Combinatorial Synthesis of Peptoid Arrays via Laser-Based Stacking of Multiple Polymer Nanolayers.

Here, the combinatorial synthesis of molecule arrays via a laser-assisted process is reported. Laser-transferred polymer nanolayers with embedded monomers, activators, or bases can be reliably stacked on top of each other, spot-by-spot, to synthesize molecule arrays. These various chemicals in the nanometer-thin layers are mixed by heat or solvent vapor, inducing coupling reactions. As an example, peptoid arrays with a density of 10 000 spots per cm2 with the sub-monomer or monomer method are generated. Moreover, successful reactions spot-by-spot are verified by laser-transferring MALDI-matrix (Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization) followed by MALDI mass spectrometry imaging.