Analysis of peptides synthesized in the presence of SAz-1 montmorillonite and Cu(2+) exchanged hectorite.

We have investigated the synthesis of oligopeptides containing glycine and tyrosine in the presence of the clay minerals montmorillonite (non-exchanged, SAz-1) and Cu(2+) exchanged hectorite. In both cases, homopolymers of the two amino acids are formed, as are mixed peptides. In the case of Cu(2+) hectorite, mixed oligopeptides up to trimers are detected in small amounts. For montmorillonite, heterogeneous oligopeptides up to hexamers are detected. Our experiments indicate montmorillonite is more effective in promoting oligopeptide formation than Cu(2+) hectorite. Analysis of the oligopeptide sequences formed on the montmorillonite surfaces indicates preferential synthesis of certain Gly-Tyr sequences over others.