Monocyclic Peptides: Types, Synthesis and applications

Peptides are considered to be appropriate tools in various biologic areas. They can be primarily used for rational design of bioactive molecules. They can act as ligands in the development of targeted therapeutics as well as diagnostics, be used in the design of vaccines or be employed in agriculture. Peptides can be made in two broad structural classes: linear and cyclic peptides. Monocyclic peptides are a class of polypeptides with one macrocyclic ring that bear advantages, such as more selective binding and uptake by the target receptor, as well as higher potency and stability compared to linear types. This paper provides an overview on the categories, synthesis methods and various applications of cyclic peptides. The various applications of cyclic peptides include their use as pro-apoptotic and anti-microbial agents, their application as targeting ligands in drug delivery and diagnostic agents, as well as agricultural and therapeutics applications are elaborated and discussed in this paper.