Solid-Phase Synthesis

 The bacteria C. Piscicola when in the presence of the foodborne pathogen Listeria monocytogenes will produce bacteriocins which are peptide-like structures that target and kill L. Mono as a self-defense mechanism. In this work, we will use solid phase synthesis to create the N-terminus of V1b and purify it using HPLC. Mass spectroscopy will be used to identify the newly made peptide. The advancement of bacteriocin research can have significant applications to everyday life. Foods pretreated with a small quantity of concentrated bacteriocin can elongate expiration periods for sensitive foods. This study will help us better understand the function of bacteriocins and how each terminus of the bacteriocin responds to a target cell.