Synthesis and surface activity measurements of HGV NS3 (513–522) peptide and its palmitoyl derivative

The NS3 (513–522) fragment of the hepatitis G virus (HGV) was manually synthesised by solid phase synthesis following Fluoren-9-ylmethoxycarbonyl (Fmoc)/tBut strategy. It was characterised by amino acid analysis, analytical HPLC and FAB-mass spectrometry. It showed strong hydrophilic properties as predicted by applying the Hopp and Woods scale. In an effort to reduce these properties to improve its affinity for lipidic membrane models as lipid monolayers and liposomes, the palmitoyl derivative of the peptide was synthesised. The lipophilic derivative was obtained by following the same strategy stated above and final acylation with palmitic acid. e activity measurements show that palmitoyl–NS3 (513–522), in contrast with the parent peptide, is able to modify the surface activity of water-forming monomolecular films. The result of the study indicates that saturation of superficial pressure is gained proportionally to the increased amounts of injected palmitoyl–NS3 (513–522).