Lysine's the Limit - A Peptide Synthesis Project

The purpose of “Lysine’s the Limit - A Peptide Synthesis Project,” is to synthesize an antimicrobial peptide from the coupling of Lysine and BOC-FF-OMe. The goal of the synthesis is to form a peptide that is two to three amino acids long. Before the coupling reaction can begin, both amino acids need to have a protecting group to prevent unwanted reactions. The amine groups on lysine will need to be protected by BOC-anhydride; di-tert butyl-dicarbonate. The peptide, BOC-FF-OMe, with its carboxylic acid protected, will need to go through a deprotection reaction. This will free the amine group to react with the carboxylic acid on lysine. The peptide bond will then be formed using EDC as a coupling reagent. The final peptide will be analyzed using 1H NMR and IR spectra. The antimicrobial activity will also be evaluated to ensure its an antimicrobial peptide.