Synthesis of phytochelatins by the continuous flow solid phase procedure

A nona- and an undecapeptide corresponding to phytochelatins with the general structure H-[gamma-Glu-Cys]n-Gly-OH were each synthesized by the continuous flow solid phase method using two different methodologies. Fmoc-amino acid derivatives were used as precursors, and two different H2N-POE-PS supports were employed. Different procedures were used to remove Acm protecting groups from Cys residues. In a second synthesis, Acm groups were removed before cleavage of the peptides from the polymer supports. The partially protected peptides of the first synthesis were purified by preparative HPLC. The purity and identity of all the synthesized peptides were verified by analytical HPLC and IS-MS and in some cases by amino acid analysis.