US20030170147A1 - Reaction block for parallel synthetic chemistry and vessel therefor - Google Patents
Reaction block for parallel synthetic chemistry and vessel therefor Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20030170147A1 US20030170147A1 US10/235,055 US23505502A US2003170147A1 US 20030170147 A1 US20030170147 A1 US 20030170147A1 US 23505502 A US23505502 A US 23505502A US 2003170147 A1 US2003170147 A1 US 2003170147A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- reaction
- discharge channel
- reaction chamber
- reaction vessel
- vessels
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
- B01L3/00—Containers or dishes for laboratory use, e.g. laboratory glassware; Droppers
- B01L3/50—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes
- B01L3/502—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes with fluid transport, e.g. in multi-compartment structures
- B01L3/5025—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes with fluid transport, e.g. in multi-compartment structures for parallel transport of multiple samples
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
- B01J19/00—Chemical, physical or physico-chemical processes in general; Their relevant apparatus
- B01J19/0046—Sequential or parallel reactions, e.g. for the synthesis of polypeptides or polynucleotides; Apparatus and devices for combinatorial chemistry or for making molecular arrays
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C45/00—Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor
- B29C45/17—Component parts, details or accessories; Auxiliary operations
- B29C45/40—Removing or ejecting moulded articles
- B29C45/44—Removing or ejecting moulded articles for undercut articles
- B29C45/4471—Removing or ejecting moulded articles for undercut articles using flexible or pivotable undercut forming elements
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
- B01J2219/00—Chemical, physical or physico-chemical processes in general; Their relevant apparatus
- B01J2219/00274—Sequential or parallel reactions; Apparatus and devices for combinatorial chemistry or for making arrays; Chemical library technology
- B01J2219/00277—Apparatus
- B01J2219/00279—Features relating to reactor vessels
- B01J2219/00281—Individual reactor vessels
- B01J2219/00283—Reactor vessels with top opening
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
- B01J2219/00—Chemical, physical or physico-chemical processes in general; Their relevant apparatus
- B01J2219/00274—Sequential or parallel reactions; Apparatus and devices for combinatorial chemistry or for making arrays; Chemical library technology
- B01J2219/00277—Apparatus
- B01J2219/00279—Features relating to reactor vessels
- B01J2219/00306—Reactor vessels in a multiple arrangement
- B01J2219/00308—Reactor vessels in a multiple arrangement interchangeably mounted in racks or blocks
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
- B01J2219/00—Chemical, physical or physico-chemical processes in general; Their relevant apparatus
- B01J2219/00274—Sequential or parallel reactions; Apparatus and devices for combinatorial chemistry or for making arrays; Chemical library technology
- B01J2219/00277—Apparatus
- B01J2219/00279—Features relating to reactor vessels
- B01J2219/00306—Reactor vessels in a multiple arrangement
- B01J2219/00308—Reactor vessels in a multiple arrangement interchangeably mounted in racks or blocks
- B01J2219/0031—Reactor vessels in a multiple arrangement interchangeably mounted in racks or blocks the racks or blocks being mounted in stacked arrangements
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
- B01J2219/00—Chemical, physical or physico-chemical processes in general; Their relevant apparatus
- B01J2219/00274—Sequential or parallel reactions; Apparatus and devices for combinatorial chemistry or for making arrays; Chemical library technology
- B01J2219/00277—Apparatus
- B01J2219/00279—Features relating to reactor vessels
- B01J2219/00331—Details of the reactor vessels
- B01J2219/00333—Closures attached to the reactor vessels
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
- B01J2219/00—Chemical, physical or physico-chemical processes in general; Their relevant apparatus
- B01J2219/00274—Sequential or parallel reactions; Apparatus and devices for combinatorial chemistry or for making arrays; Chemical library technology
- B01J2219/00277—Apparatus
- B01J2219/00351—Means for dispensing and evacuation of reagents
- B01J2219/00389—Feeding through valves
- B01J2219/00405—Sliding valves
- B01J2219/00407—In multiple arrangements
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
- B01J2219/00—Chemical, physical or physico-chemical processes in general; Their relevant apparatus
- B01J2219/00274—Sequential or parallel reactions; Apparatus and devices for combinatorial chemistry or for making arrays; Chemical library technology
- B01J2219/00277—Apparatus
- B01J2219/00351—Means for dispensing and evacuation of reagents
- B01J2219/00414—Means for dispensing and evacuation of reagents using suction
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
- B01J2219/00—Chemical, physical or physico-chemical processes in general; Their relevant apparatus
- B01J2219/00274—Sequential or parallel reactions; Apparatus and devices for combinatorial chemistry or for making arrays; Chemical library technology
- B01J2219/00277—Apparatus
- B01J2219/00351—Means for dispensing and evacuation of reagents
- B01J2219/00418—Means for dispensing and evacuation of reagents using pressure
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
- B01J2219/00—Chemical, physical or physico-chemical processes in general; Their relevant apparatus
- B01J2219/00274—Sequential or parallel reactions; Apparatus and devices for combinatorial chemistry or for making arrays; Chemical library technology
- B01J2219/00277—Apparatus
- B01J2219/00351—Means for dispensing and evacuation of reagents
- B01J2219/00423—Means for dispensing and evacuation of reagents using filtration, e.g. through porous frits
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
- B01J2219/00—Chemical, physical or physico-chemical processes in general; Their relevant apparatus
- B01J2219/00274—Sequential or parallel reactions; Apparatus and devices for combinatorial chemistry or for making arrays; Chemical library technology
- B01J2219/00583—Features relative to the processes being carried out
- B01J2219/00585—Parallel processes
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
- B01J2219/00—Chemical, physical or physico-chemical processes in general; Their relevant apparatus
- B01J2219/00274—Sequential or parallel reactions; Apparatus and devices for combinatorial chemistry or for making arrays; Chemical library technology
- B01J2219/00583—Features relative to the processes being carried out
- B01J2219/00596—Solid-phase processes
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
- B01L2200/00—Solutions for specific problems relating to chemical or physical laboratory apparatus
- B01L2200/02—Adapting objects or devices to another
- B01L2200/026—Fluid interfacing between devices or objects, e.g. connectors, inlet details
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
- B01L2300/00—Additional constructional details
- B01L2300/04—Closures and closing means
- B01L2300/041—Connecting closures to device or container
- B01L2300/045—Connecting closures to device or container whereby the whole cover is slidable
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
- B01L2300/00—Additional constructional details
- B01L2300/06—Auxiliary integrated devices, integrated components
- B01L2300/0681—Filter
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C40—COMBINATORIAL TECHNOLOGY
- C40B—COMBINATORIAL CHEMISTRY; LIBRARIES, e.g. CHEMICAL LIBRARIES
- C40B60/00—Apparatus specially adapted for use in combinatorial chemistry or with libraries
- C40B60/14—Apparatus specially adapted for use in combinatorial chemistry or with libraries for creating libraries
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a reaction vessel for use in parallel synthetic chemistry and other chemical applications where a multiplicity of chemical reactions is performed in small reaction medium volumes.
- the invention further relates to a method for manufacturing such a reaction vessel.
- the invention further relates to a reaction block comprising such a reaction vessel.
- the invention further relates to a parallel reaction assembly comprising such a reactor block.
- Combinatorial chemical synthesis requires simultaneously performing a plurality of chemical reactions. Often the problem of separating and characterizing the reaction products has to be solved. Reactor vessel arrays have been developed, wherein one specific reaction or sequence of reactions is performed on one or possibly a small number of reactants in each vessel, so that one or a small number of products are obtained, which may more easily be separated or examined. This type of synthesis is named “parallel synthetic chemistry” due to the relatively large number of reactions performed in parallel.
- synthesizers enabling performing chemical synthesis in solution, on solid phase supports or in so-called “tea-bags” etc. are required.
