the planar surface 40.

In some embodiments, the condensation trap may be made of a polymeric material, including but not limited to acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, cross-linked polyethylene, ethylene vinyl acetate, poly(methyl methacrylate), poly(ethyl methacrylate), polyacrylic acid, polyamide, polybutylene, polybutylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, polyetheretherketone, polyester, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyimide, polylactic acid, polyoxymethylene, polyphenyl ether, polypropylene, polystyrene, polysulfone, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, styrene maleic anhydride, styrene-acrylonitrile, and combinations thereof.

A method of the invention for redirecting condensation from an automated apparatus using the condensation trap 1 will be now described. This method involves initiating a control system of the automated apparatus to begin a process comprising cooling an interior of the apparatus using a cooling device. A condensation generating device 8, associated to a chiller 11, generates a condensate. The condensation trap is attached to the apparatus and is located around the protruding portion, so that condensate drips into the trough 10 forming a collected condensate which is directed to an aperture 26 by a condensate channel 23.

In some embodiments, the condensation trap further comprises a fluid detection device in the trough 10 or in a fluid line 34 between the aperture 26 and the tubing connector 28, and a vacuum manifold 36 connected to the tubing connector by a tubing 38. The vacuum manifold has a remotely-operated valve to control a pressure differential on the tubing. When the fluid detection device detects a fluid, the fluid detection device sends a signal to the control system, a second control system, or the vacuum manifold to open the remotely-operated valve to drain the collected condensate to a waste receptacle.

Referring to FIG. 4A, the operation of the basic elements of one embodiment of the invention includes performing enzymatic synthesis of polynucleotides on solid supports within filter plate wells, cleavage of the polynucleotide products from the solid supports and purification/isolation of polynucleotide products from the cleavage reaction components. In this disclosure, purification/isolation may include a desalting step. Synthesis plate 502, 902 includes a plurality of reaction chambers or wells and synthesis is performed while mounted on waste manifold 504. Inlets of reaction chambers are well openings on top of synthesis plate 502, 902. Outlets and filters are on the bottom of synthesis plate 502, 902. Synthesis plate 502, 902 in operation is sealingly attached to waste manifold 504 (for example by clamping) so that whenever a vacuum is applied through a vacuum line to chamber of waste manifold 504 fluids (reagents, wash solutions and the like) are drawn from reaction chambers through the filter material and outlet into a waste manifold chamber and then into waste repository. Synthesis plate 502, 902 containing the plurality reaction chambers may be a conventional filter plate in 24- well, 48-well 96-well, 384-well, 1536-well, or similar formats, for example, available from commercial manufacturers, such as, Pall Corp., Port Washington, NY. Reaction volumes typical for such filter plates may be employed with the invention, e.g. 10-50 pL for 96- well plates, 3-10 pL for 384-well plates, 0.5-3.0 pL for 1536-well plates. Fluid delivery system delivers reagents to reaction chambers of synthesis plate 502, 902 through a system of pumps and valves 518 under control of a control system and delivery nozzles (not shown) located in fluid delivery and sensor gantry 508 also under control of the control system. Liquid delivery nozzles in gantry 508 receive reagents from valve and pump system 518 through flexible lines which allow gantry 508 to move over synthesis plate 502, 902. In other embodiments, gantry 508 may have a capability to move to different stations at different locations in the apparatus, for example, for carrying out reactions in additional reaction plates associated with additional waste manifolds. In addition, in some embodiments, synthesis plate 502, 902 may be moveable with respect to gantry 508. Gantry 508 may be moveable in x, y, and z directions relative to the surface of synthesis plate 502, 902 (as indicated in Fig. 4A by the white arrows), or synthesis plate 502, 902 may be moveable in the x and y directions also, or both elements may be moveable with respect to one another in the x and y directions.

