PAPAIN-CATALYZED SYNTHESIS OF GLYCERYL ESTERS OF N-PROTECTED AMINO-ACIDS AND PEPTIDES FOR THE USE IN TRYPSIN-CATALYZED PEPTIDE-SYNTHESIS

Papain catalyzed synthesis of glyceryl esters of BOC(Z)-protected amin o acids and peptides was performed at 40-50 degrees C in a 50 molar ex cess of glycerol. Equilibrium was achieved in 6-7 h. The maximal yield of esters (50-70%) was obtained at 10% of water and pH 3.2-3.4. A low er water concentration resulted in a sharp decrease of the ester yield . The synthesized glyceryl esters of neutral amino acids are good subs trates for trypsin and can be used for peptide synthesis catalyzed for trypsin. Glycerol esters are also good substrates for other enzymes p ossessing esterase activity. (C) 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.