- a known type of synthesizer is characterized by the following features:
- a reactor block comprising a number of reactor vessels which allow performing a plurality of chemical reactions at varying temperatures, with shaking and under inert gas;
- Most known reactor blocks comprise a plurality of small reactor vessels which each have a top opening closed by a piercable closure, contain an inert gas atmosphere and are accessible through the closure using a needle. Liquids are added and removed through one and the same access. Less often reactor vessels are used which allow liquid transfer through the bottom of the reactor vessel using additional valves. Hence, the known reactor vessels are characterized either by a rather complicated access or a complex structure making them expensive.
- An object of the present invention is to provide a reaction vessel which is more efficiently manufactured and is thus less expensive.
- a further object of the invention is to provide a reaction vessel which allows a more convenient exchange of the vessel's contents.
- Another object of the invention is to provide a reaction block, which can be used more conveniently than existing systems, particularly within an automated system, and is adapted for receiving a reactor vessel array.
- a reaction chamber defining a longitudinal axis, having a space therein for receiving a reaction medium and a discharge channel, said reaction chamber and said discharge channel each having an open end and a bottom portion, and
- reaction chamber and the discharge channel each extending from its open end towards its bottom portion with constant or decreasing cross section, so that the reaction chamber and the discharge channel may be formed in an injection mold by cores which can be retracted through the respective open ends.
- a reaction vessel according to the invention is formed from a polymeric material and is preferably formed by injection molding.
- the vessel provides a reaction space with an exit connected to a discharge channel.
- the content of the reaction space is discharged through the discharge channel.
- the exit of the reaction space to the discharge channel is closed by a filtration materialso that the withdrawn content is filtered as it is withdrawn.
- a filtration materials e.g. loose beads of a solid substrate, e.g. a resin, whereon the reactive component is immobilized.
- Another aspect of the invention is a method for manufacturing a reaction vessel that comprises
- the interior of said discharge channel being shaped by a first core and the interior space of the reaction chamber being shaped by a second core, moving said first and second core being into the mold before injection of molten thermoplastic material and retracting said cores during opening of the mold after allowing a sufficient time for the molten material to harden, said second core which shapes the reaction chamber space bearing a movable extension at the end thereof which forms the bottom of the reaction chamber, and said extension touching the first core which shapes the discharge channel when said first and second core are moved into the mold, thereby forming said connection channel between said reaction chamber space and said discharge channel.
- Yet another aspect of the invention is a reactor block for performing a multiplicity of chemical reactions simultaneously, particularly for use in parallel synthetic chemistry, that comprises
- reaction vessels having each at least an inlet and an outlet orifice and being preferably reaction vessels according to the present invention as described herein,
- the reactor block comprises first closure means having openings therethrough and surface parts including pins each being movable in a sliding manner over the inlets and outlets of a number, preferably a row, of reaction vessels situated in the locations into between at least one opening position, where the openings in the allow access to the inlets and/or outlets, and a closed position wherein the inlets and outlets are closed by said surface parts of the first closure means resting on the inlets and outlets.
- a further aspect of the invention is a parallel reaction assembly that comprises a reactor block and reaction vessels according to the invention.
- the reaction block according to the invention has been specifically designed to facilitate automation and ease of use.
- the closing mechanism has been realized by a movable closure means that is guided by guiding means of the block.
- the closure means extends over a subset of the vessels contained in the block, e. g. preferably one row, and comprises means for enabling access to the openings of the reaction vessels and for closing them, e.g. openings in the closure means alignable with the openings of the reaction vessel and sealing surfaces for closing the reaction vessels.
- the guiding means comprise redirecting means, like gates (grooves) or a lever mechanism interacting with corresponding means provided at the closure means.
- the redirecting means convert a substantially linear movement of the closure means at least near the closing end position in a movement towards the openings of the reaction vessels in order to close them.
- the closure means is further urged against the openings to substantially seal the opening even if a pressure greater than ambient develops in the vessels.
- FIG. 1 a shows a cross-sectional view of a reactor vessel along line I-I in FIG. 1 b;
- FIG. 1 b shows a top view of a reactor vessel
- FIG. 1 c shows an enlarged partial cut along line I-I in FIG. 1 b , also showing a withdrawal needle tip;
- FIG. 2 shows a view perspective exploded view of a reactor block
- FIG. 3 shows a top view of the reactor block in FIG. 2;
- FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view along line A-A in FIG. 3;
- FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view along line B-B in FIG. 3;
- FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view along line C-C in FIG. 3;
- FIG. 7 shows a side view of the reactor block, showing the locking mechanism in opened position, according to arrow D in FIG. 3;
- FIG. 8 shows a side view of the reactor block, showing the locking mechanism in closed position, according to arrow E in FIG. 3.
- FIG. 1 a shows a longitudinal section through a reaction vessel 1 , FIG. 1 b a top view on it.
- the body of vessel 1 is preferably formed from a thermoplastic material, e.g. a polymeric material which is shapable by injection molding and which is substantially inert under the conditions of the intended reactions.
- Preferred vessel body materials are polypropylene or a fluorinated polymer like e.g. a poly-co-ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene, particularly the one marketed under the tradename TEFZEL (DuPont).
- the body of vessel 1 comprises a reaction chamber space 3 and a discharge channel 5 .
- Discharge channel 5 has an exit opening 16 and a bottom portion.
- Reaction chamber 3 has an upper opening 17 and a bottom portion.
- Upper opening 17 of reaction chamber 3 and exit opening 16 of discharge channel 5 are located at the upper rim 18 of reaction vessel 1 .
- discharge channel 5 is arranged preferably parallel or substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis X of reaction chamber space 3 , and a connection channel part 14 fluidly connects discharge channel 5 with within reaction chamber space 3 where a reaction medium is received. Reaction medium contained in reaction chamber space 3 can thus be withdrawn through channel part 14 into discharge channel 5 .
- Channel part 14 has a first orifice 7 located near to or at the bottom of reaction chamber space 3 , a second orifice located at the lower end of discharge channel 5 , and a bent, tapered shape with the narrow end at the lower end 12 of discharge channel 5 .
- discharge channel 5 substantially extends within and along a lateral wall 9 of reaction chamber space 3 .
- discharge channel 5 substantially extends on the outer surface of and along a lateral wall of reaction chamber space 3 .
- a seat 8 is provided in the wall 9 of reaction vessel 1 at the level of orifice 7 of connection channel part 14 .
- a filtration material 10 is placed in seat 8 .
- Filtration material 10 constitutes the bottom wall of the reaction chamber 3 and serves as a filter during discharging of the reaction chamber 3 .
- Filtration material 10 thus constitutes a delimitation of reaction chamber 3 and preferably a delimitation of the bottom of reaction chamber space 3 .
- Filtration material 10 may be a chemically inert fiberous filtration material, a porous fused metallic, polymeric, glass or ceramic matrix.
- filtration material 10 is formed from a porous fused ceramic or glass matrix, i.e., a fritted filter.
- Reaction vessel 1 has a collar 15 near its upper rim 18 .
- Collar 15 serves as an abutment when vessel 1 is inserted in a reaction block as described hereinafter.
- Inlet opening 17 of reaction chamber space 3 and exit opening 16 of discharge channel 5 are interconnected by a channel or groove 19 , which substantially equalizes any pressure difference between reaction chamber space 3 and discharge channel 5 of reaction vessel 1 .
- a suction device preferably a needle 201
- the tip of needle 201 is in sealing contact with a tapering portion 20 of the discharge channel 5 .
- channel 19 is fluidically disconnected from discharge channel 5 , and by applying a sufficient pressure less than ambient pressure in space 3 , to discharge channel through needle 201 , the reaction vessel contents can be withdrawn.
- Reaction vessel 1 may be conveniently manufactured by injection molding.
- Reaction chamber space 3 and connection channel 14 are preferably shaped by a core with a hingedly attached extension for the connection 14 .
- the vertical part of discharge channel 5 is preferably shaped by a second core. In the closed state of the injection molding tool, the cores are inserted within the mold cavity, the hingedly attached extension abutting on the end of the second core whereby the mold part for the hollow interior of the discharge conduit is constituted.
- the cores are withdrawn.
- the extension of the first core makes a rotational movement on its hinge.
- the removal is facilitated by the preferred significantly tapered shape of the connection channel 14 .
