Peptide Purification
Notice
ALL ARTICLES AND PRODUCT INFORMATION PROVIDED ON THIS WEBSITE ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. The products offered on this website are furnished for in-vitro studies only. In-vitro studies (Latin: in glass) are performed outside of the body. These products are not medicines or drugs and have not been approved by the FDA to prevent, treat or cure any medical condition, ailment or disease. Bodily introduction of any kind into humans or animals is strictly forbidden by law.
In the modern era, huge leaps forward in the scientific field of peptide synthesis have enabled the production of custom peptides on an immense scale. With the increased production of synthetic peptides for research, the implementation of effective peptide purification methods has only become more critical. For more information on how Pure U.S. Peptides ensures that every peptide on our website exceeds 99% purity, see our Peptide Purity page.
Peptides are complex molecules, and this complexity can render purification methods that are effective on other organic compounds inefficient. During synthesis, special attention must be paid to maximizing both efficiency and yield in order to provide customers with the purest possible peptide at the lowest possible price. While purification processes based on crystallization are often effective with other compounds, many peptide purification processes utilize the principles of chromatography, such as high-pressure reversed phase chromatography.
Removing Specific Impurities From Peptides
As mentioned before, it is vital that the final synthesized peptide is as pure as possible for research use. Minimum acceptable purity levels can vary among different research purposes; for example, in vitro studies generally require a much higher standard of purity (greater than 95%) than, say, performing an ELISA standard for measuring titers of antibodies (minimum acceptable purity greater than 70%).
Peptide Purification Strategy
Ideally, the purification method should be as simple as possible, achieving targeted purity in as few steps as possible. Often, two or more purification processes conducted sequentially can give excellent results, particularly when each process operates through differing principles of chromatography.
Peptide Purification Processes
Peptide purification systems are composed of several integral subsystems and units, which can include buffer preparation systems, solvent delivery systems, fractionation systems, and data collection systems, along with the crucial columns and detectors. Indeed, the column is the heart of the purification system and its selected features can be critical to the process's efficaciousness.
Affinity Chromatography (AC)
Isolates peptides by capitalizing on the interaction between a peptide and a particular ligand attached to a chromatographic matrix. The desired peptide binds to the ligand, and unbound material is washed away. Importanly, this binding is reversible.
Ion Exchange Chromatography (IEX)
Capitalizes on differences in charge among peptides in a mixture. Peptides of one charge are isolated when faced with a chromatographic medium with the opposite charge. IEX is a high resolution and high capacity process.
Hydrophobic Interaction Chromatography (HIC)
Operates on the principle of hydrophobicity. Targeted peptides are isolated via interaction with the hydrophobic surface of a chromatic medium. A high ionic strength buffer enhances the process.
Reversed Phase Chromatography (RPC)
Offers very high resolution and separates peptides from contaminants by utilizing the reversible interaction between target molecules and a chromatographic medium's hydrophobic surface. RPC is often utilized as a polishing step.
Compliance with GMP
Throughout the processes of peptide synthesis and purification, special attention must be given to following GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices). This is to ensure that the final peptide is pure and of high quality. At Pure U.S. Peptides, we adhere to the most stringent synthesis and purification practices in the industry, allowing us to provide peptides that exceed 99% purity.