Storing and Handling Research Peptides

Lyophilised (freeze-dried) peptides are sensitive to heat, light, and moisture. These general laboratory fundamentals help maintain the integrity of a batch.

Freeze-dried: keep cool, dry, and protected from light

Peptides are most stable in their sealed, freeze-dried state. As a general rule of thumb for laboratory storage: is kept cool, dry and protected from light and. For longer storage, deep freezing at –20 °C named; the specific details for each batch can be found in the batch-specific Certificate of Analysis or the product documentation.

The three influencing factors

• Temperature Heat accelerates degradation. Store cool/frozen, avoid repeated temperature changes.
• Light : UV and daylight can affect sensitive molecules – store in the dark or in the original container.
• Moisture : Lyophilisates are hygroscopic (they take up water). Keep the vial closed until it is needed in the laboratory.

Laboratory handling

Handle vials cleanly and at a stable temperature, allow them to equilibrate fully to room temperature before opening (to avoid condensation), and work only in a suitable laboratory environment.

Bacteriostatic water as a laboratory reagent

Bacteriostatic water is sterile water containing a bacteriostatic additive (typically 0.9% benzyl alcohol). As a laboratory reagent, it is also stored in a cool, clean place; relevant quality characteristics include Sterility, the benzyl alcohol content and the pH value – not a „purity %“ as is the case with peptides. (This is a description of the material, not instructions for use.)

Note the batch and COA

Every recommendation here is general. The batch-specific information is decisive. Read how a certificate is structured: Understanding and reading a Certificate of Analysis (COA).