Method of synthesis and testing of cominatorial libraries using microcapsules

Abstract

Methods for use in the synthesis and identification of molecules which bind to a target component of a biological system or modulate the activity of a target are described.

1 . A method of forming a small molecule compound comprising:
 providing at least a first aqueous fluid comprising at least a first small molecule compound having a molecular weight of less than 500 Daltons;   providing at least a second aqueous fluid comprising at least a second small molecule compound having a molecular weight of less than 500 Daltons;   encapsulating said at least first small molecule compound into at least a first aqueous microcapsule within an immiscible fluorocarbon oil;   encapsulating said at least second small molecule compound into at least a second aqueous microcapsule within an immiscible fluorocarbon oil; and   fusing said at least first and said at least second aqueous microcapsules, thereby causing a chemical reaction between said at least first and at least second small molecule compounds to form at least a third small molecule compound.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said at least first small molecule compound is attached to a microbead. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said at least second small molecule compound is attached to a microbead. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising isolating said at least third small molecule compound. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising identifying said at least third small molecule compound. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein said at least third small molecule compound is identified by its optical properties. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising identifying said at least first and at least second small molecule compounds which reacted to form said at least third small molecule compound. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said at least first small molecule compound comprises at least a first label and said at least second small molecule compound comprises at least a second label, wherein said at least first and said at least second labels are different. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said at least first aqueous microcapsule comprises no more than one said at least first small molecule compound. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said at least first aqueous microcapsule comprises a plurality of said at least first small molecule compounds. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said at least second aqueous microcapsule comprises no more than one said at least second small molecule compound. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said at least second aqueous microcapsule comprises a plurality of said at least second small molecule compounds.