Product Overview
The Peptide-Builder is a compact, fully automated, lab-scale synthesizer that transforms solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) through advanced flow chemistry technology, delivering high-throughput, open-access production of multiple peptides with exceptional speed, purity, and yield, all within an intuitive, user-friendly platform.
- Synthesis scale 0.05 mmol to 1.0 mmol
- Sequential synthesis up to 16 peptides at any time
- Patented VBFR™ technology for high-purity, high-yield peptides
- Short cycle time ~6 minutes per residue, total coupling, deprotection and washing
- Fmoc solid phase peptide chemistry with DIC and oxyma activation
- In-line data, including UV/vis, resin volume, Fmoc AUC and more
- Industry leading software with sequence generator and automated side chain modifications
- Compact space-saving design
- Minimises solvent and reagent usage compared with competing products
- Green solvent compatible
Wider synthesis scale 0.05 – 1.00 mmol
The Peptide-Builder has been designed to be used in a broad range of synthesis scales, covering any synthesis between 0.05 mmol up to 1.0 mmol. The Peptide-Builder is compatible with any type of polymeric resin, from PS to PEGylated resins and the normal range of linkers. Resins are pre-loaded into barcoded cartridges, which are then inserted into the resin cartridge carousel for automated processing. The barcode ensures correct identification of the completed peptide.
Fully automated up to 16 peptides
Taking advantage of the simplicity of a carousel, users can program 16 different peptide sequences at any time. These syntheses will be completed in a sequential manner, meaning that if the desired peptide is the first in the queue, the peptide will be synthesized within hours, and the user will have easy access to remove it from the system.
Synthesizing 16 peptides can be easily programmed through the interface of the state-of-the-art software. Once the synthesis is completed, the system will unload the resin cartridge, ready for cleavage.
High purity peptides with Vapourtec’s patented VBFR technology
In 2017 Vapourtec developed and patented a new reactor technology, the variable bed flow reactor (VBFR) for peptide synthesis.
The key benefit of this reactor is it maintains the resin at a constant packing density during the entire synthesis. As the peptide chain elongates resin increases in volume, the packing density is maintained ensuring optimum interaction between reagents and solvents and the peptidyl resin. Channelling is eliminated and reactor volume minimized, ensuring high-purity peptides.
Fast cycle times with heated VBFR technology
Vapourtec’s patented Variable Bed Flow Reactor (VBFR) technology provides precise temperature control, eliminating hot spots and temperature spikes.
Heating has two important benefits: preventing β-sheet structures that can lead to aggregation events and increasing reaction kinetics which can be particularly beneficial for sterically difficult couplings. A cycle time of 6 minutes is achieved even using DIC and Oxyma as activating reagents. A typical 30-mer can be synthesized in under 3.5 hours, even with the addition of side chains.
Reaction temperatures can be changed rapidly allowing the optimum temperature to be selected for each amino acid. For example, residues prone to racemisation can be activated and coupled under ideal conditions. The Peptide-Builder software automatically selects the optimum reactor temperatures for each of the natural amino acids.
Continuous in-line analytics with comprehensive reporting
The Peptide-Builder offers continuous in-line analytics, delivering deep insights into each synthesis run including resin solvation data and UV absorption profiles, all compiled into a comprehensive post-synthesis report.
A key advantage of VBFR technology is its ability to measure reactor volume in real time, offering unique visibility into resin behaviour and peptide aggregation. The timing and extent of aggregation events can be accurately monitored and quantified, enabling data-driven decisions such as the strategic use of pseudo-proline dipeptides or other aggregation mitigation strategies, with enhanced scientific rigor.
Additionally, the single-pass flow system enables precise quantification of Fmoc deprotection from the resin. The software calculates and plots the area under the curve (AUC) for each deprotection step and displays the data in real time, offering unparalleled process transparency.
Intuitive, intelligent peptide synthesis software
The Peptide-Builder features an industry leading sequence generator with automated side chain modifications for streamlined peptide synthesis. Simply type the alphabetic sequence, select the resin type, specify loading and target mass then queue the synthesis, and the software does all the rest.
The software automatically applies the optimal protocol for each amino acid, including specialized conditions to prevent racemization (e.g., histidine) and cyclization (e.g., arginine), ensuring high purity and yield. During the synthesis, the quantities of the reagents are monitored continuously for a smooth process.
Peptide-Builder also supports open-access operation, allowing users to load and unload resin cartridges independently, ideal for busy peptide labs with multiple users. Each cartridge is barcoded for easy tracking, clearly showing which sequences are queued and which have been completed
Minimises solvent and reagent usage
Solvent usage is typically less than 70 ml per mmol per cycle even when using PEG resins.
Typical syntheses use 1.5-3 equivalents of amino acids, however the single-pass continuous flow allows expensive unnatural amino acids to be used as the limiting reagent if this is desired.
By way of example, a 10-mer peptide can be synthesized at 0.1 mmol scale using less than 70 ml of solvent.
The Peptide-Builder has capacity for 10 litres of DMF and features a level indicator which will stop any synthesis should the reservoir empty.