- the walls of reaction chamber space 3 and/or the discharge channel 5 are preferably slightly tapered so that their cross sections decrease from their upper opening 17 respectively exit opening 16 towards their respective bottom portions.
- the taper of the walls of the reaction chamber space can be so small that its cross-section can be considered to be substantially constant along the length of the reaction chamber space.
- reaction vessel 1 is suitable for being efficiently manufactured in large numbers at a low price.
- reaction vessel 1 With regard to a preferred use of reaction vessel 1 , another advantage consists in that when a reaction is terminated, the liquid contents of reaction chamber 3 can be withdrawn through filtration material 10 and discharge channel 5 by applying the suction device to exit opening 16 .
- the reaction partners are immobilized on a solid support material that is retained in the reaction chamber space 3 as a “filter cake” on filtration material 10 .
- filtration material 10 In case that filtration material 10 is occluded, it is usually possible to inject an inert gas, e. g. argon, in the reverse direction (opposite to flow direction when contents of reaction chamber is withdrawn through filtration material 10 , connection channel 14 and discharge channel 5 ) through filtration material 10 for restoring the permeability of filtration material 10 .
- an inert gas e. g. argon
- the above mentioned injection of inert gas may also be used for agitating the contents of the reaction chamber and providing a substantially inert atmosphere for conducting the reaction.
- reaction vessel 1 may withstand a moderate pressure gradient above ambient. Reaction vessel 1 thus allows a reaction to be conducted even under moderate overpressure without a venting provision, e. g. to work at an elevated temperature with respect to the temperature during filling.
- reaction vessel 1 In a preferred use of reaction vessel 1 , the above-mentioned moderate pressure above ambient is generated by closing the vessel and increasing the temperature.
- Typical dimensions of the reaction vessel 1 are: Cross-sectional area of the 10 to 1000 mm 2 reaction chamber: preferably 75 to 120 mm 2 Length of reaction chamber: at least 10 mm preferably 20 to 200 mm
- the cross-sectional area of discharge channel 5 is significantly smaller than the cross-sectional area of reaction chamber space 3 .
- reaction vessel 1 shown by FIGS. 1 a - 1 c may be conveniently manufactured by injection molding as an integrally manufactured single-piece element, with exception of filtration material 10 being inserted therein after vessel 1 is formed.
- a method for manufacturing the above-described reaction vessel 1 comprises forming the body of vessel 1 by an injection molding process of a theromoplastic polymeric material in a molding tool, whereby
- the first and second cores being moved into the mold before injectiing of molten polymeric material and being retracted after allowing sufficient time for the molten polymer material to harden, during opening of the mold,
- said second core which shapes the reaction chamber space having a movable extension at the end thereof for forming the bottom of the reaction chamber
- FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of a reactor block 21 containing 24 reaction vessels 1 .
- Reactor block 21 consists of a base 22 with an integrated conduit (connectors 23 and 24 ) for temperature control.
- Base 22 comprises receiving sites 26 each adapted for receiving a reaction vessel 1 . Heat is exchanged by air between the reaction vessels 1 and the walls of receiving sites 26 . For an efficient thermal contact, the sites 26 are shaped closely similar to the exterior surface of the vessels 1 . As shown by FIG. 4, heat exchange (normally heating) is however substantially restricted to the lower part of the reaction vessels 1 in order that vaporized liquid may condense in the cooler upper part of the reaction vessels and flow back into the reaction volume proper located above filtration material 10 (reflux condensation).
- a vessel holder 29 is arranged above the base 22 and held by an appropriate, adjustable means (not shown) so that the vessels extend into the base 22 without touching the bottom of their receiving sites 26 in order to compensate for thermal expansion and manufacturing tolerances.
- Vessel holder 29 comprises an array of at least two rows of at least two locations 31 for reaction vessels. Each of locations 31 has a circumferential shoulder or depression 33 for receiving the collar 15 of a reaction vessel 1 .
- the upper rims 18 of reaction vessels 1 preferably project slightly above the upper surface 35 of vessel holder 29 .
- discharge channel 5 Being arranged outside of the reaction chamber's wall, due to the relative position of the discharge channel 5 with respect to the reaction chamber 3 of each vessel, discharge channel 5 also serves as positioning means which allow insertion of the reaction vessels 1 in only one orientation so that the upper openings 17 of the reaction chambers 3 and the exit openings 16 of the discharge channels 5 are always in the same predetermined position. This is important for the use of reactor block 21 with automated handlers, e. g. synthesizers or analyzers.
- a sealing foil or plate 36 and a slider gate plate 37 are placed on top of the vessels 1 , the slider gate plate 37 being firmly pressed against the holder 29 so that preferably a gas-tight sealing, or at least a fluid-tight sealing between the seal 36 , the rim 18 of the vessels 1 and the slider gate plate 37 is obtained.
- Slider gate plate 37 has guiding slots 48 .
- the seal 36 and the slider gate plate 37 each provide corresponding holes for each vessel, namely a first hole 39 respectively, a second 42 hole corresponding to upper opening 17 of reaction chamber 3 and a third hole 40 respectively, a fourth hole 43 corresponding to the exit opening 16 of discharge channel 5 .
- the upper ends of holes 42 , 43 in the slider gate plate 37 are surrounded by a collar 45 whose upper rim serves as a sealing surface as will be explained below.
- collar 45 Another advantageous effect of collar 45 is that it prevents that any spoiled matter in slot 48 from flowing into the open reaction vessels.
- the reaction vessels 1 are preferably arranged in six rows of 4 vessels each (corresponding to a standard 24-well plate).
- Slider gate plate 37 has a slider guiding slot 48 for each row of vessels 1 .
- the walls 50 of the slots 48 contain gates 52 , i.e. guiding grooves or channels for closure sliders 55 (four of six necessary sliders 55 are shown).
- Closure sliders 55 preferably have a shape that allows them to slide freely within the guiding slots 48 . Their lateral faces comprise pins 57 which are adapted to be slidably registered in the gates 52 . For assembly purposes, gates 52 are open at one end 58 so that the pins 57 of the sliders 55 may be inserted into gates 52 from above.
- FIG. 4 shows a sectional view wherein some aspects mentioned above more clearly illustrated with the reaction vessels 1 are merely schematically shown.
- Conduits 60 for the temperature control medium are arranged in base 22 .
- Vessels 1 are preferably held by the holder 29 in a suspended manner, extending into receiving sites 26 of base 22 preferably without touching the bottom 62 thereof.
- Seal 36 is pinched between slider gate plate 37 and the upper rim 18 of the reaction vessels 1 whereby the collars 15 of the vessels 1 are pressed down in the depressions 33 .
- exit openings 16 of discharge channels 5 and the open upper ends 17 of reaction chamber spaces 3 are accessible through holes 40 respectively 39 in seal 36 and holes 43 respectively 42 in slider plate 37 .
- holes 42 , 43 are accessible from the exterior through holes 64 respectively 65 (see slider 66 on the left), or closed altogether by the slider (see slider 67 on the right) as explained more in detail below.
- FIG. 3 shows a top view of reactor block 21 and in particular of slider gate plate 37 .
- four slider slots 48 in the middle are shown without sliders.
- Slider 66 on the left side is in open position allowing access to the reactor vessels located below by registering its holes 64 , 65 with the holes 42 , 43 in slider gate plate 37 .
- Slider 67 on the right side is in closed position, i.e. a position at which the reaction vessels located below are substantially hermetically sealed, e. g. for performing the reactions.
- slider 66 is not only moved along guiding slot 48 , but abides in a slightly elevated position due to the pins 57 resting on the front surface part 70 of the gates 52 .
- the movement of the slider 66 is stopped in the opened position.
- the holes 64 , 65 are aligned, and e. g. by means of a syringe, a medium can be injected into the reaction vessel through holes 64 , 42 , 39 and the open end 17 of the reaction chamber space 3 , or withdrawn (not shown) through the holes 65 , 43 , 40 and the exit opening 16 of the discharge channel 5 (see FIG. 4).
