Peptides, which are short chains of amino acids, are essential for various biological functions. These molecules play a vital role in everything from enzyme function to hormone regulation, making them key players in medical and cosmetic industries. But how exactly are they made?
1. Solid-Phase Peptide Synthesis (SPPS)
The most common method for producing peptides in laboratories and manufacturing settings is Solid-Phase Peptide Synthesis (SPPS). This process involves building peptides one amino acid at a time, attaching each to a solid resin, and gradually elongating the chain. It’s a bit like stacking blocks, except each block is a specific amino acid. Once the peptide chain is complete, the peptide is cleaved from the resin, purified, and ready for use.
Why SPPS?
Control: SPPS allows for precise control over the sequence of amino acids, ensuring the peptide is made exactly as designed.
Flexibility: This method can create custom peptides for research, drug development, or cosmetic applications.
2. Liquid-Phase Synthesis (LPPS)
Though less commonly used than SPPS, Liquid-Phase Peptide Synthesis (LPPS) is another method where peptides are synthesized in solution. This method is typically used for very small peptides or when dealing with large quantities of peptide production.
3. Biotechnological Methods
Peptides can also be produced biologically, using recombinant DNA technology. This involves inserting a gene coding for the peptide into bacteria, yeast, or mammalian cells, which then produce the peptide. The process is highly efficient and cost-effective for producing larger peptides or complex peptide sequences that are difficult to synthesize chemically.
What Produces Peptides?
Peptides can be synthesized in the laboratory or produced naturally by living organisms.
1. Living Organisms
In the human body, peptides are naturally synthesized by ribosomes during protein synthesis. Enzymes break down larger proteins into smaller peptide fragments that have specific biological functions, such as regulating hormone levels or acting as neurotransmitters.
In other organisms, such as bacteria and plants, peptides are often produced for defense purposes. These natural peptides, known as antimicrobial peptides, play a crucial role in protecting against pathogens.
2. Artificial Synthesis
For commercial and research purposes, peptides are often artificially synthesized through the methods mentioned above. These synthetic peptides are identical to those produced naturally but are created for specific applications, such as in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, or scientific research.
Who is the Largest Peptide Manufacturer?
The peptide manufacturing industry is led by a few prominent companies, with some of the biggest players focusing on both custom peptide synthesis and bulk production. Some of the largest peptide manufacturers in the world include:
Synthetech, Inc.Synthetech specializes in the synthesis of complex peptides for pharmaceutical applications. With advanced technologies, they provide peptides for research, diagnostics, and therapeutic uses.
Peptide SyntheticsA leader in large-scale peptide manufacturing, Peptide Synthetics offers custom peptide synthesis services to clients in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries.
BachemBachem is one of the largest peptide manufacturers globally, producing both generic and custom peptides for a wide range of industries, including drug development, clinical applications, and cosmetics.
LonzaLonza, a global leader in biotechnology, provides peptide synthesis services for the pharmaceutical and biotech industries. They focus on scalable production and high-quality peptide products.
These companies invest heavily in research and technology to stay at the forefront of peptide manufacturing, focusing on scalability, precision, and high-quality outputs.
Where Do We Get Peptides From?
Peptides can be derived from various sources, including natural organisms and synthetic processes:
1. Natural Sources
As mentioned earlier, peptides are produced naturally in living organisms. For example:
Animal tissues (such as cow, pig, or fish organs) are commonly used to source peptides for research, pharmaceutical applications, and even in the cosmetic industry.
Plants also produce peptides with potential health benefits, such as phytopeptides, which are found in certain plants and seeds.
2. Synthetic Production
Synthetic peptides are sourced from laboratory and industrial peptide manufacturers, which either use chemical synthesis (SPPS, LPPS) or biotechnological methods (recombinant DNA technology) to produce peptides for various applications.
Fun Facts About Peptides
Peptides in Skincare: Many anti-aging creams contain peptides to help stimulate collagen production. Peptides signal to your skin to repair and rejuvenate, making them a go-to ingredient in the beauty industry.
Peptides in Medicine: Some peptides are used in medicines to treat conditions like diabetes, cancer, and even to promote wound healing. Insulin, a peptide hormone, is an essential example.
Peptides Are Everywhere: You might be surprised to know that your body is full of peptides, from the hormones that regulate your mood to the enzymes that help break down your food.
Conclusion
Peptide manufacturing is a fascinating process that combines biology, chemistry, and cutting-edge technology. Whether they’re synthesized in a lab using solid-phase techniques or produced naturally by living organisms, peptides have far-reaching applications, from medicine to beauty. With leading companies like Synthetech, Bachem, and Lonza at the forefront, peptide production is only expected to grow, offering more solutions for health, wellness, and beyond.
Recombinant Protein 
