Automated synthesiser streamlines peptide production

Vapourtec has unveiled the Peptide-Builder, a fully automated, high-throughput benchtop synthesiser designed to transform solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS). Compact and intuitive, it streamlines workflows while cutting costs and waste.

At the heart of the system is Vapourtec’s Variable Bed Flow Reactor (VBFR) technology, which increases efficiency, reduces solvent and reagent consumption, and delivers high-purity, high-yield peptides.

Developed in collaboration with peptide chemists, Peptide-Builder is the smallest high-throughput system of its kind, producing more peptides per square metre than any other platform. It supports flexible scales from 0.05 to 1 mmol and is compatible with widely used resins.

Operating sequentially, it can synthesise a GLP-1 analogue in under four hours, or up to sixteen analogues unattended over a weekend. User-friendly software - created with input from a major pharma partner - allows scientists to simply enter a sequence, press ‘start’ and walk away.

The system requires fewer than three equivalents of amino acid and handles both linear and branched peptides, including automated side-chain addition. Each run generates a detailed report that tracks aggregation events and Fmoc deprotection, offering valuable insights for tackling challenging syntheses.

Dr Manuel Nuño commented: 

“VBFR technology is a true game-changer, boosting efficiency, streamlining workflows, providing unique in-process data, and reducing space requirements without compromising performance.”

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