- reaction to be removed from reaction chamber space 3 of vessel 1 is removed by applying a pressure below ambient or vacuum to the exit opening 16 of discharge channel 5 .
- discharge channel 5 has an upper portion which ends at exit opening 16 and which has a cross-section which is slightly larger than the cross-section of the lower portion of discharge channel and preferably vacuum is applied by means of a needle of a syringe which has a diameter equal or slightly bigger than the diameter of an lower portion of discharge channel 5 .
- the upper portion of discharge channel 5 has preferably a conical part which narrows into the lower portion of discharge channel 5 .
- the transition between the lower and the upper part of discharge channel 5 is a single step.
- a needle or a tube having a transversely cut end is used and this cut end forms a seal when pressed against the step.
- Holes 43 and 65 preferably have diameters larger than the conducting means (tube, syringe needle) used to inject or withdraw reaction medium in order to permit a free passage of the conducting means.
- FIG. 7 shows the open configuration.
- FIG. 8 shows the closed configuration.
- the pins 57 are forced to move downward along the rear part 76 of gates 52 , and therefore the slider 67 as well.
- the end phase of the longitudinal rearward movement of sliders 55 in guiding slots 48 is transformed in a movement towards the reaction vessels 1 , and, resulting in a force pressing the lower surface 79 of sliders 55 (exemplarily, slider 67 ) against the collars 45 .
- An advantage of the arrangement of the sliders 56 of the invention just described is that a simple, e. g. pneumatic or solenoid, actuator providing a sufficient powerful, yet only linear movement, may be used for moving the sliders between the open and the closed position. This arrangement even facilitates moving of these sliders by hand.
- sliders 55 preferably have a smooth, plane sealing surface 79 in the respective parts of their lower surface.
- Sliders 55 are preferably entirely made of a suitable polymeric material, e. g. a fluorocarbon type.
- sliders 55 may as well be produced by injection molding, preferably with a smooth finishtreatment of their sealing surface 79 , they may be produced at a sufficiently low price to allow their use as a single-use disposable components.
- An inert gas blanket may be provided if necessary during exchange of the reaction medium.
- a reactor block having the above-described features is used to build a parallel reaction assembly comprising reactions vessels 1 having the above described features.
- a preferred use of such a parallel reaction assembly is for simultaneously performing a chemical reaction in each reaction vessel in the reactor block.
- the reaction vessels 1 may consist of other materials, like metal, ceramics, or even glass. Due to their rather simple structure, even with these materials, mass production methods are suitable for producing the vessels.
- the sealing plate or foil 36 may be left out if the contact between the reaction vessel and the lower surface of the gate plate 37 provides a sufficiently tight seal.
- the sliders 55 may be connected to the gate plate by another mechanism, for example using levers, for transforming the movement of the sliders into one urging the sliders 55 against the openings 39 , 40 , though the preferred arrangement using pins and gates has proven to be the most reliable due to its simplicity.
- the number of vessels contained in a reactor block may be varied as needed. Particularly preferred are arrangements adapted to the configuration of well plates (e. g. 96 wells, 384 wells) so that by means of a robot, whole rows of the well plate contents may be transferred to the reactor's vessels with only simple movements.
- well plates e. g. 96 wells, 384 wells
- connection channel 14 may have its sampler orifice close to the discharge channel if the molding core used to form connection channel 14 is to be retracted through the discharge channel.
- the connection channel may also have a constant cross-section over its length or may have its narrowest cross-section between its two end orifices and the mold used to form the connection channel may in principle be retractable through either the reaction chamber or the discharge channel or both the reaction chamber and the discharge channel.
- the collar 45 may be omitted.
- the sealing surfaces are slightly elevated with respect to the surrounding lower surface of the sliders 55 in order to concentrate the closing pressure to the holes 43 , 42 .
- the preferred arrangement of one pair of pins 57 per vessel which helps to secure a substantially tight seal may be varied in using more or less pins and gates. Particularly if less pins are provided, and the sliders are somewhat flexibile, additional measures have to be applied for securing a substantially tight seal. These additional measures may be a rigid back, for instance formed from metal or some other substantially rigid material.
- the hollow interior parts of the reaction vessel 1 may have other cross sections than circular, e.g. tetragonal, hexagonal or elliptic while still being within the scope of the present invention.
- collars 15 may also be applied flat to the surface of the vessel holder plate 29 comprising the locations 31 .
- Reaction vessel 1 of the invention is usable in other applications, where exchange of a reaction chamber's contents by vacuum assisted withdrawal is needed. This includes individually performing reactions in a single reaction vessel.
- a pressure equalizing channel or groove 19 instead of a pressure equalizing channel or groove 19 , other means for equalizing the pressure may be provided and are considered within the scope of the invention, e.g. a hole that communicates the reaction chamber and the discharge channel. Pressure equalizing means like channel or groove 19 may also be entirely omitted for particular applications.
Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates to a reaction vessel for use in parallel synthetic chemistry and other chemical applications where a multiplicity of chemical reactions is performed in small reaction medium volumes.
- The invention further relates to a method for manufacturing such a reaction vessel.
- The invention further relates to a reaction block comprising such a reaction vessel.
- The invention further relates to a parallel reaction assembly comprising such a reactor block.
- Combinatorial chemical synthesis requires simultaneously performing a plurality of chemical reactions. Often the problem of separating and characterizing the reaction products has to be solved. Reactor vessel arrays have been developed, wherein one specific reaction or sequence of reactions is performed on one or possibly a small number of reactants in each vessel, so that one or a small number of products are obtained, which may more easily be separated or examined. This type of synthesis is named “parallel synthetic chemistry” due to the relatively large number of reactions performed in parallel.
- In order to obtain a high performance, synthesizers enabling performing chemical synthesis in solution, on solid phase supports or in so-called “tea-bags” etc. are required. A known type of synthesizer is characterized by the following features:
- a dispensing system using one or more dispensing needles (these liquid handling systems were originally used for biological screening or diagnostic techniques);
- a reactor block comprising a number of reactor vessels which allow performing a plurality of chemical reactions at varying temperatures, with shaking and under inert gas; and
- a computer running a specialized software package which allows the programming and control of the individual synthesis steps.
- Most known reactor blocks comprise a plurality of small reactor vessels which each have a top opening closed by a piercable closure, contain an inert gas atmosphere and are accessible through the closure using a needle. Liquids are added and removed through one and the same access. Less often reactor vessels are used which allow liquid transfer through the bottom of the reactor vessel using additional valves. Hence, the known reactor vessels are characterized either by a rather complicated access or a complex structure making them expensive.
- An object of the present invention is to provide a reaction vessel which is more efficiently manufactured and is thus less expensive.
- A further object of the invention is to provide a reaction vessel which allows a more convenient exchange of the vessel's contents.
- Another object of the invention is to provide a reaction block, which can be used more conveniently than existing systems, particularly within an automated system, and is adapted for receiving a reactor vessel array.
- According to one aspect of the invention a reaction vessel that satisfies at least one of the stated objects comprises
- a body made of a material, particularly a thermoplastic polymeric material, formable an injection molding process, said body comprising
- a reaction chamber defining a longitudinal axis, having a space therein for receiving a reaction medium and a discharge channel, said reaction chamber and said discharge channel each having an open end and a bottom portion, and
- a fluidic connection channel that connects the discharge channel with the space within the reaction chamber,
- the reaction chamber and the discharge channel each extending from its open end towards its bottom portion with constant or decreasing cross section, so that the reaction chamber and the discharge channel may be formed in an injection mold by cores which can be retracted through the respective open ends.
- A reaction vessel according to the invention is formed from a polymeric material and is preferably formed by injection molding. The vessel provides a reaction space with an exit connected to a discharge channel. By application of reduced pressure to the discharge channel to a level below ambient pressure, the content of the reaction space, particularly a liquid, is discharged through the discharge channel.
- Preferably, the exit of the reaction space to the discharge channel is closed by a filtration materialso that the withdrawn content is filtered as it is withdrawn. In this configuration, it is possible to use e. g. loose beads of a solid substrate, e.g. a resin, whereon the reactive component is immobilized.
