Rapid synthesis of oligodeoxyribonucleotides on a grafted polymer support

Rapid synthesis of oligodeoxyribonucleotides is described by a solid phase method. Polysterene grafted on the surface of polytetrafluoroethylene has been found to be an adequate support. The properties of the support were studied in the synthesis of a number of oligonucleotides 6 to 15 nucleotides long. A flow-type semi-automatic synthesizer has been used. Each nucleotide addition involves seven steps and takes 8 hours. Oligonucleotide isolated and purified by ion-exchange chromatography amounts to 1-3 mumol per gram of support.