Green Dream or Tough Reality? Swapping Acid for Better Health

The process of forming and building proteins is a delicate task that could benefit from the removal of harmful substances. Scientists and researchers have been experimenting with safer alternatives to lessen the risk of contamination to humans and to the planet itself. If you break down the two most used substances, the first, N, N-dimethylformamide (DMF), which is already limited in use in Europe. The second, trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), is a problematic member of the PFAS group which are know for taking a long time to break down. These chemicals pose a health risks if mishandled. The solution that the scientific community has turned to is commonly known as methanesulfonic acid (MSA). This stuff has the ability to be used less quantities because it is stronger than TFA. But the acidity of MSA can be strong enough to remove protective groups during reaction processes like peptide synthesis (SPPS). However it does have complications. It can be diluted to a suitable level, sometimes with solvents. Such as , dimethylcarbonate (DMC).

But there are especially big challenges in the process of removing protecting groups. Sometimes it's important to keep certain parts of the proteins intact and safe. Some acids do the job in a flash like aspirin. But not all. and any chemical will have secondary concerns. For instance, the trityl (Trt) group of histidine (His) is difficult to remove. And getting rid of the Trt group of other amino acids such as asparagine (Asn) or glutamine (Gln) can cause problems. As well as Aspartimide, a by product in Asn-containing peptides. This is why, today scientists have their hands full, finding better, more efficient answers. The environmental impact is alarming. With the increasing restrictions, it has prompted for alternative to be used in replacing and take over the use of TFA is more. The main problem is taking green product that otherwise seem to be great and lessening the harmful by products it can take.

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