- Another aspect of the invention is a method for manufacturing a reaction vessel that comprises
- forming said body of said vessel in an injection molding device by injection molding a thermoplastic polymeric material in a mold,
- the interior of said discharge channel being shaped by a first core and the interior space of the reaction chamber being shaped by a second core, moving said first and second core being into the mold before injection of molten thermoplastic material and retracting said cores during opening of the mold after allowing a sufficient time for the molten material to harden, said second core which shapes the reaction chamber space bearing a movable extension at the end thereof which forms the bottom of the reaction chamber, and said extension touching the first core which shapes the discharge channel when said first and second core are moved into the mold, thereby forming said connection channel between said reaction chamber space and said discharge channel.
- Yet another aspect of the invention is a reactor block for performing a multiplicity of chemical reactions simultaneously, particularly for use in parallel synthetic chemistry, that comprises
- at least two rows of at least two locations for receiving reaction vessels, the reaction vessels having each at least an inlet and an outlet orifice and being preferably reaction vessels according to the present invention as described herein,
- wherein the reactor block comprises first closure means having openings therethrough and surface parts including pins each being movable in a sliding manner over the inlets and outlets of a number, preferably a row, of reaction vessels situated in the locations into between at least one opening position, where the openings in the allow access to the inlets and/or outlets, and a closed position wherein the inlets and outlets are closed by said surface parts of the first closure means resting on the inlets and outlets.
- A further aspect of the invention is a parallel reaction assembly that comprises a reactor block and reaction vessels according to the invention.
- The reaction block according to the invention has been specifically designed to facilitate automation and ease of use. In this context, the closing mechanism has been realized by a movable closure means that is guided by guiding means of the block. The closure means extends over a subset of the vessels contained in the block, e. g. preferably one row, and comprises means for enabling access to the openings of the reaction vessels and for closing them, e.g. openings in the closure means alignable with the openings of the reaction vessel and sealing surfaces for closing the reaction vessels.
- Furthermore, the guiding means comprise redirecting means, like gates (grooves) or a lever mechanism interacting with corresponding means provided at the closure means. The redirecting means convert a substantially linear movement of the closure means at least near the closing end position in a movement towards the openings of the reaction vessels in order to close them. Preferably, the closure means is further urged against the openings to substantially seal the opening even if a pressure greater than ambient develops in the vessels.
- The subject invention will now be described in terms of its preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. These embodiments are set forth to aid the understanding of the invention, but are not to be construed as limiting.
- FIG. 1a shows a cross-sectional view of a reactor vessel along line I-I in FIG. 1b;
- FIG. 1b shows a top view of a reactor vessel;
- FIG. 1c shows an enlarged partial cut along line I-I in FIG. 1b, also showing a withdrawal needle tip;
- FIG. 2 shows a view perspective exploded view of a reactor block;
- FIG. 3 shows a top view of the reactor block in FIG. 2;
- FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view along line A-A in FIG. 3;
- FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view along line B-B in FIG. 3;
- FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view along line C-C in FIG. 3;
- FIG. 7 shows a side view of the reactor block, showing the locking mechanism in opened position, according to arrow D in FIG. 3; and
- FIG. 8 shows a side view of the reactor block, showing the locking mechanism in closed position, according to arrow E in FIG. 3.
- Reaction Vessel
- FIG. 1a shows a longitudinal section through a
reaction vessel 1, FIG. 1b a top view on it. The body ofvessel 1 is preferably formed from a thermoplastic material, e.g. a polymeric material which is shapable by injection molding and which is substantially inert under the conditions of the intended reactions. Preferred vessel body materials are polypropylene or a fluorinated polymer like e.g. a poly-co-ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene, particularly the one marketed under the tradename TEFZEL (DuPont). - The body of
vessel 1 comprises areaction chamber space 3 and adischarge channel 5.Discharge channel 5 has anexit opening 16 and a bottom portion.Reaction chamber 3 has anupper opening 17 and a bottom portion.Upper opening 17 ofreaction chamber 3 and exit opening 16 ofdischarge channel 5 are located at theupper rim 18 ofreaction vessel 1. - As shown by FIG. 1a, discharge
channel 5 is arranged preferably parallel or substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis X ofreaction chamber space 3, and aconnection channel part 14 fluidly connectsdischarge channel 5 with withinreaction chamber space 3 where a reaction medium is received. Reaction medium contained inreaction chamber space 3 can thus be withdrawn throughchannel part 14 intodischarge channel 5.Channel part 14 has afirst orifice 7 located near to or at the bottom ofreaction chamber space 3, a second orifice located at the lower end ofdischarge channel 5, and a bent, tapered shape with the narrow end at thelower end 12 ofdischarge channel 5. - In a preferred embodiment shown by FIG. 1a, discharge
channel 5 substantially extends within and along a lateral wall 9 ofreaction chamber space 3. In another embodiment (not represented in the drawings)discharge channel 5 substantially extends on the outer surface of and along a lateral wall ofreaction chamber space 3. - A
seat 8 is provided in the wall 9 ofreaction vessel 1 at the level oforifice 7 ofconnection channel part 14. Afiltration material 10 is placed inseat 8.Filtration material 10 constitutes the bottom wall of thereaction chamber 3 and serves as a filter during discharging of thereaction chamber 3.Filtration material 10 thus constitutes a delimitation ofreaction chamber 3 and preferably a delimitation of the bottom ofreaction chamber space 3.Filtration material 10 may be a chemically inert fiberous filtration material, a porous fused metallic, polymeric, glass or ceramic matrix. Preferably,filtration material 10 is formed from a porous fused ceramic or glass matrix, i.e., a fritted filter. -
Reaction vessel 1 has acollar 15 near itsupper rim 18.Collar 15 serves as an abutment whenvessel 1 is inserted in a reaction block as described hereinafter. -
Inlet opening 17 ofreaction chamber space 3 and exit opening 16 ofdischarge channel 5 are interconnected by a channel orgroove 19, which substantially equalizes any pressure difference betweenreaction chamber space 3 and dischargechannel 5 ofreaction vessel 1. - When a suction device, preferably a
needle 201, is introduced through exit opening 16 ofdischarge channel 5 and positioned as shown by FIG. 1c for withdrawing the liquid contents ofreaction vessel 1 throughdischarge channel 5, the tip ofneedle 201 is in sealing contact with a taperingportion 20 of thedischarge channel 5. Thereby,channel 19 is fluidically disconnected fromdischarge channel 5, and by applying a sufficient pressure less than ambient pressure inspace 3, to discharge channel throughneedle 201, the reaction vessel contents can be withdrawn. -
Reaction vessel 1 may be conveniently manufactured by injection molding.Reaction chamber space 3 andconnection channel 14 are preferably shaped by a core with a hingedly attached extension for theconnection 14. The vertical part ofdischarge channel 5 is preferably shaped by a second core. In the closed state of the injection molding tool, the cores are inserted within the mold cavity, the hingedly attached extension abutting on the end of the second core whereby the mold part for the hollow interior of the discharge conduit is constituted. - After injection of the molten polymeric material and allowance of sufficient time for the molten material to solidify, the cores are withdrawn. For this purpose, the extension of the first core makes a rotational movement on its hinge. The removal is facilitated by the preferred significantly tapered shape of the
connection channel 14. For even better removal of the cores, the walls ofreaction chamber space 3 and/or thedischarge channel 5 are preferably slightly tapered so that their cross sections decrease from theirupper opening 17 respectively exit opening 16 towards their respective bottom portions. The taper of the walls of the reaction chamber space can be so small that its cross-section can be considered to be substantially constant along the length of the reaction chamber space. This configuration ofreaction chamber space 3 and discharge channel makes possible to retract the above mentioned first and second molding cores throughupper opening 17 and exit opening 16 respectively. - As molds of the above-mentioned kind, even including the mentioned cores, are known to persons skilled in the art, a detailed description of such molds with reference to figures is deemed unnecessary and, therefore, not included in the present specification.
