Glycopeptide Synthesis

Custom glycosylated peptides with site-specific attachment and defined glycoforms—designed for reproducibility, structure–function insight, and assay-ready performance.

ISO 900:2015/ISO13485:2016 45+ Years of Expertise U.S. Facilities - Texas Custom Glycopeptide Fit-for-purpose - O-Linked & N-Linked Options GalNAc & tri-GalNAc conjugates

Overview

Defined glycosylation where it matters

Bio-Synthesis provides custom glycopeptide synthesis services focused on the controlled preparation of peptides bearing site-specific carbohydrate modifications. Our workflows are designed to deliver sequence-defined glycopeptides with precisely placed glycans, enabling reproducible structure–function and biological studies.

We support both O-linked (Ser/Thr) and N-linked (Asn) glycopeptides, including single-site and multi-site designs, using sequence-aware solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS), orthogonally protected glycosylated amino acid building blocks, and fragment-based strategies when required for longer or sterically demanding sequences.

Each project is planned around your downstream application, with a fit-for-purpose purification and QC strategy (HPLC/MS standard; expanded characterization available as needed) to ensure the delivered material is suitable for immunology, binding, or mechanistic studies.

O-linked & N-linked options Defined glycoforms (homogeneous) Sequence-aware SPPS/fragment plans Fit-for-purpose QC (HPLC/MS) U.S. Facilities - Texas
Example glycopeptide structures illustrating O-linked and N-linked glycosylation
Figure: Representative glycopeptide architectures showing O-linked (Ser/Thr) and N-linked (Asn) glycosylation.
Site-specific

Glycan placed at defined residue(s) to preserve biological meaning and enable reproducibility.

Sequence-aware

Aggregation, sterics, and protecting-group orthogonality are planned upfront.

Fit-for-purpose QC

HPLC/MS standard; optional methods selected based on the glycan and decision you need to make.

Related services: Peptide Modifications, Vaccine Peptides, Antibody Production Peptides. For ready-made options, browse Catalog Peptides.

What is a glycopeptide?

Working definition

A glycopeptide is a peptide bearing one or more covalently attached carbohydrate (glycan) units. The glycan can influence conformation, solubility, binding, and immune recognition.

  • Defined glycan identity and attachment site(s)
  • Controlled linkage/chemistry (project-dependent)
  • Useful for epitope and receptor-binding studies
Why homogeneity matters

Many biological readouts are sensitive to glycoform mixtures. Homogeneous (defined) glycopeptides reduce ambiguity and improve reproducibility across experiments.

  • Cleaner structure–function relationships
  • Better comparability across analog series
  • More interpretable binding/immune data

Glycopeptide types we synthesize

O-linked glycopeptides

Glycans attached to Ser/Thr residues; common in mucin-like epitopes and immunology workflows.

  • Single-site or multi-site designs
  • Defined glycan building blocks
  • Good for epitope mapping
N-linked glycopeptides

Glycans attached to Asn (often via GlcNAc core motifs); useful for glycoprotein mimic studies.

  • Site-specific attachment planning
  • Sequence-dependent steric control
  • Compatible with fragment strategies
Defined glycoforms

Homogeneous glycopeptides for mechanistic and binding studies where mixtures mask signal.

  • Analog series (glycan or site variants)
  • Assay-aligned purity/QC
  • Batch-to-batch reproducibility focus
Common project formats
  • Glycopeptide antigens and vaccine candidates
  • Lectin/receptor binding probes
  • Glycoepitope mapping panels
  • Glycan-position scanning series
  • Conjugation-ready glycopeptides (handles on request)
  • Stability-focused designs (sequence-dependent)
Typical glycan modifiers & glyco-building blocks

Below is a practical list of commonly requested glyco-modifiers. Availability and best route depend on linkage, protecting-group strategy, sequence behavior, and desired homogeneity.

  • GalNAc (including clustered/branched designs)
  • tri-GalNAc (multivalent GalNAc motifs; project-specific spacers)
  • GlcNAc (including N-linked core motifs)
  • Galactose (Gal), Mannose (Man)
  • Fucose (Fuc)
  • Sialic acid (e.g., Neu5Ac; project-dependent)
  • LacNAc / disaccharide motifs (project-dependent)
  • Mucin-type O-glycan cores (project-dependent)
  • Glycan-position scanning series (site and glycan variants)
  • Conjugation-ready glycopeptides (azide/alkyne/biotin on request)

If you’re unsure which glycan to choose, share your target and biological goal. We’ll recommend a practical design and a QC plan aligned to the decision you need to make.

Synthesis workflow

1) Design review

Confirm sequence, glycan identity, attachment site(s), and any required handles (biotin, azide/alkyne, cysteine, etc.).

  • Risk check: aggregation & sterics
  • Protecting-group compatibility plan
  • Purity/quantity targets
2) Synthesis strategy

Select SPPS with glyco-amino acids, or fragment condensation for longer/heavily glycosylated sequences.

  • Optimized coupling/deprotection cycles
  • Side-reaction control planning
  • Cleavage and workup aligned to glycan stability
3) Purification & QC

Deliver assay-ready material with identity/purity documentation and optional characterization depending on your decision needs.

