Peptide Synthesis

Synthetic peptides are used for a variety of purposes, predominately in life science research. They can be used to raise monoclonal antibodies against specific protein antigens, for testing specificity of immuno-receptors, for blocking studies or to study structural and functional aspects of defined portions of a protein.

JBL Science have the ability to synthesise peptides at scales up to tens of milligrams by use of standard solid phase synthesis. We specialise in non-standard peptides, such as those carrying non-canonical amino acids, those conjugated to non-proteinaceous molecules, cyclic peptides or those with extensive disulphide linkages. We purify our peptides by several rounds of chromatography, typically get purities of >95% and check all peptides by mass spectrometry prior to release.

Peptides are made by standard solid phase synthesis, using fmoc/tBu chemistries. Synthesis starts by coupling the C-terminal amino acid to the solid phase resin support and synthesis proceeds towards the N-terminus. The fmoc group protects the N-termini of amino acids and is removed, by mild alkali treatment, to allow reaction with the next amino acid. The side chains of reactive, functionalised amino acids are protected during synthesis by protecting groups, which are removed by acid treatment.

Following synthesis, sequential rounds of low pressure and high pressure chromatographies are used to purify the product to homogeneity. If required, cyclisation can take place, as can disulphide bond formation using glutathione shuttling and appropriate buffers. We quality check all peptides using a minimum of mass spectrometry, but also analytical chromatograhpies, where necessary.

Synthesis of peptides up to 20 amino acids long, particularly those carrying modifications or non-standard amino acids.

Not applicable