- From what is explained above, it is evident that
reaction vessel 1 is suitable for being efficiently manufactured in large numbers at a low price. - With regard to a preferred use of
reaction vessel 1, another advantage consists in that when a reaction is terminated, the liquid contents ofreaction chamber 3 can be withdrawn throughfiltration material 10 and dischargechannel 5 by applying the suction device to exitopening 16. In the solid-liquid reaction arrangement most often used in combinatorial chemistry, the reaction partners are immobilized on a solid support material that is retained in thereaction chamber space 3 as a “filter cake” onfiltration material 10. - In case that
filtration material 10 is occluded, it is usually possible to inject an inert gas, e. g. argon, in the reverse direction (opposite to flow direction when contents of reaction chamber is withdrawn throughfiltration material 10,connection channel 14 and discharge channel 5) throughfiltration material 10 for restoring the permeability offiltration material 10. The above mentioned injection of inert gas may also be used for agitating the contents of the reaction chamber and providing a substantially inert atmosphere for conducting the reaction. - Experiments have shown that the above described structure of
reaction vessel 1 may withstand a moderate pressure gradient above ambient.Reaction vessel 1 thus allows a reaction to be conducted even under moderate overpressure without a venting provision, e. g. to work at an elevated temperature with respect to the temperature during filling. - In a preferred use of
reaction vessel 1, the above-mentioned moderate pressure above ambient is generated by closing the vessel and increasing the temperature. - Typical dimensions of the
reaction vessel 1 are:Cross-sectional area of the 10 to 1000 mm2 reaction chamber: preferably 75 to 120 mm2 Length of reaction chamber: at least 10 mm preferably 20 to 200 mm Cross-sectional area of the at least 0.8 mm2 discharge channel: preferably 0.8 to 25 mm2 - Generally, the cross-sectional area of
discharge channel 5 is significantly smaller than the cross-sectional area ofreaction chamber space 3. - As can be recognized from the above-description,
reaction vessel 1 shown by FIGS. 1a-1 c may be conveniently manufactured by injection molding as an integrally manufactured single-piece element, with exception offiltration material 10 being inserted therein aftervessel 1 is formed. - Method For Manufacturing The Reaction Vessel
- A method for manufacturing the above-described
reaction vessel 1 comprises forming the body ofvessel 1 by an injection molding process of a theromoplastic polymeric material in a molding tool, whereby - the interior of
discharge channel 5 being formed by a first core and the interior ofreaction chamber space 3 being formed by a second core, - the first and second cores being moved into the mold before injectiing of molten polymeric material and being retracted after allowing sufficient time for the molten polymer material to harden, during opening of the mold,
- said second core which shapes the reaction chamber space having a movable extension at the end thereof for forming the bottom of the reaction chamber, and
- said extension touching the first core thereby forming the discharge channel when said first and second core are disposed the mold in order to form the connection channel between the reaction chamber and the discharge channel.
- Reactor Block
- FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of a
reactor block 21 containing 24reaction vessels 1.Reactor block 21 consists of a base 22 with an integrated conduit (connectors 23 and 24) for temperature control.Base 22 comprises receivingsites 26 each adapted for receiving areaction vessel 1. Heat is exchanged by air between thereaction vessels 1 and the walls of receivingsites 26. For an efficient thermal contact, thesites 26 are shaped closely similar to the exterior surface of thevessels 1. As shown by FIG. 4, heat exchange (normally heating) is however substantially restricted to the lower part of thereaction vessels 1 in order that vaporized liquid may condense in the cooler upper part of the reaction vessels and flow back into the reaction volume proper located above filtration material 10 (reflux condensation). - A
vessel holder 29 is arranged above thebase 22 and held by an appropriate, adjustable means (not shown) so that the vessels extend into thebase 22 without touching the bottom of their receivingsites 26 in order to compensate for thermal expansion and manufacturing tolerances. -
Vessel holder 29 comprises an array of at least two rows of at least twolocations 31 for reaction vessels. Each oflocations 31 has a circumferential shoulder ordepression 33 for receiving thecollar 15 of areaction vessel 1. Theupper rims 18 ofreaction vessels 1 preferably project slightly above theupper surface 35 ofvessel holder 29. Being arranged outside of the reaction chamber's wall, due to the relative position of thedischarge channel 5 with respect to thereaction chamber 3 of each vessel, dischargechannel 5 also serves as positioning means which allow insertion of thereaction vessels 1 in only one orientation so that theupper openings 17 of thereaction chambers 3 and theexit openings 16 of thedischarge channels 5 are always in the same predetermined position. This is important for the use ofreactor block 21 with automated handlers, e. g. synthesizers or analyzers. - A sealing foil or
plate 36 and aslider gate plate 37 are placed on top of thevessels 1, theslider gate plate 37 being firmly pressed against theholder 29 so that preferably a gas-tight sealing, or at least a fluid-tight sealing between theseal 36, therim 18 of thevessels 1 and theslider gate plate 37 is obtained.Slider gate plate 37 has guidingslots 48. - The
seal 36 and theslider gate plate 37 each provide corresponding holes for each vessel, namely afirst hole 39 respectively, a second 42 hole corresponding toupper opening 17 ofreaction chamber 3 and athird hole 40 respectively, afourth hole 43 corresponding to the exit opening 16 ofdischarge channel 5. The upper ends ofholes slider gate plate 37 are surrounded by acollar 45 whose upper rim serves as a sealing surface as will be explained below. Another advantageous effect ofcollar 45 is that it prevents that any spoiled matter inslot 48 from flowing into the open reaction vessels. - The
reaction vessels 1 are preferably arranged in six rows of 4 vessels each (corresponding to a standard 24-well plate).Slider gate plate 37 has aslider guiding slot 48 for each row ofvessels 1. Thewalls 50 of theslots 48 containgates 52, i.e. guiding grooves or channels for closure sliders 55 (four of sixnecessary sliders 55 are shown). -
Closure sliders 55 preferably have a shape that allows them to slide freely within the guidingslots 48. Their lateral faces comprisepins 57 which are adapted to be slidably registered in thegates 52. For assembly purposes,gates 52 are open at oneend 58 so that thepins 57 of thesliders 55 may be inserted intogates 52 from above. - FIG. 4 shows a sectional view wherein some aspects mentioned above more clearly illustrated with the
reaction vessels 1 are merely schematically shown.Conduits 60 for the temperature control medium are arranged inbase 22.Vessels 1 are preferably held by theholder 29 in a suspended manner, extending into receivingsites 26 of base22 preferably without touching the bottom 62 thereof.Seal 36 is pinched betweenslider gate plate 37 and theupper rim 18 of thereaction vessels 1 whereby thecollars 15 of thevessels 1 are pressed down in thedepressions 33. - The
exit openings 16 ofdischarge channels 5 and the open upper ends 17 ofreaction chamber spaces 3 are accessible throughholes 40 respectively 39 inseal 36 and holes 43 respectively 42 inslider plate 37. Depending on the position of thesliders 55, holes 42, 43 are accessible from the exterior throughholes 64 respectively 65 (seeslider 66 on the left), or closed altogether by the slider (seeslider 67 on the right) as explained more in detail below. - FIG. 3 shows a top view of
reactor block 21 and in particular ofslider gate plate 37. For the sake of simplicity, fourslider slots 48 in the middle are shown without sliders.Slider 66 on the left side is in open position allowing access to the reactor vessels located below by registering itsholes holes slider gate plate 37.Slider 67 on the right side is in closed position, i.e. a position at which the reaction vessels located below are substantially hermetically sealed, e. g. for performing the reactions. - As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6,
slider 66 is not only moved along guidingslot 48, but abides in a slightly elevated position due to thepins 57 resting on thefront surface part 70 of thegates 52. At the same time, in abutting against thefront wall 72, the movement of theslider 66 is stopped in the opened position. Theholes holes open end 17 of thereaction chamber space 3, or withdrawn (not shown) through theholes - In a preferred embodiment, reaction to be removed from
reaction chamber space 3 ofvessel 1 is removed by applying a pressure below ambient or vacuum to the exit opening 16 of discharge channel 5.For this purpose, dischargechannel 5 has an upper portion which ends atexit opening 16 and which has a cross-section which is slightly larger than the cross-section of the lower portion of discharge channel and preferably vacuum is applied by means of a needle of a syringe which has a diameter equal or slightly bigger than the diameter of an lower portion ofdischarge channel 5. When the front end of the syringe needle is inserted into the upper part ofdischarge channel 5, a substantially tight seal is established between the needle tip and the wall of thedischarge channel 5. For this purpose, the upper portion ofdischarge channel 5 has preferably a conical part which narrows into the lower portion ofdischarge channel 5. - In another preferred embodiment, the transition between the lower and the upper part of
discharge channel 5 is a single step. In this case a needle or a tube having a transversely cut end is used and this cut end forms a seal when pressed against the step. - Holes43 and 65 (and 42 and 64) preferably have diameters larger than the conducting means (tube, syringe needle) used to inject or withdraw reaction medium in order to permit a free passage of the conducting means.
