Method for polymer synthesis using arrays

DETAILED DESCRIPTION What is claimed is: 1.
A method of synthesis of a polymer chain in a synthesis apparatus by sequentially adding polymer units thereto, said synthesis apparatus including a head assembly having a plurality of nozzles mounted thereto in generally spaced-apart relation, each nozzle being coupled to a reservoir of liquid reagent for controlled delivery therethrough, a base assembly having at least one reaction well, and a sliding seal positioned between said head assembly and said base assembly to permit relative movement therebetween, and enclosing both said reaction well and said nozzles therein to form a common chamber, said method comprising the steps of: A) aligning said reaction well and a selected one nozzle through a transport mechanism coupled to at least one of said head assembly and said base assembly to produce relative movement therebetween; B) depositing a liquid reagent into said well from said reagent reservoir through said one nozzle to enable synthesis of a polymer chain; C) sweeping toxic fumes, emitted by said reagents, from said common chamber through passage of a gas from a pressurized gas source, coupled to an inlet into said common chamber and positioned upstream from said nozzles, and out of said chamber through an outlet out from said common chamber and positioned downstream from said nozzles.
2.
The method of synthesis of a polymer chain as described in claim 1 further comprising the step of: D) expelling said deposited liquid reagent from said well through an orifice extending into said well by applying a first gas pressure to said common chamber such that a pressure differential between said first gas pressure and a second gas pressure exerted on an exit of said orifice exceeds a predetermined amount necessary to overcome a capillary liquid seal formed between said liquid reagent and orifice to retain said liquid reagent in said well.
3.
The method of synthesis of a polymer chain as described in claim 2 further comprising the step of: repeating steps A-D to form at least one continuous chain of polymer units