In some embodiments, liquid level sensors (not shown) are located in the fluid delivery and sensor gantry 508. In some embodiments, liquid level sensors simply confirm liquid levels in reaction chambers immediately after nozzles in gantry 508 deliver predetermined amounts of fluid to the reaction chambers (which may be coupling reagent, deprotection reagent (Deblock), wash solutions, cleavage reagent (Liberation Buffer) or purification reagent (desalt)). As described more fully below, purification/isolation of cleaved polynucleotide products can be accomplished by a variety of techniques. Each of such techniques may require different reagents for implementation, which are referred to herein as “purification reagents.” For example, some techniques require precipitation of the polynucleotide products which may be accomplished with the purification reagent, isopropanol. Another purification reagent may be water or a Tris EDTA (TE) buffer, which may be used to elute an adsorbed DNA precipitate or an adsorbed RNA precipitate from a silica adsorbent. In some embodiments, liquid level measurement may occur after the completion of reagent delivery to all of the reaction chambers, or detection may occur at the same time as when fluid delivery is occurring but at different reaction chambers. For example, in some embodiments, the number and positions of liquid level sensors and the number and positions of fluid delivery nozzles in gantry 508 permit them to be positioned simultaneously over different groups of reaction chambers of the same synthesis plate. In some embodiments, a separate step in the synthesis process may be implemented wherein the liquid level sensors measure the rate of fluid removal in a portion of the reaction chambers while vacuum is applied to remove fluid. In such embodiments, within a cycle multiple measurements of fluid levels are made in each reaction chamber undergoing evacuation so that a rate of fluid removal can be computed. If the rate falls below a predetermined level, control system can actuate a corrective action, such as, flagging the reaction chambers with evacuation rates below the predetermined level and discontinuing fluid delivery to them, or actuate other remedial actions described below.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart of exemplary steps in the operation of stations in the instrument of FIGs. 3, 4A, 4B. In SI 102, the user initiates setup and management of a run. In SI 104, synthetic polynucleotides are created based on information provided during setup and management. In SI 106, samples are transferred and oligos are cleaved/liberated from the synthesis resin. In SI 108, oligos are purified/desalted. In SI 110, oligos are transferred to a quantification (measurement) plate. In SI 112, oligos are analyzed and normalized to a desired concentration. In SI 114, the plate containing oligos is removed by the user. A report for the created oligos may be provided to the user.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart for an exemplary synthesis sub-process. As in the above, an automated polynucleotide synthesis process is performed through repeated cycles of, SI 202, nucleotide addition and, SI 204, washes to, SI 206, create synthetic polynucleotides of a sequence and sequence length that were predetermined in the setup step SI 102. In some embodiments, under control of a control system, the above elements carry out a predetermined number of cycles of synthesis steps for each of the plurality of polynucleotides. Control system implements repeated steps of: (i: fluidic addition) actuating fluid delivery system to deliver under coupling conditions to the initiators or deprotected elongated fragments in reaction chambers a 3’-O-protected nucleoside triphosphate and a template-free polymerase (depending on the sequence of the polynucleotide), (heating in Heater-shaker module (700)) wherein the coupling conditions include a predetermined coupling incubation time and incubation temperature to allow initiator oligonucleotides or deprotected elongated fragments to be elongated by the 3’-O-protected nucleoside triphosphate to form 3’-O-protected elongated fragments; (ii: fluidic addition) actuating fluid delivery system to deliver deprotection solution (Deblock Buffer) to the reaction chambers so that the 3 ’-O-protected elongated fragments are deprotected; and (iii) actuating waste manifold 504 to generate a pressure differential between reaction chambers and waste manifold 504 to remove deprotection solution (Deblock Buffer) from reaction chambers at a predetermined rate (for example, as determined by the magnitude of the pressure differential). In some embodiments, a differential pressure may be obtained by applying a vacuum through waste manifold 504 to “pull” fluid from the reaction chambers or by applying a positive pressure at the inlets of the reaction chambers to “push” fluid from the reaction chambers, or both. For embodiments employing conventional 96-well synthesis plates, typically vacuum is applied for 10-30 seconds to evacuate fluids from the wells. In some embodiments, such as those employing 96-well plates, a predetermined rate of fluid removal may be in the range of from 1 to 100 pL/sec, or in the range of from 1 to 50 pL/sec, or in the range of from 0.5 to 30 pL/sec.