- FIG. 7 shows the open configuration. FIG. 8 shows the closed configuration. As can be appreciated from these figures, during movement of
slider 67 to the rear position thepins 57 are forced to move downward along therear part 76 ofgates 52, and therefore theslider 67 as well. Thereby, the end phase of the longitudinal rearward movement ofsliders 55 in guidingslots 48 is transformed in a movement towards thereaction vessels 1, and, resulting in a force pressing thelower surface 79 of sliders 55 (exemplarily, slider 67) against thecollars 45. - An advantage of the arrangement of the sliders56 of the invention just described is that a simple, e. g. pneumatic or solenoid, actuator providing a sufficient powerful, yet only linear movement, may be used for moving the sliders between the open and the closed position. This arrangement even facilitates moving of these sliders by hand.
- As this closing movement of the
sliders 55 requires still a minimal lateral movement overcollar 45,sliders 55 preferably have a smooth,plane sealing surface 79 in the respective parts of their lower surface.Sliders 55 are preferably entirely made of a suitable polymeric material, e. g. a fluorocarbon type. Assliders 55 may as well be produced by injection molding, preferably with a smooth finishtreatment of their sealingsurface 79, they may be produced at a sufficiently low price to allow their use as a single-use disposable components. - Due to the fact that
sliders 55 are pressed with a rather elevated force againstopenings reaction vessel 1 of the invention can withstand the pressures developed within the reaction vessel under normal reaction conditions substantially without problems. - An inert gas blanket may be provided if necessary during exchange of the reaction medium.
- Within the scope of the invention a reactor block having the above-described features is used to build a parallel reaction assembly comprising
reactions vessels 1 having the above described features. A preferred use of such a parallel reaction assembly is for simultaneously performing a chemical reaction in each reaction vessel in the reactor block. - From the exemplary embodiment set forth above, the one skilled in the art is able to derive numerous variants without leaving the scope of protection which is intended to be solely defined by the appended claims. Some variations that fall within the scope of the invention are e.g.:
- The
reaction vessels 1 may consist of other materials, like metal, ceramics, or even glass. Due to their rather simple structure, even with these materials, mass production methods are suitable for producing the vessels. - The sealing plate or foil36 may be left out if the contact between the reaction vessel and the lower surface of the
gate plate 37 provides a sufficiently tight seal. - The
sliders 55 may be connected to the gate plate by another mechanism, for example using levers, for transforming the movement of the sliders into one urging thesliders 55 against theopenings - The number of vessels contained in a reactor block may be varied as needed. Particularly preferred are arrangements adapted to the configuration of well plates (e. g. 96 wells, 384 wells) so that by means of a robot, whole rows of the well plate contents may be transferred to the reactor's vessels with only simple movements.
- The
connection channel 14 may have its sampler orifice close to the discharge channel if the molding core used to formconnection channel 14 is to be retracted through the discharge channel. The connection channel may also have a constant cross-section over its length or may have its narrowest cross-section between its two end orifices and the mold used to form the connection channel may in principle be retractable through either the reaction chamber or the discharge channel or both the reaction chamber and the discharge channel. - The
collar 45 may be omitted. Preferably, then, the sealing surfaces are slightly elevated with respect to the surrounding lower surface of thesliders 55 in order to concentrate the closing pressure to theholes - The preferred arrangement of one pair of
pins 57 per vessel which helps to secure a substantially tight seal may be varied in using more or less pins and gates. Particularly if less pins are provided, and the sliders are somewhat flexibile, additional measures have to be applied for securing a substantially tight seal. These additional measures may be a rigid back, for instance formed from metal or some other substantially rigid material. - For particular applications the hollow interior parts of the
reaction vessel 1 may have other cross sections than circular, e.g. tetragonal, hexagonal or elliptic while still being within the scope of the present invention. - Although
depression 33 for receiving thecollars 15 of the reaction vessels is preferred,collars 15 may also be applied flat to the surface of thevessel holder plate 29 comprising thelocations 31. -
Reaction vessel 1 of the inventionis usable in other applications, where exchange of a reaction chamber's contents by vacuum assisted withdrawal is needed. This includes individually performing reactions in a single reaction vessel. - Instead of a pressure equalizing channel or
groove 19, other means for equalizing the pressure may be provided and are considered within the scope of the invention, e.g. a hole that communicates the reaction chamber and the discharge channel. Pressure equalizing means like channel or groove 19 may also be entirely omitted for particular applications.
Claims (28)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/491,447 US7794668B2 (en) | 2001-09-07 | 2006-07-21 | Reaction block for parallel synthetic chemistry and vessel therefor |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP01810859.7 | 2001-09-07 | ||
EP01810859A EP1291074A1 (en) | 2001-09-07 | 2001-09-07 | Reaction block for parallel synthetic chemistry and vessel therefor |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/491,447 Continuation US7794668B2 (en) | 2001-09-07 | 2006-07-21 | Reaction block for parallel synthetic chemistry and vessel therefor |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20030170147A1 true US20030170147A1 (en) | 2003-09-11 |
Family
ID=8184124
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/235,055 Abandoned US20030170147A1 (en) | 2001-09-07 | 2002-09-05 | Reaction block for parallel synthetic chemistry and vessel therefor |
US11/491,447 Active 2024-08-11 US7794668B2 (en) | 2001-09-07 | 2006-07-21 | Reaction block for parallel synthetic chemistry and vessel therefor |
Family Applications After (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/491,447 Active 2024-08-11 US7794668B2 (en) | 2001-09-07 | 2006-07-21 | Reaction block for parallel synthetic chemistry and vessel therefor |
Country Status (7)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US20030170147A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1291074A1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP4681793B2 (en) |
AT (1) | ATE359117T1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2397827C (en) |
DE (1) | DE60219400T2 (en) |
ES (1) | ES2284782T3 (en) |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20060266969A1 (en) * | 2005-05-25 | 2006-11-30 | Enplas Corporation | Fluid handling apparatus and fluid handling unit for use therein |
CN108819126A (en) * | 2018-07-25 | 2018-11-16 | 东莞广泽汽车饰件有限公司 | A kind of injection mold of car trim |
US11434462B2 (en) | 2016-12-01 | 2022-09-06 | Berkeley Lights, Inc. | Well-plate incubator |
US11492584B2 (en) * | 2015-10-01 | 2022-11-08 | Berkeley Lights, Inc. | Well plate incubator |
Families Citing this family (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP4680037B2 (en) * | 2005-11-14 | 2011-05-11 | 株式会社エンプラス | Fluid handling device and fluid handling unit used therefor |
EP1872855A1 (en) * | 2006-06-27 | 2008-01-02 | F.Hoffmann-La Roche Ag | Plate for equilibrating a fluid |
