Vapourtec launches specialised UV detector for peptide synthesis and flow chemistry
New device aims to enhance efficiency in pharmaceutical research and development
Vapourtec, a company known for its innovations in flow chemistry equipment, has developed a new online UV detector specifically designed for peptide synthesis and flow chemistry applications. The device, named Fmoc-UV, addresses the unique challenges faced by researchers in these fields.
Robust design for demanding environments
Unlike traditional UV detectors optimised for high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), the Fmoc-UV is built to withstand the harsh conditions often encountered in flow chemistry. Dr Manuel Nuño, Chief Scientific Officer at Vapourtec, explains the rationale behind the design: “Flow chemistry applications, by contrast, require the use of corrosive reagents, often at high concentrations.”
The detector features a durable construction with no moving parts, enhancing its reliability in challenging laboratory settings. Additionally, it incorporates a low-cost, easily replaceable flow cell to mitigate issues arising from potential blockages.
Tailored wavelengths for specific applications
The Fmoc-UV operates at two distinct wavelengths: 365 nm and 460 nm. The former is intended for quantifying the fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl (Fmoc) protecting group commonly used in solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS). The latter wavelength is optimised for detecting the 4-Methyltrityl (Mtt) group, which plays a crucial role in the synthesis of certain active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), including semaglutide.
With a high acquisition rate of 4 Hz, the detector offers precise monitoring of these protecting groups during the synthesis process.
Versatility in research settings
While primarily designed for peptide synthesis, the Fmoc-UV demonstrates versatility across various chemical applications. Dr Nuño notes: “Designed for peptide synthesis, the Fmoc-UV is also suitable for other applications in both flow and batch chemistry environments where we can easily perform online sampling of batch reactors.”
The device’s compatibility with Vapourtec’s R-Series software and its ability to communicate via RS232 protocols further enhance its integration into existing laboratory setups.
For more information, visit: www.vapourtec.com
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