Peptide Characterization & Analytics

JPT is not only the peptide synthesis expert, but also conducts a wide variety of peptide analysis services to support their applications. Typical peptide analysis services include LC-MS (trap and/or quad), MALDI-MS, or HPLC. A large variety of optional analyses is available e.g. AAA, NMR, CE, sterility testing, as well as peptide content determination.

Peptide stability Peptides have an inherent and sequence-specific stability profile, which depends on the properties of the individual peptides and their storage conditions. Chemical degradation of peptides during storage can be due to oxidation, hydrolysis, structural rearrangement or more. Despite this knowledge, the stability of a given peptide is difficult to predict. Therefore, we recommend stability testing for short and long term use depending on the application.  

Please note: in the case certain peptides being too unstable for your application we offer peptide optimization as a seperate R&D service.

Peptide solubility is a critical factor in almost all peptide-based projects. This includes in vitro assay robustness and in vivo bioavailability. In both cases, lack of complete solubility at the desired effective concentration will result in reduced activity and/or false negative results. A prerequisite for effective solubility assessment and optimisation is the availability of a rapid and sensitive solubility assay.  

The turbidimetric solubility assay (TSA) allows rapid determination of solubility using only small amounts of peptide. Depending on the application of the target peptides, different organic and inorganic solvents and solvent additives can be used.

Filtration through sterile membrane filters is usually the method of choice for sterilising peptide-containing solutions. We offer our years of experience in optimising filters and filtration conditions, as well as screening services to develop a robust sterile filtration protocol for your project.

Due to their chemical properties lyophilized peptides may still contain traces of moisture and/or counter ions on protonated amino functions (N-terminus, Arg, His, Lys, etc.). This is not considered an impurity, but reduces the actual peptide content by approximately 10 to 30%. An accurate determination of the peptide content can be performed by quantitative amino acid analysis. The analysis includes an acidic hydrolysis of the peptide, transforming the sample into free amino acids. Then amino acid analysis and quantification of total peptide content are performed.

We are happy to offer exact sequence confirmation of peptides. Please contact us on advice what will be the optimal methodology for that.