Substrate preparation process

Abstract

The present invention provides novel processes for the large scale preparation of arrays of polymer sequences wherein each array includes a plurality of different, positionally distinct polymer sequences having known monomer sequences. The methods of the invention combine high throughput process steps with high resolution photolithographic techniques in the manufacture of polymer arrays.

1 . A method of forming an array of polymers on a surface of a substrate, comprising: providing a substrate having a first surface coated with functional groups protected with a photolabile protecting group, and a second surface having a layer disposed thereon, said layer including one or more of an index matching compound, a light absorbing compound and an antireflective compound; and sequentially activating and coupling monomers in different selected regions of said substrate to form a plurality of different polymer sequences in different known locations on said surface of said substrate, wherein said activating step comprises directing an activation radiation at said first surface of said substrate. 
     
     
         2 . A method for synthesizing an array of chemical compounds on the surface of a support wherein said synthesis comprises a plurality of steps, said method comprising performing at least two of said steps by: (a) placing a support having a functionalized surface into a chamber of a flow cell and subjecting said surface to one step of said synthesis and (b) placing said support into a chamber of another flow cell and subjecting said surface to another step of said synthesis. 
     
     
         3 . A flow device comprising:
 (a) a sealing member adapted for sealing engagement with a first surface of a support to form a reagent chamber in situ and a first mechanism adapted to move said sealing member,   (b) a second mechanism adapted to engage and hold said support on a second surface of said support opposite said first surface engaged by said sealing member and, in cooperation with said first mechanism, to move said reagent chamber,   (c) an inlet in fluid communication with said reagent chamber, and   (d) an outlet in fluid communication with said reagent chamber.   
     
     
         4 . A flow device according to  claim 3  wherein said first mechanism for moving said sealing member moves said sealing member into engagement with said support. 
     
     
         5 . A flow device according to  claim 4  comprising said support in engagement with said second mechanism adapted to engage said support on said second surface opposite said first surface engaged by said sealing member and said sealing member and said first mechanism for moving said sealing member into engagement with said support, wherein said support comprises a chemical array. 
     
     
         6 . A flow device comprising:
 (a) a sealing member adapted for sealing engagement with a first surface of a support to form a reagent chamber in situ and a first mechanism adapted to move said support relative to a sealing member,   (b) a second mechanism adapted to engage and hold said support on a second surface of said support opposite said first surface engaged by said sealing member,   (c) an inlet in fluid communication with said reagent chamber, and   (d) an outlet in fluid communication with said reagent chamber.   
     
     
         7 . A flow device comprising:
 (a) a sealing member adapted for sealing engagement with a first surface of a support to form a reagent chamber in situ and a first mechanism adapted to move said support against said sealing member,   (b) a second mechanism adapted to engage and hold said support on a second surface of said support opposite said first surface engaged by said sealing member,   (c) an inlet in fluid communication with said reagent chamber, and   (d) an outlet in fluid communication with said reagent chamber.