The Use of PeptiCLEC-TR in the Preparation of Dipeptides

Dipeptides are important intermediates in many pharmaceutical products. To support a research programme on matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) we needed to prepare the dipeptide, Leu-Phe-NHMe (3). Chemical methods provided the material but not to the quality required, and thus an alternative preparation was sought. The use of enzymes in chemical synthesis was a tool that we had used before but not in the preparation of dipeptides. This contribution will show the utility of PeptiCLEC-TR in the preparation of dipeptide (3) and its application to other dipeptides. It will highlight the amenability of PeptiCLEC-TR to scale-up and demonstrate the recycling of this enzyme, which will make this a cost-effective route.