Synthesis and Characterization of a Short Antimicrobial Peptide for Potential Antibiotic Applications

Recent research has shown the potential of peptides that contain a hydrophobic and/or overall positive charge to have antimicrobial activity. This CURE research project seeks to synthesize an antimicrobial peptide that is 2-3 amino acids long. In order to achieve the desired peptide bond, protecting groups were used to prevent undesired side-reactions from occuring between the free amino and carboxylic acid groups of each reactant. Leucine will have its amine group protected by a BOC-group, leaving the carboxylic acid free to react. From here, the reaction conditions and work-up steps for the reaction were developed and tested by this group. Furthermore, the reaction was monitored via TLC to determine the product’s formation. The peptide, BOC-FF-OEt, had its carboxylic acid protected with an ester, and the BOC-group removed, leaving the amine group free to react. The final reaction will result in a peptide bond with a coupling reagent, EDC. The synthesized protected amino acids and the final peptide will be analyzed by 1H NMR to determine the structure and purity. Finally, antimicrobial activity will be evaluated by a growth inhibition assay using an optical density measurement at 600 nm.