FIG. 16 is a flowchartfor an exemplary nucleotide addition sub-process. In S1302, a TdT enzyme incorporates a nucleotide. In S1304, an acidic reagent is added as a deblock buffer. In S1306, a check is made such that the nucleotide addition is repeatedly performed to obtain an oligo of a predetermined length.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart for an exemplary transfer and liberation sub-process. After polynucleotides are synthesized in synthesis plate 502,902, system and apparatus of Fig. 4A carries out steps of cleaving the polynucleotide products from their synthesis supports and isolating the cleaved polynucleotide product from the cleavage reaction mixture. Synthesis plate 502,902 is sealingly mounted on waste manifold 504 so that whenever vacuum is applied fluid in reaction chambers is removed via waste manifold 504. In some embodiments, cleavage takes place in reaction chambers and purification/isolation takes place in polynucleotide purification plate 804, 904. Polynucleotide purification plate is selected or designed so that purification chambers or wells spatially align with reaction chambers of synthesis plate 502, 902.

After synthesis, the apparatus employs a robotic device to place the polynucleotide purification plate 804, 904 beneath synthesis plate 502, 902 such that both synthesis plate 502, 902 and polynucleotide purification plate 804, 904 are sealingly mounted on waste manifold 504. As noted below, the cleavage and purification/isolation steps may be implemented in a wide variety of ways, each of which may call for slightly different apparatus components which are readily provided by those with skill in the art. In some embodiments, in S1402, cleavage may be implemented in synthesis plate 502, 902, reaction mixtures of each chamber of plate 502, 902 may then be pipetted to a purification plate at a different location and polynucleotide purification/isolation may be implemented at the different location or station. In some embodiments, polynucleotide purification/isolation is performed in station B. In some embodiments, at station A 503, synthesis supports with polynucleotide product attached are transferred by pipettes S 1402 (e.g. a 96-pipette bank for a 96-well synthesis plate, a 384-pipette bank for a 384-well synthesis plate) to separate station C 510 where a cleavage reaction (Liberation, SI 404) takes place.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart for an exemplary purification sub-process. Purification in different plates at different stations within the apparatus may (for example) provide better yields or other advantages depending on the particular polynucleotide purification protocol employed. In some embodiments, purification in polynucleotides purification plate 804, 904 may be based on the isolation technique developed by Boom et al, U.S. patent 5234809, wherein, in SI 504, cleaved polynucleotides are precipitated with isopropanol and adsorbed onto a silica compound, such as glass. In such embodiments, after cleavage isopropanol is delivered to reaction chambers and incubated, then, in S 1502, mild vacuum is applied to transfer the reaction mixture of each reaction chamber to a purification chamber immediate below it in polynucleotides purification plate 804, 904.

In some embodiments, plate mover 524 on track 526 under control of a control system grabs synthesis plate 502, 902 on waste manifold at station A 503 and places it on top of polynucleotide purification plate 804, 904 at station B 505. During placement of synthesis plate 502, 902 and placement of purification plate 804, 904, the plate lifting platform is moved vertically in order to position the purification plate 804, 904 at a predetermined distance from the synthesis plate 502, 902. As described above, the plate gripper mechanism of the plate mover 524 is configured to open the plate clamp 706 up by lifting and pushing clamp levers 702 in an outward direction O. The plate gripper mechanism then can press down on the latches 704 at the spring end to release the clamp 706. In some embodiments, plate mover 524 grabs both synthesis plate 502, 902 and purification plate 804, 904 from station B 505 and places both plates back on waste manifold 504 at station A 503, where cleavage SI 106 (liberation) and purification/isolation SI 108 steps are performed. The plates are held in place by plate clamp 706. Referring to Fig. 4A, gantry 508 delivers cleavage reagents to reaction chambers of synthesis plate 502, 902 and, after incubation, delivers isopropanol to reaction chambers to precipitate cleaved polynucleotide products.

