The+spatially+addressable+parallel+approaches

The spatially addressable parallel approaches

Another effective method of generating combinatorial libraries is through the use of a spatially addressable libraries. SAL uses various techniques, such as the 'multipin' approach, the light-directed parallel library synthesis, to generate peptides, oligonucleotides, carbamates libraries . In SAL, a solid support or an addressable solution phase are used to synthesize a variety of possible permutations of products from the constituent monomers. The solid support and synthesis is designed in such a manner that only one product is formed at a specific location in the library[2].

After a library has been generated, a target molecule, for example an antibody, is used to screen the library for an effective product. The library members that interact most favorably with the target molecule will yield a positive result [1 ] . With a clear knowledge of the structure of each compound and its position in the library, the structure and properties of the target molecule can be inferred from its final position on the support structure [1 ] .

The main advantages of SALs include the lack of a deconvolution step, that is, there is no requirement for structural determination of the library member as its physical position in the library indicates its structure [3]. Additionally, as library member-synthesis is not limited by the biology of a living organism, D-amino acids and other non-biological compounds can be included in the library’s structure. One of the main drawbacks of using SAL for preparing combinatorial library includes limitations in library size[1]. The physical location on the synthesis support contains only a single product, due to which only a limited number of products may be formed, with one of the smallest libraries being screened in a 96-well plate[2 ]. These limitations may be overcome through the use of 3-dimensional SALs, in which there is an exponential increase in the number of possible library members because of the addition of a third spatial dimension.

 Return to Combinatorial Chemistry Page

 Return to FrontPage