Research article: Synthesis of Peptides by Reactive Extrusion. Application to the Continuous and Solventless Preparation of Aspartame.

The latest results from an innovative mechanochemical approach to continuous and solventless peptide synthesis.

PolyPeptide is dedicated to applying relevant principles of green chemistry to mitigate the adverse impacts on the environment from its manufacturing activities. The Group pursues comprehensive innovation efforts to reduce, recycle, replace, or avoid hazardous solvents used in production. In collaboration with the Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron (IBMM, Montpellier, France), we are excited to share the latest results from an innovative mechanochemical approach to continuous and solventless peptide synthesis. Using a benchtop twin-screw extruder as a chemical reactor, 56 g of the sweetener aspartame, a synthetic dipeptide, were manufactured continuously with just eight minutes for the coupling step with a reduced amount of solvent and essentially no excess of starting materials and reagents. Read our publication in Chemistry Europe (Wiley) here. Together, let’s push further for more environmental sustainability in peptide manufacturing.