Storage and Handling of Lyophilized Research Peptides

Why lyophilized form

Freeze-drying removes water, which slows hydrolysis, deamidation and many microbial risks. Powder is generally far more stable than the same peptide in solution, which is why research peptides are typically supplied as a lyophilized cake.

Storage of unopened material

• Temperature: store at −20°C or colder for long-term storage; follow the product-specific guidance on the label or product page.
• Light: keep in the original container, away from direct light.
• Moisture: keep tightly sealed. Many peptides are hygroscopic and take up atmospheric water quickly.

Before opening

Allow the vial to reach room temperature in a desiccator or sealed bag before opening. Opening a cold vial draws moisture from the air onto the powder, which accelerates degradation.

Reconstitution

• Use the solvent appropriate to the compound and your assay, for example sterile water, a buffer, or a small amount of organic co-solvent for hydrophobic sequences.
• Add solvent slowly down the vial wall and swirl gently; avoid vigorous shaking, which can cause aggregation or foaming.
• Use sterile technique and sterile consumables.

Aliquoting and freeze–thaw

Repeated freeze–thaw cycles damage peptides in solution. After reconstitution, divide the solution into single-use aliquots, label with compound, concentration and date, and store at the temperature appropriate to the product. Solutions are generally stored refrigerated for short periods or frozen for longer; check the storage note for the specific compound.

Sequence-specific cautions

Record keeping

Log lot number, date received, date opened and date of reconstitution. If results change unexpectedly, handling history is the first thing to review. Product-specific storage notes are listed on each product page in our catalog.