The objective of this project is to develop improved instrumentation for protein and nucleic aid analysis. The instruments are a high-sensitivity solid-phase protein sequencer, an automated DNA/RNA hybridization machine and a new type of peptide synthesizer. The emphasis in development of the protein sequencer will be on miniaturization of fluid handling components, assessment of alternative sequencing reagents and a study of the side reactions of the Edman degradation with the aim of optimizing the chemistry and improving the ovevall performance Edman method. Second, the investigator will construct an automated device for carrying out DNA and RNA hybridization experiments (e.g., Southern and Northern blots), with the aim of improving the convenience, reproducibility and safety of these techniques. Finally, the investigator will plan to build and evaluate a device for the rapid synthesis of a series of overlapping or analogous peptides for use in epitope mapping of antigens and for antigen structure/function studies. This new technique will take advantage of recently developed technology that permits the synthesis of peptides on membranes.//
