Rapid solid-phase synthesis of a calmodulin-binding peptide using controlled microwave irradiation.

A rapid and efficient microwave-assisted solid-phase synthesis method for the preparation of a nonapeptide using conventional Fmoc/Bu(t) orthogonal protection strategy is described. In this protocol, the coupling steps are performed within 5 min at 60 degrees C and the Fmoc-deprotection steps are completed within 3 min at 60 degrees C using a dedicated single-mode microwave peptide synthesizer utilizing temperature-controlled conditions. It is demonstrated that the model nonapeptide (containing the calmodulin-binding octapeptide sequence) is synthesized in a shorter time (approximately 3.5 h) and with high purity (>95%) under microwave irradiation conditions in comparison with a reference peptide that is obtained by standard methods at room temperature (within 11 h).