Automated 'X-Y' robot for peptide synthesis with microwave heating: application to difficult peptide sequences and protein domains

Abstract

Precise microwave heating has emerged as a valuable method to aid solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS). New methods and reliable protocols, as well as their embodiment in automated instruments, are required to fully use this potential. Here we describe a new automated robotic instrument for SPPS with microwave heating, report protocols for its reliable use and report the application to the synthesis of long sequences, including the beta-amyloid 1-42 peptide. The instrument is built around a valve-free robot originally developed for parallel peptide synthesis, where the robotic arm transports reagents instead of pumping reagents via valves. This is the first example of an 'X-Y' robotic microwave-assisted synthesizer developed for the assembly of long peptides. Although the instrument maintains its capability for parallel synthesis at room temperature, in this paper, we focus on sequential peptide synthesis with microwave heating. With this valve-free instrument and the protocols developed for its use, fast and efficient syntheses of long and difficult peptide sequences were achieved.