Peptide Synthesis

Research peptides are synthesized using solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS), a method that builds peptides one amino acid at a time while anchored to a solid resin.

SPPS, pioneered by Bruce Merrifield in 1963, allows rapid and repeatable peptide synthesis. The first amino acid is attached to a polymer resin, then each subsequent amino acid is added through cycles of coupling and deprotection.

During synthesis, reactive side chains are protected with blocking groups to prevent unwanted reactions. These protecting groups are removed at the end of synthesis to yield the final peptide.

After synthesis, the peptide is cleaved from the resin and purified using chromatographic methods. HPLC is used both to separate the target peptide from byproducts and to verify final purity.