Methods and apparatus for manufacturing arrays

摘要

Apparatus and methods are disclosed for synthesizing a plurality of compounds on the surface of supports. Biopolymer features are attached to the surfaces of the supports. The synthesis generally comprises a plurality of steps. At least two of the steps are performed by placing a support having functionalized surface into a chamber of a flow cell (210) and subjecting the surface to a step of the synthesis and placing the support into a chamber of another flow cell (212) and subjecting the surface to another step of the synthesis. An apparatus generally comprises a plurality of flow cells (210, 212) and one or more fluid dispensing stations (234, 236, 238, 240, 242, 244) are mounted on a platform (201) and are in fluid communication with one or more of the plurality of flow cells (210, 212). A station (204) for monomer addition to the surface of the support is mounted on the platform. The apparatus further comprises a mechanism (208) for moving a support to and from the station for monomer addition and a flow cell and from one flow cell to another flow cell.