Constrained & Conformationally Controlled Peptides

Stabilize bioactive conformations

Cyclic, stapled, macrocyclic, bicyclic, and helical peptide formats engineered for stability, specificity, and performance.

Cyclic peptides
Stapled peptides
Macrocycles
Bicycles
Helical / constrained

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Overview

Bio-Synthesis provides constrained and conformationally controlled peptide synthesis services including cyclic peptide synthesis, stapled peptide synthesis, macrocyclic peptide synthesis, bicyclic peptide synthesis, and helical/constrained peptide design. These formats reduce conformational flexibility to stabilize bioactive structure, improve apparent affinity, and increase protease resistance—often translating to better reproducibility in binding assays and improved functional performance.

Why constrain a peptide?
  • Stability: reduced proteolysis and improved handling.
  • Specificity: fewer conformers can reduce off-target binding.
  • Potency: stabilized binding geometry can improve apparent affinity.
Typical applications
  • Protein–protein interaction (PPI) targeting and inhibitors
  • Receptor binding assays and affinity optimization
  • Epitope stabilization for immunology studies
  • Conjugation-ready constrained scaffolds

Best-fit when you need

Defined Conformation

Reduce conformer heterogeneity for consistent binding.

Improved stability

Increase protease resistance and shelf stability.

Target engagement

Stabilize the bioactive geometry for higher potency.

Quick Specification Table (Services at a Glance)

Use this table to map your project to the right constraint strategy. For detailed options, see the service sections below.

Service What it is Key design inputs Common use cases
Cyclic Peptide Synthesis Ring-closed peptides (head-to-tail or side-chain) to reduce flexibility. Cyclization type, ring size, linkage sites, cysteine/disulfide state (if relevant). Stability, binding geometry control, epitope stabilization.
Stapled Peptide Synthesis Helix-stabilized peptides using a side-chain staple. Helical region, staple positions (i/i+4, i/i+7), staple chemistry, N/C caps. PPI targets, helix mimicry, improved protease resistance.
Macrocyclic Peptide Synthesis Large ring systems to stabilize structure and improve selectivity. Cyclization strategy, ring size, linker/spacer, functional handles. Conformational control, selectivity, challenging targets.
Bicyclic Peptide Synthesis Two-ring constrained peptides with increased rigidity. Ring architecture, bridging chemistry, anchor residues/handles, mapping needs. High-affinity binders, specificity, scaffolded binders.
Helical / Constrained Peptides Design strategies that bias secondary structure without full stapling. Helix-promoting residues, constraints, length, target conformation. Structure-function studies, helix presentation, assay optimization.

Related service pages (internal links)

For full options and examples, visit the dedicated service pages:

Technical Notes — Information that speeds quoting
Project inputs
  • Sequence(s) + target constraint format (cyclic/stapled/macrocyclic/bicyclic/helical).
  • Target purity, scale, and any required handles/labels.
  • For cyclization: intended linkage sites and desired thiol/disulfide state.
Success criteria
  • Define the readout (binding, inhibition, stability, conjugation).
  • Specify whether structural confirmation is needed (mapping, thiol state).
  • Share any target/assay constraints that affect design.

Cyclic Peptide Synthesis Services

Cyclic peptide synthesis introduces ring closure to reduce flexibility and stabilize binding geometry. Cycles can be formed head-to-tail or via side-chain linkages depending on sequence and desired topology.

Design option Typical choices
Cyclization type Head-to-tail, side-chain to side-chain, side-chain to terminus.
Ring size Project-dependent; defined by linkage sites and any spacers.
Thiol/disulfide state Free thiols (conjugation) vs oxidized disulfides (structural constraint).
Handles/modifications Optional labels, click handles, biotin, linkers.
Technical Notes — Cyclization success
Design guidance
  • Choose linkage sites that preserve the binding face and reduce steric strain.
  • Consider spacer length if accessibility is limiting.
  • For disulfide cycles, specify oxidation state requirements.
Deliverables
  • Purified cyclic peptide + CoA (typical).
  • LC–MS confirmation; additional mapping upon request.
  • Options for reduced/oxidized forms and conjugation-ready handles.

Related: Cyclic peptide synthesis service page.

Stapled Peptide Synthesis Services

Stapled peptide synthesis stabilizes alpha-helical structure via a side-chain staple, often improving protease resistance and target engagement for helix-mediated interactions.

Design option Typical choices
Staple spacing Common patterns include i/i+4 and i/i+7 (project-dependent).
Staple placement Within the helical region; positioned away from key binding residues.
Caps & termini N- and C-capping options to support helix stability (as required).
Additional handles Optional labels or conjugation handles (cysteine, click) with planning.
Technical Notes — Helix stabilization
Design guidance
  • Provide the target helix segment and any known structure/binding residues.
  • Staple placement can be tuned to preserve the interaction interface.
  • Discuss solubility early; some stapled formats benefit from balance strategies.
QC considerations
  • LC–MS and purity reporting (typical).
  • Optional confirmation steps for stapling/cyclization as needed.
  • Batch-to-batch reproducibility support for screening programs.

