How Illuminating! Fluorescent Peptides and how to use them!

Fluorescent peptides are powerful tools transforming modern molecular biology, biochemistry, and biotechnology. By tagging peptides with fluorescent dyes, you can track protein interactions, visualize cellular localization, and monitor dynamic biological processes with remarkable precision. From live-cell imaging to high-throughput screening in drug discovery, these versatile molecules provide critical insights that drive scientific discovery. At JPT Peptide Technologies, we developed an extensive expertise in custom synthesis of high-purity fluorescent peptides, offering a wide range of dyes and modifications to meet the specific needs of your research. 

Why choose JPT’s Fluorescent Peptides? 

• Size: Fluorescently labelled peptides are small (1-5 kDa) compared to fluorescently labelled proteins (e.g. 27 kDa for GFP), thus being much better suited for cellular localization studies due to lower interference with biological processes. 
• Customizability: Peptide sequences and functional groups can be synthesized and modified increasing specificity 
• Cellular delivery: passive or active uptake, and is not dependent on recombinant expression systems 

Select the Adequate Fluorophore for your Peptide 

Labels are typically added to the N-terminus, an amino acid’s side chain or the C-terminus. An additional amino acid may be added to the peptide sequence to provide a reactive handle for dye attachment. JPT has experience in selecting the most suitable conjugation method to ensure the optimal design of peptide dye conjugates. We provide the highest cost efficiency by using strategies that enable the use of minimal amounts of precious, high-priced dye material without compromising the quality of the final product. 

Common conjugation methods include:

• Click chemistry 
• Thiol-maleimide 
• Amide bond formation 
• Many more 

Depending on your preferred excitation and emission wavelengths, you can select a variety of fluorophores. Check out our list!

FRET Peptides 

FRET peptides are a special kind of fluorescently labelled peptide. These peptides contain both a fluorophore and a quencher. When they are in close proximity within one molecule, the fluorescence of the fluorophore is quenched. However, when not, e.g. due to cleavage of the FRET peptide by a protease, the quenching effect diminishes. This leads to a fluorescent signal when the peptide is excited by the correct wavelength of light. This effect is used in various applications, such as identifying protease substrates. 

What else do you need to consider? 

 Whether you require fluorescent peptide synthesis for high-throughput screening, detailed protein interaction studies, or specific localization applications, JPT Peptide Technologies has you covered. 

Meet your exact specifications, including peptide purity levels ranging from crude up to >95%, optional modifications like phosphorylation, acetylation, biotin, dye labels, cyclization, conjugation, and stable-isotope labeling, and quantity. Take a look at our custom peptide synthesis services for more information. 

Our team of experts will work closely with you to design and produce peptides that meet those requirements.