Peptide

A peptide is a short chain of amino acids linked by peptide bonds (amide bonds between the carboxyl group of one amino acid and the amino group of the next). Peptides are distinguished from proteins primarily by length: peptides typically contain 2–50 amino acids, while proteins contain 50+. In biological systems, peptides function as hormones (e.g., GHRH, ghrelin), signalling molecules, enzyme cofactors, and structural components. Research-grade peptides like those in the Aevitas catalog are synthesised chemically using solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) and verified by HPLC for purity and mass spectrometry for identity. The specificity of peptide-receptor interactions — and the short biological half-lives that limit systemic exposure — make peptides attractive tools for targeted research.

Part of the Aevitas Peptide Glossary.