Solid phase peptide synthesis processes and associated systems

Abstract

Systems and processes for performing solid phase peptide synthesis are generally described. Solid phase peptide synthesis is a known process in which amino acid residues are added to peptides that have been immobilized on a solid support. In certain embodiments, the inventive systems and methods can be used to perform solid phase peptide synthesis quickly while maintaining high yields. Certain embodiments relate to processes and systems that may be used to heat, transport, and/or mix reagents in ways that reduce the amount of time required to perform solid phase peptide synthesis.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 - 77 . (canceled) 
     
     
         78 . A process for adding amino acid residues to peptides, comprising:
 merging a first stream comprising first amino acids that comprise first protecting groups with a second stream comprising a first amino acid activating agent such that the first and second streams form a first mixed fluid comprising first activated amino acids;   exposing the first mixed fluid to a plurality of peptides immobilized on a solid support such that first amino acid residues are added to the plurality of peptides;   flowing a deprotection reagent to remove at least a portion of the first protecting groups;   merging a third stream comprising second amino acids that comprise second protecting groups and a fourth stream comprising a second amino acid activating agent to form a second mixed fluid comprising second activated amino acids; and   exposing the second mixed fluid to the plurality of peptides immobilized on the solid support such that second amino acid residues are added to the plurality of peptides;   wherein there is no washing step between the first merging step and the second merging step.   
     
     
         79 . The process of  claim 78 , further comprising washing the solid support with a washing solvent after the addition of the second amino acid residues to the plurality of peptides. 
     
     
         80 . The process of  claim 78 , further comprising flowing a second deprotection reagent to remove at least a portion the second protecting groups. 
     
     
         81 . The process of  claim 78 , wherein the first protecting groups and/or the second protecting groups comprise fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl protecting groups. 
     
     
         82 . The process of  claim 78 , wherein first amino acid residues are added to at least about 99% of the immobilized peptides after exposing the first mixed fluid to the immobilized peptides. 
     
     
         83 . The process of  claim 78 , wherein first amino acid residues are added to at least about 99.9% of the immobilized peptides after exposing the first mixed fluid to the immobilized peptides. 
     
     
         84 . The process of  claim 78 , wherein second amino acid residues are added to at least about 99.9% of the immobilized peptides after exposing the second mixed fluid to the immobilized peptides. 
     
     
         85 . The process of  claim 78 , wherein second amino acid residues are added to at least about 99% of the immobilized peptides after exposing the second mixed fluid to the immobilized peptides. 
     
     
         86 . The process of  claim 78 , wherein the solid support is contained within a packed column and/or a fluidized bed. 
     
     
         87 . The process of  claim 78 , wherein the solid support comprises polystyrene and/or polyethylene glycol. 
     
     
         88 . The process of  claim 78 , wherein the solid support comprises a resin.