Endoproteinase Pro-C-catalyzed peptide bond formation in frozen aqueous systems

The capability of endoproteinase Pro-C from Flavobacterium meningosepticum to form peptide bonds in frozen aqueous systems was investigated. In coupling of Bz-Gly-Pro-OMe with various amino acid amides, Si ee amino acids, and dipeptides, freezing-induced yield enhancement strongly depended on the nucleophilic amino component ranging from 3-59%. From the different influence of freezing, it can be concluded that freeze concentration is not the only cause of yield enhancement in frozen aqueous systems. Endoproteinase Pro-C proved to be a suitable catalyst in Pro-Leu bond formation but its scope of capability ill peptide synthesis is limited. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Inc.