Alternative Peptide Synthesis Technologies

Peptides and proteins are essential for life and are the foundation for many research fields. Scientists are often interested in protein functions, e.g. to improve the activity of proteins or to understand their mode of action.

Protein structure, primarily determined by amino acid sequence, is key to its function and role. Traditional protein synthesis uses biological methods limited to twenty natural amino acids, restricting structure manipulation. Chemical synthesis, on the other hand, allows introducing non-natural amino acids, broadening potential structures and functions. However, Solid Phase Peptide Synthesis (SPPS), the conventional chemical method, is limited to shorter peptide chains (up to 60 amino acids) due to organic solvents and protective group requirements. 

To solve this problem we will develop an alternative peptide synthesis technology that is inspired by biosynthesis pathways found in nature.