After incubation, in SI 502, a mild vacuum is applied through waste manifold 504 to draw the isopropanol-containing product from reaction chambers into the aligned purification chambers of purification plate 804, 904. In SI 504, cleavage reagents and/or purification reagents may be moved through a purification plate by applying a vacuum or by applying a positive pressure. In SI 506, product in purification chambers of the purification plate 804, 904 may be washed (desalted) to remove excess salts.

In some embodiments, both the synthesis plate 502, 902 and purification plate 804, 904 may remain at station B. Then, in SI 504, cleavage reagents and/or purification reagents may be moved through a purification plate by applying a vacuum at station B. In SI 506, while in station B, product in purification chambers of the purification plate 804, 904 may be washed (desalted) to remove excess salts.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart for an exemplary elution sub-process. The silica of the isolation chamber captures the precipitated polynucleotide and after washing SI 506, in SI 110, the captured polynucleotide can be eluted from the silica.

Station B 505 comprises a vacuum manifold 506 which can be used for releasing purified or captured polynucleotide product from wells of a purification plate and transfer to a quantification plate 806, 906 mounted below it on vacuum manifold 506. While the cleavage reaction is implemented, plate mover 524 travels along track 526 and rearranges plates at stations A 503 and D 528 so that the polynucleotide purification plate 804, 904 is placed at station A 503 and the quantification plate 806, 906 is placed on top of vacuum manifold 506 at station B 505. Plate mover 524 then moves the polynucleotide purification plate 804, 904 to station B 505 and places it on top of the quantification plate 806, 906. During placement of polynucleotide purification plate 804, 904 and placement of quantification plate 806, 906, the plate lifting platform is moved vertically in order to position the quantification plate 806, 906 at a predetermined distance from the polynucleotide purification plate 804, 904. In SI 602, gantry 508 then delivers elution solution (e.g. water or TE) to the wells of the polynucleotide purification plate 804, 904 and, in SI 604, the adsorbed polynucleotide product is eluted into the wells of the quantification plate 806, 906.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart for an exemplary quantification and normalization sub-process. After purified polynucleotide is eluted from the purification wells of purification plate 804, 904, the purification plate 804, 904 is moved to station C 510 and quantification plate 806, 906 is moved to station D 528 where, in SI 702, it is subsequently inserted into spectrophotometer 533 where the concentration of each well is measured. In some embodiments, quantification plate 806, 906 may be returned to station A 503 where liquid levels may be measured so that polynucleotide amounts may be determined from measured concentrations.

In S1704, the quantification plate is moved back to station A where concentrations are normalized if necessary. In particular, after measurement, the quantification plate is transferred from spectrophotometer 533 to station A 503 where additional fluid (e.g. elution buffer) is added to wells as necessary to normalize concentrations across all the wells or to adjust concentrations to meet user specified concentration values for different polynucleotide product.

REFERENCE SIGNS

1 : Condensation trap

2: Front surface

4: Back surface

8: Condensation generating device

10: Trough

11 : Chiller

12: Inner side surfaces

14: Inner bottom surface

16: Sloped surface

18: Top edge

20: Bottom edge

22: First edge

23 : Condensate channel

24: Plate

26: Aperture

28: Tubing connector

30: Inner top surface

32: Crossbar

34: Interior conduit

36: Vacuum manifold

38: Tubing

40: Planar surface

42: Top surface

300: Instrument 500: Apparatus for enzymatic synthesis of a plurality of polynucleotides

