Short answer
Custom peptide synthesis is a service that builds a specific amino acid sequence for a researcher, then purifies and tests it. Most peptides are made with solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS), which attaches amino acids one by one to a solid resin.
What is solid-phase peptide synthesis?
Solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) is the standard method for making peptides in the laboratory. First described in the 1960s, it attaches the first amino acid to a solid resin bead, then adds the remaining amino acids one at a time. When the chain is complete, the peptide is cleaved from the resin and purified [1].
The main steps are:
Why labs use custom synthesis
Purity grades explained
| Grade | Typical HPLC purity | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Crude | 60-80% | Screening and method development |
| Standard | 85-95% | Most cell-based and biochemical assays |
| High purity | 95-98% | Structure-activity studies |
| Research grade | 99%+ | Sensitive assays and analytical work |
Higher purity costs more and takes longer, so choose the grade that matches your experiment rather than always ordering the maximum.
What to ask a synthesis supplier
Compliance and labeling
Custom peptides intended for laboratory use should be labeled for research use only (RUO) and should not be marketed with clinical claims. If your project needs documentation for your institution, ask for full batch traceability.
PEPMAKE offers custom peptide synthesis with sequence submission, purity selection, quantity selection and batch-level HPLC/MS documentation.
FAQ
What is custom peptide synthesis?
A service that builds a specific amino acid sequence and delivers purified, tested peptide material.
How long does it take?
Typically 1-3 weeks for short peptides, including QC and shipping.
What purity can I request?
From crude to 99%+ HPLC purity, depending on the sequence and scale.
What information do I need to provide?
The sequence, quantity, purity, modifications and any labeling requirements.