Immobilization-stabilization of proteases as a tool to improve the industrial design of peptide synthesis

Synthesis of dipeptides benzoyl Arginine leucinamide and kyotorphin catalyzed by highly stabilized derivatives of trypsin and chymotrypsin have been performed. Extreme experimental conditions could be tested and parameters of industrial interest could be improved provided the high activity and stability of the derivatives in these unfavourable environments. Thermodynamically controlled synthesis catalyzed by trypsin could be optimized and 97% conversion was obtained in 90% organic cosolvents. 100% yields were achieved in kinetically controlled synthesis catalyzed by trypsin in aqueous medium in the presence of IM Ammonium Sulphate. Higher starting concentrations of poorly soluble substrates of chymotrypsin could be used in a reaction medium containing 50% DMF and 95% yield were obtained.