Peptide facility

QIMR has been producing synthetic peptides for medical research since 1989. We provide technical expertise and consultation for synthesis and modifications of synthetic peptides. This includes purification and post-synthesis modifications such as conjugations to carrier proteins and fluorophores.

This service is provided internally for all QIMR researchers and collaborators, and externally for non-commercial research scientists.

Synthesis

CEM Liberty Microwave Peptide Synthesiser

QIMR purchased a state-of-the-art CEM Liberty in 2008 to update and upgrade our peptide synthesis capabilities. The Liberty focuses a small homogenous microwave energy field on the growing peptide driving the synthesis quickly with minimal side reactions and higher percentage yields.  Peptides that were impossible to produce manually can now be synthesised of up to 50 residues or more depending on the sequence. Typically a 20mer at the 0.1mMolar scale will produce a crude yield of 150-200 mg of peptide.

CEM Liberty Synthesiser (left)

Elucidation

API 3200 Mass Spectrometer and Waters RP-HPLC

All crude and purified peptide fractions are analysed and verified using an API 3200 Mass Spectrometer. Peptides are purified on a C18 reverse phase monolithic column with a Waters alliance HPLC .

API 3100 Mass Spectrophotometer