Peptide Synthesiser (Automated SPPS)
Peptide Synthesiser (Automated SPPS)
Mechotech designs and manufactures automated solid-phase peptide synthesisers (SPPS) that build peptide chains one residue at a time on an insoluble resin support, automating the repetitive coupling, deprotection and wash cycles that define peptide chemistry. Mechotech lists peptide synthesisers in laboratory and industrial versions; this page covers the laboratory version, in which several reaction vessels (channels) can be run in parallel so that different sequences are made in one run. The chemistry strategy (Fmoc or t-Boc), the number of channels, the working scale and the reagent-line configuration are confirmed with the laboratory before the instrument is configured. The production-scale version is on the Industrial Peptide Synthesiser page.
A Mechotech laboratory peptide synthesiser is configured around independent reaction vessels served by metered reagent delivery from a shared fluidics manifold, with inert-gas (nitrogen) bubbling to mix the resin bed during coupling. Amino-acid derivatives, activators, deprotection reagent and wash solvents are delivered in sequence under a programmable method, and each step is logged by the control system. Channel count, working scale, reagent-line configuration and the control and documentation scope are specified to the laboratory’s chemistry and throughput and confirmed during project definition; no fixed channel count, scale, dispense accuracy or software certification is quoted on this page.
Technical Specifications
| Product | Peptide Synthesiser (Automated SPPS) |
|---|---|
| Technology | Automated solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) |
| Synthesis Strategy | Fmoc or t-Boc SPPS chemistry, selected for the peptide and confirmed with the client |
| Architecture | Independent reaction vessels (channels) that can run different sequences in parallel; number of channels configured to requirement |
| Working Scale | Research / laboratory scale, configured to requirement |
| Agitation | Inert-gas (nitrogen) bubbling for resin mixing |
| Reagent Delivery | Metered automated dispensing from a shared fluidics manifold; line configuration specified to the chemistry |
| Cycle Control | Programmable coupling, capping, deprotection and wash steps defined in an editable method |
| Control | Touchscreen control with method editing and step logging; audit-trail and electronic-record scope confirmed with the client |
| Product-contact Material | Chemically resistant fluid path, material selected for the reagents and solvents and confirmed per project |
| Utilities | Inert gas, electrical power, solvent and waste handling |
| Output | Resin-bound crude peptide, ready for cleavage |
Plant Capacities
| Scale | Typical Use | Configuration |
|---|---|---|
| Screening | Peptide libraries and analogue panels | Several parallel channels, configured to requirement |
| Standard laboratory | Routine custom-peptide synthesis | Channel count and vessel scale configured to the sequence and batch |
| Scale-up feasibility | Trials ahead of production-scale synthesis | Larger vessel configuration; production scale is on the Industrial Peptide Synthesiser page |
Channel count, vessel scale and reagent-line configuration are specified to each laboratory’s chemistry and throughput; no fixed channel count or volume is quoted on this page.
Manufacturing Process
Resin Loading
The chosen resin is charged to each reaction vessel and pre-swelled in solvent so the growing peptide chain has an accessible, evenly wetted support for synthesis.
Amino-Acid Activation
The next Fmoc- or Boc-protected amino acid is metered with an activator to form the reactive species just before it is delivered to the resin.
Coupling
The activated residue is dispensed into the vessel and mixed by inert-gas bubbling, forming the new amide bond while nitrogen agitation drives efficient mass transfer.
Washing
Excess reagents and by-products are flushed from the resin with programmed solvent washes to prevent carry-over into the next step.
Deprotection
The temporary N-terminal protecting group is removed — piperidine for Fmoc or acid treatment for t-Boc — to expose the amine for the following coupling.
Capping (Optional)
Any unreacted chains are acetylated so that deletion sequences are terminated early.
Cycle Repetition
The synthesiser repeats coupling, washing and deprotection for each residue in the programmed sequence, running multiple channels asynchronously and in parallel.
Final Wash & Handover
On completion the resin-bound peptide is given a final wash and dried, ready for downstream cleavage from the resin and side-chain deprotection.
Major Plant Equipment
- Reaction vessels (channels) for resin and peptide chain assembly
- Shared fluidics manifold with metered reagent delivery
- Reagent and solvent containers
- Inert-gas (nitrogen) supply for mixing
- Touchscreen controller and method software
- Solvent and waste handling connections
Plant Output
Applications
- Research-scale synthesis of custom peptides in laboratories
- Parallel synthesis of peptide libraries and analogue panels
- Method and feasibility work ahead of production-scale peptide synthesis
Key Features
Parallel Reaction Vessels
Independent vessels (channels) can run different sequences in the same run; the number of channels is configured to requirement.
Fmoc or t-Boc Chemistry
The synthesis strategy is selected for the peptide and confirmed with the client.
Programmable Cycles
Activation, coupling, capping, deprotection and wash steps are defined in an editable method and repeated for every residue.
Metered Reagent Delivery
Amino acids, activators, deprotection reagent and washes are metered from a shared manifold, with inert-gas mixing of the resin bed.
Step Logging
The control system logs each step of the method; any audit-trail or electronic-record scope is confirmed with the client.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a solid-phase peptide synthesiser?
What is the difference between Fmoc and t-Boc synthesis?
Can it run several different peptides at once?
Can it make complex or modified peptides?
How are runs documented?
How does this laboratory synthesiser differ from the Industrial Peptide Synthesiser?
What follows synthesis in Mechotech’s peptide line?
Does Mechotech supply the synthesiser turnkey?
Ready to discuss your project?
Get a free quote and technical consultation from our engineering team.