Cysteine-Containing Peptide Compositions for Oxidation Stability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cysteine formulations for cell culture and other applications suffer from rapid oxidation to cystine, leading to low solubility and stability issues, which are exacerbated by high oxygen concentrations, and current synthetic peptides are expensive, limiting their use in concentrated solutions.
Innovation Solution
The use of cysteine-containing oligopeptides and dipeptides, particularly at defined molar ratios, stabilizes cysteine against oxidative precipitation and increases solubility, offering a cost-effective alternative to synthetic peptides.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If free cysteine is used in concentrated liquid solutions, then it provides a source of cysteine/cystine to cells and tissues, but it rapidly oxidizes to cystine with low solubility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces Cys-dipeptides as intermediary compounds that mediate between free cysteine and cystine. These dipeptides act as a buffer system that prevents direct oxidation of free cysteine to cystine, thereby maintaining solution stability while providing a controlled source of cysteine/cystine to cells and tissues.
2Stability of the object's composition
If Cys-dipeptides are used to stabilize cysteine, then solubility is improved, but synthesis and purification steps increase cost significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a cost-effective strategy by using simple, easily synthesizable Cys-dipeptides that can be produced through straightforward chemical reactions. These dipeptides serve as a temporary stabilizing agent that can be readily replaced or degraded, providing an economical solution compared to complex, expensive synthetic peptides.
3Productivity
If highly concentrated solutions are prepared to intensify processes, then productivity is improved, but solubility limitations of cystine become more pronounced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the cysteine-containing compounds by using Cys-dipeptides with specific amino acid sequences and structures. This parameter change enables the formation of highly concentrated solutions while maintaining solubility, as the dipeptide structure provides both stability and concentration capability simultaneously.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The compositions provide stable, highly concentrated cysteine solutions at lower costs, suitable for cell culture, cosmetics, and nutritional applications, enhancing process efficiency and reducing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
it rapidly oxidizes to cystine in the presence of oxygen
Implementation Method 2
cystine has a low solubility
Data Source
AI summary
A composition may include at least one oligopeptide having solely alpha-peptide-bonds with one amino acid being cysteine (Cys), and free cysteine. A culture medium and may be used for culturing cells, preferably plant cells, animal cells, or mammalian cells, and a cell culture product may be manufactured using such a method.