Peptide Synthesis

The Biopolymer/Genomics Core Facility operates two 12 column Rainin Symphony Multiplex solid phase peptide synthesizers. Combined, these instruments allow for the synthesis of 24 peptides simultaneously, and independently from each other. Standard peptide synthesis scales offered range from 25µMole to 0.25mMole. A variety of modified amino acids can be incorporated into synthetic peptides. The facility has been very successful in phospho-peptide synthesis. Peptides can be labeled with a variety of groups including biotin, fluorescein and rhodamine derivatives. Other specialty services that have become routine for the facility include cyclization via disulfide or amide bond formation, synthesis of branched peptides, synthesis of multi-labeled peptides and synthesis of peptide-DNA hybrids. Branched peptides can be made using a standard Multiple Antigenic Peptide Systems (MAPS) resin, or can be done manually using multiple lysines to allow branching in different conformations. Manual synthesis can also be employed for small di- or tri-peptides.

Peptide purification is available with a choice of two levels of purity, >70% and >95%. Purification is done by reversed phase HPLC, although ion exchange chromatography is available if necessary. Peptides are provided as lyophilized powder, with gross weights provided. Provided along with the peptide are the analytical data, both HPLC and MALDI-TOF mass spectra. The cost for synthesis (without purification) or synthesis and purification to the two levels of purity are detailed in the chart below as a cost per amino acid.