502, 802, 902: Synthesis plate

503: Station A

504: Waste manifold

505: Station B

506: Vacuum manifold

508: Gantry head

509: Gantry

510: Station C

512: White arrow

514: Cabinet door

515a: Track

515b: Track

516: Reagent storage cabinet

517: Wall

518 : Pumps

520: User interface touch screen

524: Plate mover

526: Track

528: Station D

530: Reagent bottles or reservoirs

532: Component

533: Spectrophotometer or fluorometer

540: Reagent rack

552: Receiving structure 554, 556: Positioning tab

555, 557: Openings

560: Reagent rack

600, 610: Sipper plates

601, 611 : Cover plate

602, 612: Plate inserts

604, 614: Protruding rod

606, 616: Sipping tube

608, 618: Remaining portion

700: Heater-shaker module

701 : Well plate holder

702: Clamp lever

704: Release latch

706: Clamp

707: Bearing

712: Roller

714: Spring

804, 904: Purification plate

806, 906: Quantification plate

808, 908: Lid

1000: Vacuum transfer station

1004: Wedge-shaped component

1002: Linear bearing

1006: Plate lifting platform

1008: Lid 1010: Horizontal actuator

1012: Vacuum line connector

1014: Tab

1016: Screw 1020: Drainage

Claims

1. An apparatus (500) for enzymatic synthesis of a plurality of polynucleotides, the apparatus (500) comprising a chiller (11) with a condensation generating device (8) and a condensation trap (1) comprising a frame with a front surface (2) and an opposing back surface (4) connected by first and second lateral sides (6), wherein the frame houses a U-shaped inner structure that is formed by two opposing inner side surfaces (12) connected by an inner bottom surface (14), wherein the U-shaped inner structure forms a space traversing the frame between the front surface (2) and the back surface (4), the space configured to accommodate a protuberance of the condensation generating device (8), wherein the inner bottom surface (14) comprises a trough (10) configured to collect condensate from the condensation generating device (8), the trough (10) comprising a sloped surface (16) angled downward from a top edge (18) nearest the back surface (4) to a bottom edge (20) nearest the front surface (2), the bottom edge (20) connecting to a first edge (22) of a condensate channel (23), wherein the condensation trap (1) also comprises a plate (24) forming part of the front surface (2) of the frame and forming a vertical wall of the trough along a second edge of the condensate channel (23) across from the first edge (22), wherein the condensate channel (23) slopes downwards, terminating at an aperture (26), wherein the aperture (26) is in fluid communication with a tubing connector (28).

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plate (24) is removably attached to the front surface (2) of the frame.

3. The apparatus according to any one of the claims 1 to 2, wherein the condensate channel (23) slopes downwards in the direction of a middle region of the trough (10).

4. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the aperture (26) is in fluid communication with a tubing connector (28) on the back surface (4).

5. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, the frame further comprising an inner top surface (30) connecting the inner side surfaces (12) of the U- shaped inner structure to form an opening at the front surface (2) and an opening at the back surface (4), wherein the inner top surface (30), inner side surfaces (12), and inner bottom surface (14) are configured to surround a segment of the protuberance.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein an area defined by the opening at the front surface (2) is larger than an area defined by the opening at the back surface (4).

7. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the opening at the front surface (2) extends to a portion of a top surface of the frame above the inner bottom surface (14).

8. The apparatus according to any one of the claims 5 to 7, wherein the inner top surface (30) is formed by a crossbar (32) on the top surface of the frame.

9. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the aperture (26) is positioned at an equal distance from the inner side surfaces (12) of the U-shaped inner structure.

10. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the aperture (26) is connected to the tubing connector (28) by an interior conduit (34) within the frame.

11. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sloped surface (16) of the trough (10) comprises grooves or ribbings.

12. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sloped surface (16) of the trough (10) is hydrophobic.

13. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a fluid detection device in the trough (10), or in a fluid path between the aperture (26) and the tubing connector (28).

14. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a vacuum manifold (36) connected to the tubing connector (28) by a tubing (38), the vacuum manifold (36) having a remotely operated valve to control a pressure differential on the tubing (38).

15. A method for redirecting condensation from a condensation generating device (8) in the apparatus of any of the preceding claims, the method comprising: initiating a control system to begin a process comprising cooling an interior of the apparatus using a cooling device, wherein a protruding portion of the cooling device generates a condensate, wherein the condensation trap is attached to the apparatus and is located around the protruding portion, so that condensate drips into the trough forming a collected condensate which is directed to an aperture by a channel.