University of Virginia Health System

Peptide Synthesis

The Biomolecular Research Facility synthesizes peptides up to 30 amino acids. Synthesis uses FMOC protected amino acids and starts at the C-terminal of the peptide. The identity of each peptide is confirmed by mass spectrometry.

Two scales of synthesis are available; the standard scale giving 10 mg of purified material in two weeks (for a straightforward peptide) and a large scale for amounts up to 20 to 60 mg. For larger quantities of purified product, please contact the facility. The small scale synthesis is done completely automatically, with no evaluation of the success of the synthesis until it is finished. The large scale synthesis is used when larger quantities of peptide are needed and for difficult syntheses. During difficult syntheses, couplings of individual amino acids are monitored for completeness, and if incomplete, further coupling under different conditions is performed to give a high yield of the correct product. The time required for monitoring of the couplings and for recoupling makes these syntheses slow relative to the small scale syntheses but is necessary for a number of peptides.

Symphony multiple peptide synthesizer

Synthesis variations include phosphopeptide synthesis, MAP branched peptides for antigens, disulfide bridge formation. Conjugation of peptides to carrier proteins is available.

Reverse phase chromatography is the standard mechanism for purification of peptides. The correctness of the synthesis and purity are determined by mass spectrometry.

An order form can be seen in pdf format. Questions about this service can be directed to Linda Beggerly, 924 2869