What type of computer is needed?
The AutoSpot SL is operated from a standard PC. The graphical software takes care of derivative and sequence definition, generation of peptide sequences from parent protein sequences, calculation of reagent consumption, operation of the instrument and generation of a log file of operation. The PC used should not be networked or used for other applications at the same time as this would actually slow down the operation.

What are the features of the software?
As automation of the SPOT synthesis procedure with the AutoSpot SL allows to handle large arrays, a powerful software is necessary to generate the sequences. Sequences can be entered in the software itself or imported from text files in one letter code from other sources. There are several modes to generate peptides from parent protein or peptide sequences:

• individual peptides (entered one by one)
• analogue sequences (by defined amino acid replacement)
• overlapping peptides (generated from a protein sequence)
• overlapping peptides of different length (from a protein sequence)
• peptide libraries with a maximum of two mixed positions (libraries)

The instrument can handle up to 44 amino acid derivatives. This allows use of natural and unnatural amino acids in one synthesis run.