LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

We have recently experienced serious problems associated with the reaction vessel filters for our 431A peptide synthesizer that we purchased from ABI. Both upper and lower filters ruptured during several syntheses. We corrected the problem by switching to a different box of filters. The lot number in question is 0820912. We have only experienced filter failure with that particular lot number and suggest caution in its use.

Alan Smith Beckman Center, Stanford University

Some of the ABI reaction vessel filters, Catalog Number: 4()0226, have been found to disintegrate both in the FMOC and in the BOC synthesis protocols. We do not know the lot numbers of the filters. The faulty filters peel apart into two disks. An entire box was faulty. Fortunately we were using in-line filters so that resin did not get into the blocks. Without in-line filters the blocks would have been seriously damaged. Only the bottom filter appeared to disintegrate. In one synthesis, the filter disintegrated around the edge of the vessel, whereas in other syntheses, the whole filter was in pieces. ABI provided us with test filters which are now working and has agreed to reimburse us for our financial losses.

Janis D. Young, Director, UCLA Peptide Synthesis Facility

Response from ABI:

We appreciate that Dr. Young promptly informed us of the problems she observed with the ABI peptide synthesizer reaction vessel filters and thank her for helping us test our most recent lot. The separation of these filters into two disks appears to be a sporadic event, which we are currently working with our vendor to eliminate by improving the manufacturing conditions and quality control procedures. We are currently in the process of personally contacting all peptide synthesizer customers who may have received potentially affected lots of these filters.

Hanna Fischer, Ph.D., Manager, Synthesis Products, ABI

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Created: 26th August 1995
Last modified: 26th August 1995