Related: Stapled peptide synthesis service page.

Macrocyclic Peptide Synthesis Services

Macrocyclic peptide synthesis creates larger ring systems that can improve stability and selectivity by constraining peptides into productive conformations while maintaining surface area for binding.

Design option Typical choices
Cyclization strategy Head-to-tail or side-chain cyclization; linker/spacer as needed.
Ring size & flexibility Tuned for target engagement (rigid vs flexible linkers).
Functional handles Labels, click handles, cysteine, or other modifications on request.
Scale/purity targets Aligned to screening or advanced studies; project-dependent.
Technical Notes — Macrocycle design
Design guidance
  • Share any structure/epitope constraints and allowed linkage sites.
  • Macrocycle linkers can tune accessibility vs rigidity.
  • Consider orthogonal handles if downstream conjugation is needed.
Deliverables
  • Purified macrocycle + CoA (typical).
  • LC–MS confirmation; mapping options if needed.
  • Documentation aligned to project requirements.

Related: Macrocyclic peptide synthesis service page.

Bicyclic Peptide Synthesis Services

Bicyclic peptide synthesis creates two interconnected rings for higher rigidity and controlled presentation. This can improve specificity and affinity for challenging targets where single constraints are insufficient.

Design option Typical choices
Architecture Two-ring systems with defined anchor residues and bridge chemistry.
Constraint placement Selected to preserve binding residues and reduce strain.
Analytical needs Often benefits from additional confirmation of architecture (as needed).
Handles Optional conjugation-ready handles with planning.
Technical Notes — Rigidity & specificity
Design guidance
  • Provide the binding motif and any residues that must remain unmodified.
  • Ring placement can be tuned to control display and reduce off-target binding.
  • Tell us if you need defined thiol/disulfide states.
QC options
  • LC–MS and purity reporting (typical).
  • Optional mapping/confirmation if the architecture is complex.
  • Reproducibility support for screening and hit-to-lead work.

Related: Bicyclic peptide synthesis service page.

Helical / Constrained Peptide Services

Helical/constrained peptides bias secondary structure (often alpha helices) using helix-promoting residues, short constraints, or design features that stabilize the bioactive presentation.

Design option Typical choices
Helix target region Defined segment that drives binding or function.
Constraint strategy Helix-promoting residues, short constraints, or partial stabilization.
Termini & caps Optional capping strategies to support helix stability.
Handles Optional labels or conjugation handles with planning.
Technical Notes — Conformation bias
Design guidance
  • Provide any structural data or known binding hotspots.
  • We can recommend where constraints help without blocking activity.
  • Discuss solubility and assay conditions early.
Deliverables
  • Purified peptide + CoA (typical).
  • LC–MS confirmation; optional additional analytics as needed.
  • Compatible with labels, linkers, and conjugation handles.

Related: Helical / constrained peptides service page.

FAQ

When should I choose cyclic peptide synthesis vs stapled peptide synthesis?

Cyclic peptides reduce flexibility by ring closure and are broadly useful for stability and binding geometry control. Stapled peptides specifically stabilize helical structure and are often used for helix-mediated targets (e.g., PPIs).

What’s the difference between macrocyclic and bicyclic peptides?

Macrocyclic peptides have one ring; bicyclic peptides have two rings. Bicycles are typically more rigid and can improve specificity and affinity for difficult targets.

Do constrained peptides require extra QC?

In addition to standard LC–MS and purity, some projects benefit from extra confirmation of cyclization/stapling success, disulfide state, or mapping to ensure reproducibility.

Can you add labels or conjugation handles to constrained peptides?

Yes. Common add-ons include cysteine, click handles, biotin, dyes, and cleavable linkers—when planned into the design.

What information speeds a quote for cyclic/macrocyclic peptides?

Sequence(s), proposed linkage sites, desired ring size/strategy, target purity/scale, and any required handles. If you have a target or assay, include it to inform constraint selection.

How do I choose between helical/constrained designs and macrocycles?

If your bioactive conformation is helical, helical/constrained designs (including stapling) are often best. If broader conformational restriction is needed, macrocycles can provide strong stabilization while preserving binding surface area.

CONTACT US

Speak to a Constrained Peptide Scientist

Share your sequence(s), target conformation (cyclic/stapled/macrocyclic/bicyclic/helical), any required linkers/handles, and the intended application. We’ll recommend practical specifications and a synthesis/QC plan aligned to your goals.

Tip: If the peptide is hydrophobic/long/cysteine-rich, include that context so we can route the request to the right synthesis strategy.

Why Choose Bio-Synthesis

Trusted by biotech leaders worldwide for over 40+ years of delivering high quality, fast and scalable synthetic biology solutions.