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Introduction
Peptide and protein analysis laboratories offer a wide range of services to support research, development, and manufacturing. Understanding these services helps you select the right tests for your specific needs.
Core Analytical Services
Purity Analysis
Purity testing determines the percentage of target peptide versus impurities.
Common methods:
- Reversed-Phase HPLC (RP-HPLC): The gold standard for peptide purity, separating compounds based on hydrophobicity
- Size Exclusion Chromatography (SEC): Identifies aggregates and degradation products
- Ion Exchange Chromatography: Separates based on charge differences
Identity Confirmation
Confirming peptide identity ensures you have the correct molecule.
Primary techniques:
- Mass Spectrometry (MS): Provides exact molecular weight
- LC-MS/MS: Offers sequence confirmation through fragmentation
- Amino Acid Analysis: Verifies composition matches expected sequence
Structural Characterization
For complex peptides, structural analysis provides detailed information.
Advanced methods:
- Circular Dichroism (CD): Secondary structure determination
- NMR Spectroscopy: Three-dimensional structure analysis
- X-ray Crystallography: High-resolution structural data
Specialized Services
Stability Testing
Understanding how peptides behave over time is critical for storage and formulation.
Types of stability studies:
- Accelerated stability (elevated temperature/humidity)
- Real-time stability monitoring
- Forced degradation studies
- Photostability assessment
Contaminant Testing
Ensuring peptides are free from harmful contaminants.
Common tests:
- Endotoxin (LAL) testing
- Bioburden analysis
- Heavy metals screening
- Residual solvent analysis
Potency and Activity Assays
For therapeutic peptides, biological activity testing is essential.
Assay types:
- Cell-based potency assays
- Receptor binding studies
- Enzyme inhibition assays
- Biomarker analysis
