Lead peptides require further optimization to meet stringent requirements for affinity, stability and specificity in drug development and diagnostic applications. Leveraging Yeast Display Technology Platform, Creative Biolabs offers a one-stop peptide discovery service to break performance limitations of native peptides and achieve directed evolution of lead peptides.
Using initial positive peptides as templates, our service constructs second-generation mutant libraries via error-prone PCR or saturation mutagenesis, followed by rigorous screening through flow cytometry sorting. While retaining target-binding capability, we isolate mutants with picomolar-level binding affinity (KD) or markedly improved conformational stability, converting promising yet underperforming lead peptides into candidate molecules ready for downstream development.
Identify immunogenic peptide candidates for vaccine development or TCR-directed therapeutics.
Map binding interfaces and discover competitive peptide ligands.
Study phosphorylation, glycosylation, and other modifications.
Combine bioinformatics and display for intelligently designed libraries.
We combine standardized protocols with tailored solutions and provide end-to-end full-process services, helping you efficiently acquire high-quality candidate ligands and comprehensive experimental data.
Parent peptide sequence or a preliminary lead binder
Target antigen (purified protein, peptide-MHC complex, or cell surface marker)
Mutagenic library generation (error-prone PCR, site-saturation, or combinatorial mutagenesis)
Yeast surface display of the peptide library
Magnetic bead pre-selection to enrich functional clones
Multi-round FACS sorting using fluorescently labeled target
Recovery and sequencing of improved variants
Ranked list of peptide mutants with binding data (relative fluorescence intensity, EC50/KD estimates)
Sequence alignment and diversity analysis
Purified plasmid or yeast glycerol stocks of top candidates
Summary report with experimental conditions and sorting parameters
Typically, 12-16 weeks from library construction to delivery of final candidates, depending on library size and selection stringency.
The yeast display platform provides a eukaryotic expression environment that supports proper folding and post-translational processing of peptides including those with disulfide bonds or constrained architectures. Each cell displays a single peptide variant, enabling precise, quantitative flow cytometric sorting based on target binding. The platform's high clonal stability and compatibility with FACS allow for rapid enrichment of high-affinity clones from libraries exceeding 108 diversity.
For complete technical specifications, visit the dedicated platform page: Yeast Display Platform
▷ Full-quantitative sorting: Fluorescence intensity is directly correlated with binding affinity. This allows discrimination of subtle affinity differences (e.g., 2-fold KD improvements) during FACS, enabling true picomolar binders to outcompete weaker variants.
▷ Multi-dimensional screening: Simultaneous selection for multiple traits: affinity (binding signal), thermostability (heating challenge before sorting), and protease resistance (brief exposure to proteases). This delivers peptides that are not only high-affinity but also stable and functional under physiological conditions.
▷ Mutagenesis library types: error-prone PCR, site-saturation (NNK/NNS), combinatorial scanning
▷ Non-natural or backbone-modified amino acids (yeast amber suppression or chemical conjugation after display)
▷ Selection pressures: affinity (KD), specificity (counter-sorting against off-targets), stability (thermal/chemical denaturation)
▷ Peptide drug optimization for GPCRs, ion channels, or intracellular targets
▷ High-affinity tracer design for flow cytometry, immunoassays, or imaging
Explore our complete suite of yeast display technology offerings
Custom library design and construction covering diverse peptide scaffolds and diversities.
High-throughput FACS-based screening against soluble, membrane-bound, or complex antigen targets.
Rationally improve antibody lead affinity and biophysical properties.
Enhance TCR specificity, affinity, or stability for cell therapy applications.
Full human antibody discovery from naïve or immune yeast display libraries.
End-to-end antibody hit generation against challenging targets.
Improve expression, stability, or activity of protein leads through directed evolution.
All listed services and products are For Research Use Only. Do Not use in any diagnostic or therapeutic applications.