Peptide synthesis: chemical essentials for standard and greener investigations

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The go-to chemicals provider for peptide synthesis customers involved in standard and greener syntheses

 

Peptides are versatile molecules with a broad range of applications that continue to expand as research and technology advance. Their exceptional properties, including high specificity, biocompatibility, and ease of synthesis, make them invaluable in therapeutics, diagnostics, research, cosmetics, agriculture, nutraceuticals, and biomaterials. Due to their versatility, there has been an increase in the research and synthesis of peptides.

 

Peptide synthesis

The synthesis of peptides can be performed using several methodologies: with the two most common being solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) and liquid-phase peptide synthesis (LPPS), also known as solution phase synthesis (SPS). A key part of the synthesis, and purification of synthetic peptides, is the need for high purity chemicals.

 

Whether you are working in the research and development of new synthetic peptides or the production of well-known peptides, we offer the following products in both catalog and custom options (if you require specific blends or specification for your investigations):

 

  • Solvents: reaction, washing and HPLC grade (+) solvents for purification
  • Coupling, protection and deprotection reagents
  • Amino acids

Solvents for reaction, washing and purification

Solvents are critical in peptide synthesis, serving as the medium in which reactions occur and impacting both the efficiency and purity of the synthesis process. Common solvents include dimethylformamide (DMF), N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), and dichloromethane (DCM). And more recently, there is more interest to find alternative, greener solvents to support peptide synthesis.

 

DMF and NMP are particularly favored for their ability to dissolve a wide range of reagents and for their high polarity, which facilitates peptide bond formation. DCM is often used in solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) for its excellent swelling properties with resins.

 

If you are interested in alternative solvent options (or blends of solvents), such as dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), anisole, propyl acetate, then why not reach out to learn more about our custom and bulk chemicals program.

 

Whether you are currently using DMF as the main solvent or you’re investigating greener alternatives (including mixtures of solvents), we have you covered.

 

We offer both catalog and  “custom and bulk” options, in a variety of grades to support both the synthesis cycle and the purification step. 

 

Solvents for peptide synthesis

Do you need large quantities of solvents? Would you like blends/mixtures of solvents for your peptide synthesis?

 

Our custom and bulk option enables customers to purchase premade blends that cater to their specific needs and requirements. 

 

 

Video: Streamline your transition from bench to production


Coupling, protection and deprotection reagents

Coupling, protection, and deprotection reagents play crucial roles in helping ensure the correct sequence and structure of the peptide chain.

 

Coupling reagents, such as  EDC, facilitate the formation of peptide bonds between amino acids.  Racemisation inhibitors, such as HATU and HBTU, facilitate coupling while also helping prevent loss of stereochemistry during the reaction.

 

N-Protection reagents, like Fmoc, Boc and Cbz, safeguard reactive functional groups on amino acids from undesired side reactions during the synthesis process.

 

Deprotection reagents, such as piperidine for Fmoc removal and TFA (trifluoroacetic acid) for Boc removal, are used to selectively remove these protective groups at appropriate stages, allowing the controlled and sequential building of the peptide chain.

 

These reagents collectively contribute to the precision and efficiency of peptide synthesis.

 

Coupling reagents for peptide synthesis

Protection reagents for peptide synthesis

Deprotection reagents for peptide synthesis

All reagents for peptide synthesis


Amino acids

Amino acids are the fundamental building blocks of peptides and proteins, and their selection and handling are pivotal in peptide synthesis. Each amino acid consists of an amino group, a carboxyl group, and a unique side chain, which defines its properties and function within the peptide.

 

In peptide synthesis, amino acids are often used in their protected forms, such as Fmoc- or Boc-protected derivatives, to prevent side reactions during the sequential addition of each residue. The stereochemistry of amino acids, typically in the L-configuration, is crucial for the proper folding and biological activity of the synthesized peptide.

 

Additionally, the purity and reactivity of amino acids can significantly impact the efficiency and success of the synthesis process, making their careful selection and preparation essential for achieving high-quality peptides.

 

Within our portfolio, we offer high purity amino acids that can be used for peptide synthesis. 

 


Benefits of Thermo Scientific peptide synthesis chemicals

We aim to support efficient, reliable, and high-quality peptide synthesis for various applications in research and industry, with our catalog products and custom and bulk service.

  • High purity and wide range: our chemicals are of high purity, helping ensure the synthesis of peptides, with high fidelity and performance. We provide a comprehensive range of solvents (for reaction, washing and purification), coupling, protection and deprotection reagents, and amino acids suitable for all stages of peptide synthesis, whether you use more popular reagents and solvents, or are looking for a greener alternative.
  • Consistency and efficiency: our chemicals are manufactured to deliver consistent results across different batches: which helps optimize the synthesis process, reducing reaction times and improving yield, which is crucial for reproducibility in research and production. Our products are all manufactured in world-class ISO-9001 facilities.
  • Compatibility and scalability: our chemicals are compatible with automated peptide synthesizers, enhancing workflow efficiency. Our chemicals range are suitable for both small-scale research applications (catalog products) and large-scale industrial production (custom and bulk services).
  • Technical Support: Thermo Scientific offers excellent technical support and resources to help troubleshoot and optimize peptide synthesis protocols. Our teams have a proven track record of cultivating robust partnerships, offering technical expertise, providing valuable consultation, managing projects effectively, and maintaining clear and open lines of communication.  

Peptide design tool

Learn more about how the amino acid sequence and length can influence synthesis, purity and solubility of peptides. 

Custom peptide modification selection guide

Find over 400 N- & C-terminal and internal peptide modifications to help you produce custom peptides.

Peptide synthesis and proteotypic peptide analyzing tool

Use this simple tool to calculate, estimate, and predict the following features of a peptide based on its amino acid sequence.

Peptide mapping

We offer a unique combination of innovative technologies in a start-to-finish workflow that is designed to be fast, reliable, reproducible and easy to use.

Peptide mapping information

Learn more about how to simplify peptide maps by using all the resources that can be found on this page.

Peptide sequencing by mass spectrometry

Learn more about how to simplify peptide maps by using all the resources that can be found on this page.

For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.