PeptidePedia

Accuracy and Sterility are Key

Reconstituting lyophilized (freeze-dried) peptides is a fundamental skill for any researcher. Performing this process correctly ensures the peptide's integrity and prevents contamination. This guide assumes you have your lyophilized peptide vial, a vial of bacteriostatic water, and sterile syringes.

Disclaimer: This information is for research purposes only. Always follow sterile procedures in a clean environment.

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

• Vial of lyophilized peptide
• Vial of bacteriostatic water
• Alcohol swabs
• Syringe for reconstitution (e.g., 3ml with a 21g needle)
• Syringe for administration (e.g., insulin syringe)

Step 2: Prepare the Vials

• Flip off the plastic caps from both the peptide vial and the bacteriostatic water vial.
• Wipe the rubber stopper of each vial thoroughly with an alcohol swab. This is a critical step to prevent contamination.

Step 3: Draw the Water

• Take your reconstitution syringe and draw air into it, equivalent to the amount of water you will be drawing. For example, if you need 2ml of water, draw 2ml of air into the syringe.
• Insert the needle into the bacteriostatic water vial and inject the air. This equalizes the pressure and makes it easier to draw the water out.
• Turn the vial upside down and draw the desired amount of water into the syringe.

Step 4: Reconstitute the Peptide

• Take the syringe filled with bacteriostatic water and insert the needle into the lyophilized peptide vial.
• Crucially, do not inject the water directly onto the peptide powder. Aim the needle at the side of the glass vial.
• Slowly and gently inject the water so that it runs down the side of the vial. Peptides are delicate. Forceful injection can damage the molecules.
• The peptide should dissolve almost instantly. If it doesn't, gently swirl the vial. Do not shake the vial vigorously.

Step 5: Storage

• Once reconstituted, your peptide must be stored in the refrigerator.
• Never store reconstituted peptides at room temperature or freeze them.
• Properly stored, most peptides are stable for several weeks. Check the specifications for your particular peptide.

By following these steps, you can ensure your research compounds are prepared safely and effectively.