DE102006030068A1 (en) * | 2006-06-28 | 2008-01-03 | M2P-Labs Gmbh | Apparatus and method for the supply and removal of fluids in shaken microreactors arrays |
Citations (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4567021A (en) * | 1981-10-19 | 1986-01-28 | Olympus Optical Company Limited | U-Shaped reaction tube made of elastic material |
US4605536A (en) * | 1984-05-29 | 1986-08-12 | Veb Metaplast Quedlinburg | Cuvette for projection display of chemical experiments |
US5395006A (en) * | 1993-04-29 | 1995-03-07 | Verma; Kuldeep | Fermentation vessels and closures therefor |
US5641681A (en) * | 1995-04-17 | 1997-06-24 | The United States Of America As Represented By The Administrator Of The National Aeronautics And Space Administration | Device and method for screening crystallization conditions in solution crystal growth |
US5746982A (en) * | 1996-02-29 | 1998-05-05 | Advanced Chemtech, Inc. | Apparatus for automated synthesis of chemical compounds |
US5801055A (en) * | 1997-09-10 | 1998-09-01 | Becton Dickinson And Company | Multi-well culture dish assembly |
US5972694A (en) * | 1997-02-11 | 1999-10-26 | Mathus; Gregory | Multi-well plate |
US20020172621A1 (en) * | 2001-05-15 | 2002-11-21 | Emilio Barbera-Guillem | Device having microchambers and microfluidics |
Family Cites Families (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE1171178B (en) * | 1960-02-06 | 1964-05-27 | Martin Christ Fa | Centrifuge cell |
GB1064901A (en) * | 1965-01-19 | 1967-04-12 | Alfred George Wright | Improvements relating to centrifuges |
JPS6356420A (en) * | 1986-08-27 | 1988-03-11 | Fukuraito Kk | Manufacture of dental disposable syringe |
JPH01317733A (en) * | 1988-06-20 | 1989-12-22 | Terumo Corp | Bottomed cylindrical molded product, mold and method for preparing the same |
GB9515831D0 (en) * | 1995-08-02 | 1995-10-04 | The Technology Partnership Plc | Automated chemical synthesis system |
DE59802844D1 (en) * | 1997-06-16 | 2002-02-28 | Chemspeed Ltd | REACTION VESSEL HOLDING DEVICE |
WO1999024160A1 (en) * | 1997-11-08 | 1999-05-20 | Chemspeed, Ltd. | Device for holding reaction vessels which can be thermally adjusted and agitated |
DE19915811C2 (en) * | 1999-04-08 | 2001-05-03 | Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma | Reaction vessel |
US20070140925A1 (en) * | 2005-11-11 | 2007-06-21 | Phelps David Y | Automated chemical synthesizer and method for synthesis using same |
-
2001
- 2001-09-07 EP EP01810859A patent/EP1291074A1/en not_active Withdrawn
-
2002
- 2002-08-13 CA CA002397827A patent/CA2397827C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2002-08-19 ES ES02078424T patent/ES2284782T3/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2002-08-19 AT AT02078424T patent/ATE359117T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2002-08-19 DE DE60219400T patent/DE60219400T2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2002-09-05 US US10/235,055 patent/US20030170147A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2002-09-06 JP JP2002261545A patent/JP4681793B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
2006
- 2006-07-21 US US11/491,447 patent/US7794668B2/en active Active
Patent Citations (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4567021A (en) * | 1981-10-19 | 1986-01-28 | Olympus Optical Company Limited | U-Shaped reaction tube made of elastic material |
US4605536A (en) * | 1984-05-29 | 1986-08-12 | Veb Metaplast Quedlinburg | Cuvette for projection display of chemical experiments |
US5395006A (en) * | 1993-04-29 | 1995-03-07 | Verma; Kuldeep | Fermentation vessels and closures therefor |
US5641681A (en) * | 1995-04-17 | 1997-06-24 | The United States Of America As Represented By The Administrator Of The National Aeronautics And Space Administration | Device and method for screening crystallization conditions in solution crystal growth |
US5746982A (en) * | 1996-02-29 | 1998-05-05 | Advanced Chemtech, Inc. | Apparatus for automated synthesis of chemical compounds |
US5972694A (en) * | 1997-02-11 | 1999-10-26 | Mathus; Gregory | Multi-well plate |
US5801055A (en) * | 1997-09-10 | 1998-09-01 | Becton Dickinson And Company | Multi-well culture dish assembly |
US20020172621A1 (en) * | 2001-05-15 | 2002-11-21 | Emilio Barbera-Guillem | Device having microchambers and microfluidics |
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20060266969A1 (en) * | 2005-05-25 | 2006-11-30 | Enplas Corporation | Fluid handling apparatus and fluid handling unit for use therein |
US7556778B2 (en) * | 2005-05-25 | 2009-07-07 | Enplas Corporation | Fluid handling apparatus and fluid handling unit for use therein |
US11492584B2 (en) * | 2015-10-01 | 2022-11-08 | Berkeley Lights, Inc. | Well plate incubator |
US11434462B2 (en) | 2016-12-01 | 2022-09-06 | Berkeley Lights, Inc. | Well-plate incubator |
CN108819126A (en) * | 2018-07-25 | 2018-11-16 | 东莞广泽汽车饰件有限公司 | A kind of injection mold of car trim |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US7794668B2 (en) | 2010-09-14 |
DE60219400D1 (en) | 2007-05-24 |
CA2397827C (en) | 2008-04-29 |
DE60219400T2 (en) | 2007-12-27 |
ATE359117T1 (en) | 2007-05-15 |
EP1291074A1 (en) | 2003-03-12 |
CA2397827A1 (en) | 2003-03-07 |
JP4681793B2 (en) | 2011-05-11 |
JP2003190773A (en) | 2003-07-08 |
ES2284782T3 (en) | 2007-11-16 |
US20060263273A1 (en) | 2006-11-23 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US7794668B2 (en) | Reaction block for parallel synthetic chemistry and vessel therefor | |
US7060227B2 (en) | Microfluidic devices with raised walls | |
US6485690B1 (en) | Multiple fluid sample processor and system | |
CA2538379C (en) | Apparatus and method for handling cells, embryos or ooctyes | |
US7785466B1 (en) | Membrane filtered pipette tip | |
US20020100714A1 (en) | Microfluidic devices | |
AU2003249256B2 (en) | Microfluidic devices, methods, and systems | |
WO2002072269A1 (en) | Multi-well apparatus | |
EP1547686A1 (en) | Microtiter plate, system and method for processing samples | |
EP2167233B1 (en) | Device and method for fluidic coupling of fluidic conduits to a microfluidic chip, and uncoupling thereof | |
JP2005176836A (en) | Nucleic acid detecting cassette, apparatus for detecting nucleic acid and nucleic acid detecting system | |
US8920749B2 (en) | Microchip and liquid sending method for microchip | |
US20070212775A1 (en) | Microtiter plate, method of manufacturing thereof and kit | |
US20210077997A1 (en) | Method of Manufacture of Microfluidic or Microtiter Device | |
WO2002063288A1 (en) | Microfluidic devices | |
US20050226786A1 (en) | Multi-well apparatus | |
EP1291075B1 (en) | Reaction block for parallel synthetic chemistry and vessel therefor | |
US20040178537A1 (en) | Injection molding techniques for forming a microfluidic structure having at least one flash free aperture | |
JP2002504018A (en) | Devices that perform multiple chemical, biochemical or physical processes in parallel | |
WO2007080230A1 (en) | Microtiter plate, method of manufacturing thereof and kit | |
WO2000074852A1 (en) | Apparatus and method for flow through chemistry | |
EP1815910A2 (en) | Disposable vessels or tips having ultra-thin areas therein, and methods for manufacture of same | |
EP1547691A1 (en) | Microtiter plate, system and method for processing samples | |
EP3178557B1 (en) | Device for flow control | |
JP2003531358A (en) | Devices and methods for handling small volumes of sample and / or reaction mixture |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: F.HOFFMAN-LA ROCHE AG, SWITZERLAND Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:VOEGELIN, DIETER;BAER, ROMAN;REEL/FRAME:014175/0941 Effective date: 20021017 Owner name: F. HOFFMAN-LA ROCHE AG, SWITZERLAND Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:MUELLER, CLAUS;REEL/FRAME:014175/0866 Effective date: 20021018 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: HOFFMANN-LA ROCHE INC., NEW JERSEY Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:F.HOFFMANN-LA ROCHE AG;REEL/FRAME:014176/0357 Effective date: 20021204 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |