Peptide synthesis refers to the formation of peptide bonds between two or more amino acids. While this seems to be a simplistic definition of the process, it points to the fact that for a peptide to form, there has to be more than one amino acid involved, with the smallest number being two, though the chain can be long to include up to 50 amino acids for one peptide. With the smallest number being two, though the chain can be long to include up to 50 amino acids for one peptide.

The concept of peptide synthesis became clear over one hundred years ago when it was discovered that amino acids can come together to form peptides. The synthesis, however, is not an easy process, and it was not until about 60 years ago when commercial synthesis of amino acids began. Since then, great progress has been made and with the advancement in technology, it is becoming simpler to execute the synthesis process with great accuracy, and over short durations.It is becoming simpler to execute the synthesis process with great accuracy, and over short durations.

Why is peptide synthesis important?

One of the most pronounced benefits of peptide synthesis is the fact that it has made it possible for man to create peptides normally found in nature. In turn, this has made it possible to create customized peptides, thus increasing the scope of their uses for various applications in biological processes and medical research.

Ever since the invention of peptide synthesis, the scope of peptide applications have increased tremendously, including the development of epitope-specific antibodies, which are instrumental in the fight against pathogenic proteins. Peptide synthesis have also made it possible for researches to conduct detailed studies on the functions of various types of proteins, including characterization and identification of the proteins. Peptide synthesis have also made it possible for researches to conduct detailed studies on the functions of various types of proteins, including characterization and identification of the proteins.

Peptide synthesis has also made it possible to study the reactions between enzymes and substrates in living organisms, and this has proven to be tremendously important in investigating enzymes such as kinases and protease and their roles in cell signaling. Such studies and applications wouldn’t have been possible in the absence of peptide synthesis.