Fourier transform analysis for periodic combinatorial arrays

Abstract

Earlier we introduced a combinatorial synthetic method that employs one-dimensional supports ranging from cotton threads to optical fibres. This method affords parallel synthesis and availability of the complete library history ideally yielding identification of all library members. Moreover, the synthesized compound library will be arrayed periodically on the linear support, leading to assay data that also reflect this periodicity. This fact invites an analysis using the Fourier transform. Here we demonstrate how this approach presents n-dimensional data in a comprehensible manner and facilitates the identification of trends within the library. Carrying out an inverse Fourier transform on subsets of the data allows for the assignment of fitness profiles for each reactant and combination of reactants in the library. The tools should assist in drawing conclusions based on the diversity of library response as opposed to individual library members.