Peptide synthesis occurs by coupling of the amine or NH2 group of one amino acid to the terminal carboxyl or COOH group of the another amino acid. The blog discusses important facts about solid phase peptide synthesis.
Solid phase peptide synthesis or SPPS was pioneered by Bruce Merrifield in 1963 that brought about a revolution in the protein synthesis industry. The process has proven to be a major tool for the creation of natural or organic peptides. Peptide synthesis on a solid support facilitates separation from soluble reagents and washing steps. Composed of amino acids, peptides are chemically linked together through a peptide bond.
The solid phase peptide synthesis (SPPS)
During the process, small beads, on which peptide chains are to be built, are treated with linkers. The beads retain their bond with peptides until they are cleaved by a chemical reagent, such as triflouroacetic acid. A synthesis environment is created by these beads in which the peptide chains that are being created are retained on the filter material, whereas the reagents used to create them pass through. The two most commonly used forms of solid phase peptide synthesis are Boc and Fmoc. Contrary to ribosome protein synthesis, solid phase peptide synthesis takes place on a C-terminal to N-terminal. The N-Terminal of amino acid monomer is protected by two groups and added on to an unprotected amino acid chain. Although, a number of research groups still perform the process manually, automated techniques have also been invented.SPPS – The Steps Involved
The main steps involved in the process include :- De-protection – The process aims to remove the Fmoc group from the N-terminus of the growing peptide chain and allows the next amino acid to be coupled.
- Wash – The resin that contains the peptide is washed with solvent thoroughly a couple of times to clean the resin before the coupling reaction could begin.
- Coupling – An amino acid is added to the peptide chain. Activation of the amino acid is required for this process before it can be linked to the growing peptide chain.
- Wash – The resin is washed again with solvent to clean it completely before beginning the next cycle.
These steps are repeated until the desired peptide sequences are assembled on the resin. The last step involves cleavage of the peptide from the resin.
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