Research Use Only Lab handling
Storage & Handling
Peptides are sensitive molecules. Proper storage extends shelf life dramatically and protects experimental reproducibility. Below is the protocol we follow internally and recommend to every researcher.
Lyophilized vials (unopened)
| Temperature | Stability |
|---|---|
| Room temp (≤ 25 °C) | Up to 30 days — for shipping & short bench storage only |
| Refrigerator (2–8 °C) | Up to 6 months |
| Freezer (-20 °C) | 24 months — recommended long-term |
| Ultra-low (-80 °C) | 36+ months |
Best practice: Move vials to -20 °C or below as soon as you've inspected them. Lyophilized peptide is stable in the cold and dark — light, heat, and humidity are the enemies.
Reconstitution
- Remove vial from cold storage and allow to reach room temperature (15–20 min) — this prevents condensation inside the vial.
- Use bacteriostatic water (BAC) or sterile water for injection. BAC adds benzyl alcohol (0.9%) which preserves peptide stability after reconstitution.
- Inject reconstitution solvent against the inside wall of the vial — never directly onto the lyophilized cake.
- Swirl gently. Do not shake — agitation can denature peptides.
- Wait 30–60 seconds for full dissolution. Solution should be clear.
Reconstituted vials
| Solvent | Storage | Stability |
|---|---|---|
| Bacteriostatic water | 2–8 °C, dark | 4–8 weeks |
| Sterile water | 2–8 °C, dark | 1–2 weeks |
| Reconstituted, frozen aliquots | -20 °C | 3–6 months (avoid freeze-thaw cycles) |
Freeze-thaw cycles
Each freeze-thaw cycle degrades a small percentage of peptide. For long-running studies, aliquot reconstituted peptide into single-use volumes before freezing — pull one aliquot, thaw, use, discard.
Stability flags — when to discard
- Solution becomes cloudy or shows visible particulates
- Color change (peptides should be colorless to very pale)
- Stored above recommended temperature for > 72 hours
- Past stability window for your storage condition
General handling
- Always use clean technique — sterile syringes, alcohol-wiped septa.
- Minimize exposure to light and air during reconstitution.
- Label reconstituted vials with date, concentration, and solvent.
- Document lot numbers in your lab notebook for reproducibility.
Research Use Only. These guidelines are for laboratory handling. They do not constitute medical advice or clearance for human use.