  • MS identity confirmation
  • Analytical HPLC profile
  • Optional glycan-focused verification (project-dependent)
What to send for a fast quote
  • Peptide sequence(s) and length
  • Glycan name/structure (or desired class)
  • Attachment site(s): Ser/Thr or Asn positions
  • Quantity and purity target
  • Downstream use (immunology, binding, MS, etc.)
  • Any required labels/handles

Comparison table

Buyers searching “glycopeptide synthesis” typically compare vendors on defined glycoforms, site specificity, technical transparency, and QC clarity. Use this checklist to evaluate any provider.

Approach Defined glycoforms Site-specific Technical transparency QC clarity Best fit
Design-led SPPS (glyco-amino acids) High HPLC/MS + options Most custom O/N-linked glycopeptides
SPPS + fragment condensation High Project-specific Long or multi-site glycopeptides
“Standard” catalog-style offerings Low Varies Quick procurement when exact match exists
Mixture-prone workflows (poorly specified) × × Low Minimal Not recommended when reproducibility matters

If you want ready-made peptides (non-glycosylated), see Catalog Peptides. For defined glycosylation, request a custom quote.

Applications

Immunology & epitope mapping
  • Glycoepitope panels
  • Antibody specificity studies
  • Immune recognition and cross-reactivity
Vaccines & antigen design
  • Defined glycoantigens
  • Conjugation-ready vaccine peptides
  • Structure–immunogenicity studies
Binding & mechanistic studies
  • Lectin/receptor binding probes
  • Glycosylation-function relationships
  • Biophysical characterization inputs
Common reasons glycopeptides fail (and how we plan around it)
  • Steric hindrance: choose building blocks + coupling strategy appropriate to glycan size
  • Aggregation: adjust resin/solvent strategy and consider fragment routes
  • Protecting-group conflicts: plan orthogonality early to avoid dead-ends
  • Glycan sensitivity: align cleavage/deprotection to glycan stability
  • Purification complexity: method selection and staged purification planning
  • Analytical ambiguity: QC chosen to match your decision requirements

Quality control & characterization

Standard QC
  • MS identity confirmation
  • Analytical HPLC profile / purity
  • COA + supporting documentation
Optional characterization
  • Additional LC methods (project-dependent)
  • Glycan-focused confirmation approaches (project-dependent)
  • Custom documentation bundles
When to add more

If your goal is to compare glycoforms or prove site occupancy, tell us what decision the data must support—then we’ll recommend the right options.

  • Compare analog series
  • Validate glycoform identity
  • Support publication-ready reporting

Specifications & typical deliverables

Use this as a checklist for your quote request. If you’re unsure, send your sequence(s) and goal—we’ll propose options.

Parameter Typical options Notes for glycopeptide projects
Attachment type O-linked (Ser/Thr), N-linked (Asn) Specify site(s) and glycan identity; we’ll confirm feasibility and protection strategy.
Glycan identity Defined building blocks / specified structures (e.g., GalNAc, tri-GalNAc, GlcNAc and project-specific motifs) Provide glycan name/structure if available; we can also discuss practical options.
Sequence length Project-dependent Long or multi-site designs may benefit from fragment strategies.
Quantity µg–mg+ (project-dependent) Constraint chemistry and purification affect yield; we’ll set expectations early.
Purity Crude to higher purity upon request Purity targets should match downstream use; method tuning may be needed.
Standard deliverables COA, MS, HPLC Additional reporting available for regulated or publication workflows.

FAQ

Can you synthesize both O-linked and N-linked glycopeptides?

Yes. We support O-linked (Ser/Thr) and N-linked (Asn) formats. Feasibility depends on glycan identity, attachment site(s), sequence behavior, and required deliverables.

What do you need from me to start a glycopeptide project?

Send your peptide sequence(s), glycan identity/structure (if known—e.g., GalNAc or tri-GalNAc), attachment site(s), desired quantity/purity, and downstream use. If you are unsure about glycan options, share your biological goal and we’ll propose practical designs.

Do you provide homogeneous (defined) glycoforms?

When feasible, yes. Defined glycoforms reduce ambiguity and improve reproducibility. We’ll recommend an approach that matches your glycan and decision needs.

Can you add labels or functional handles?

Yes—biotin, fluorophores, azide/alkyne, cysteine, linkers, and other modifications can often be incorporated with proper orthogonality planning.

What QC is included by default?

Standard deliverables typically include MS identity confirmation, an HPLC profile, and a COA. Optional characterization can be added based on the glycan and your decision requirements.

Why are glycopeptides sometimes “difficult” to synthesize?

Sterics around glycosylated residues, aggregation, protecting-group conflicts, and glycan sensitivity can all reduce yields or complicate purification. A design-led strategy reduces risk.

If you also need peptide modifications or conjugations, see Peptide Modifications.

Contact & quote request

Fast quote checklist
  • Sequence(s) + desired attachment site(s)
  • Glycan identity/structure (or desired class)
  • Quantity, purity, and timeline
  • Downstream use and any required labels/handles
Need help choosing the strategy?

Send your sequence and goal. We’ll recommend a practical synthesis + QC plan aligned to your glycan, attachment site(s), and decision requirements.

  • Strategy selection (SPPS vs fragment-based)
  • Protecting-group and side-reaction planning
  • Purification and QC options aligned to use

Also available: Catalog Peptides for ready-made, on-demand options.

Why Choose Bio-Synthesis

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