Skip to content
Chemistry & Structure

Solid phase synthesis

A method of peptide synthesis where the growing peptide chain is attached to an insoluble resin bead. Amino acids are added one at a time, enabling automation and high throughput. Developed by Robert Bruce Merrifield (Nobel Prize, 1984).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Solid phase synthesis?
A method of peptide synthesis where the growing peptide chain is attached to an insoluble resin bead. Amino acids are added one at a time, enabling automation and high throughput. Developed by Robert Bruce Merrifield (Nobel Prize, 1984).
Why is Solid phase synthesis important in peptide research?
Solid phase synthesis is a foundational concept in peptide science. Understanding peptide chemistry helps researchers and practitioners evaluate peptide quality, predict stability, and make informed decisions about storage, reconstitution, and formulation.

Related Terms

Peptide synthesis

The chemical process of creating peptides by linking amino acids together. Can be performed in solution or on solid phase. Commercial peptides are almost exclusively made via solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS).

HPLC (high performance liquid chromatography)

An analytical technique that separates, identifies, and quantifies components in a mixture. Used to determine peptide purity — results are reported as a percentage (e.g., 98% purity by HPLC).

Purity percentage

The proportion of the desired peptide in a sample, determined by HPLC analysis. Research-grade peptides are typically 95–98% pure; pharmaceutical-grade exceeds 99%. Higher purity reduces the risk of adverse reactions.

← Back to full glossary