Maintaining peptide stability is essential for consistent and reliable results in any research setting. Improper storage can lead to degradation, contamination, and loss of bioactivity—affecting reproducibility and wasting valuable resources.
At Poly Biotech, we provide high-purity peptides for research purposes, along with detailed handling instructions. This guide is designed to help researchers in Colombia store and reconstitute peptides safely using best practices and sterile technique.
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Understanding Peptide Stability
Peptides in lyophilized (freeze-dried) form are the most stable for long-term storage. However, several environmental factors can affect their stability, including:
- Temperature
- Light exposure
- Humidity
- Oxidation
- pH level after reconstitution
As a general rule, peptides degrade faster in solution than in powder form. For this reason, researchers are advised to store lyophilized peptides in airtight containers in the cold and reconstitute only what is needed.
Source: NIH – Peptide Storage and Stability
Storage Instructions for Lyophilized (Powder) Peptides
Follow these best practices to store peptides in lyophilized form:
- Keep the peptide in its original vial with the cap sealed tightly.
- Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct light exposure.
- For long-term storage: place in a freezer at -20°C or colder.
- For short-term storage (under 2 months): refrigeration at 2–8°C is acceptable.
- To avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles, aliquot peptides into smaller vials after reconstitution.
Note: Always label each vial with the peptide name, concentration, and date opened.
Reconstitution with Bacteriostatic Water (BAC Water)
Bacteriostatic water is sterile water containing 0.9% benzyl alcohol. This preservative helps prevent bacterial growth in multi-dose vials, making it preferred for reconstituted peptides that will be stored for multiple uses.
Reconstitution Steps:
- Wipe vial tops with alcohol swabs to ensure sterility.
- Use a sterile syringe to withdraw the appropriate volume of BAC water.
- Slowly inject the BAC water into the vial, letting it run down the inside wall to avoid foaming.
- Swirl the vial gently (do not shake) until fully dissolved.
- Label the vial with the reconstitution date and concentration.
Source: USP Compounding Guidelines
Storage of Reconstituted Peptides
- Store at 2–8°C (refrigerated) immediately after reconstitution.
- Use within 2–4 weeks when reconstituted with BAC water.
- For longer-term use, aliquot into sterile vials and freeze at -20°C.
- Do not store reconstituted peptides at room temperature.
Important: Always discard any peptide solution that appears cloudy, discolored, or contaminated.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using plain sterile water (without preservative) for multi-dose use
- Shaking the vial vigorously—this can damage peptide chains
- Leaving peptides at room temperature for extended periods
- Repeatedly thawing and refreezing peptide solutions
Proper handling preserves peptide integrity and improves consistency in research applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can peptides be stored at room temperature?
Only for short periods and only in lyophilized form. Reconstituted peptides should always be refrigerated or frozen to maintain stability.
How long do peptides last in bacteriostatic water?
Generally, 2 to 4 weeks when refrigerated. This may vary depending on the peptide and concentration.
Can peptides be frozen after reconstitution?
Yes, aliquoting and freezing at -20°C is a common method to extend the usable life of a reconstituted peptide for research purposes.
Why is BAC water better than sterile water?
BAC water contains a preservative (benzyl alcohol) that helps inhibit bacterial growth, making it suitable for multi-use storage of reconstituted peptides in research settings.
How do I know if a peptide has degraded?
Discoloration, cloudiness, or visible particulates may indicate degradation. For research-grade verification, analytical methods like HPLC or MS are required.
Conclusion
Proper peptide storage practices help preserve compound integrity and reduce variability in research results. Whether you’re working in molecular biology, cosmetic science, or pharmacological studies, good storage is essential for reproducible outcomes.
Poly Biotech provides high-purity peptides for research use in Colombia, along with detailed documentation and handling guidance.
