Understanding Research Peptides
Peptides are short chains of amino acids linked by peptide bonds. In research settings, synthetic peptides are used to study biological processes, receptor binding, signal transduction, and various physiological mechanisms. Research-grade peptides are synthesized using solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) and purified to high purity levels using HPLC.
Receiving Your Order
PepLab.us peptides are shipped as lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder in sealed, light-protected glass vials. Upon receiving your order:
- Inspect the packaging for any damage during transit
- Verify the product label matches your order
- Check the batch number against the Certificate of Analysis
- Store unopened vials according to the guidelines below
Storage Guidelines
Lyophilized (Unreconstituted) Peptides
Lyophilized peptides are highly stable when stored correctly. For optimal shelf life:
- Store at -20°C (standard freezer) for long-term storage
- Short-term storage at 2-8°C (refrigerator) is acceptable for up to 90 days
- Keep vials sealed and protected from light and moisture
- Do not store in frost-free freezers, as the temperature cycling can cause degradation
Reconstituted Peptides
Once reconstituted, peptides have a limited shelf life:
- Store reconstituted peptides at 2-8°C (refrigerator)
- Use within 30 days of reconstitution for optimal activity
- Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles. If you must freeze, aliquot into single-use portions
- Use sterile technique when withdrawing from the vial to prevent contamination
Reconstitution Protocol
To reconstitute lyophilized peptides for research use:
- Allow the vial to reach room temperature before opening
- Use bacteriostatic water (0.9% benzyl alcohol) or sterile water as the diluent
- Using a sterile syringe, add the diluent slowly against the wall of the vial
- Do not shake; gently swirl or roll the vial to dissolve the powder
- Allow the solution to sit for several minutes if the powder does not dissolve immediately
- The resulting solution should be clear; discard if cloudiness or particulates are observed
Calculating Concentrations
To determine the concentration of your reconstituted peptide, use the formula:
Concentration (mg/mL) = Amount of peptide (mg) / Volume of diluent (mL)
For example, reconstituting a 5mg vial with 2mL of bacteriostatic water yields a concentration of 2.5 mg/mL.
Laboratory Best Practices
- Always work in a clean, controlled environment
- Use sterile syringes, needles, and alcohol swabs
- Label all reconstituted vials with the date, concentration, and compound name
- Maintain a research log documenting batch numbers, reconstitution dates, and storage conditions
- Dispose of all sharps and biological materials according to your institution's protocols
Understanding Certificates of Analysis
Every PepLab.us product comes with a Certificate of Analysis (COA) from an independent third-party laboratory. A COA typically includes:
- HPLC Purity: The percentage of the target peptide in the sample, measured by high-performance liquid chromatography
- Mass Spectrometry: Confirmation of the molecular weight matching the expected peptide identity
- Appearance: Physical description of the lyophilized product
- Batch Number: Unique identifier for traceability
You can view and download COAs for all current products on our Test Results page.
Disclaimer
All PepLab.us products are intended for in-vitro laboratory research only. They are not approved for human or veterinary use. Researchers are responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable regulations and institutional guidelines when using these compounds.
