Apparatus and methods for isolating droplet dispensing devices

摘要

Apparatus and methods are disclosed for dispensing, from a droplet dispensing device, drops of fluid reagent for synthesizing a plurality of biopolymers on a substrate. The dispensing device comprises a surface comprising a plurality of nozzles. In the method a source-sink flow of gas is introduced adjacent the surface and drops of fluid are then dispensed from the droplet dispensing device to a surface of the substrate. In one embodiment the apparatus may comprise a plurality of droplet dispensing devices and the method comprises introducing a source-sink flow of gas between each of the droplet dispensing devices adjacent each substrate surface. In one embodiment a characteristic or condition of the gas may be monitored.