Lyophilization (freeze‑drying) helps stabilize peptides for transport and storage. Still, environmental factors can degrade integrity. This guide outlines practical, RUO‑appropriate steps to preserve quality from delivery to bench.
On Arrival: Inspect and Log
- Confirm intact vials, caps, and seals.
- Record date, lot number, and storage location in your inventory system.
- File CoA and SDS for the batch.
Storage Conditions (Dry State)
- Temperature: Follow the label/CoA. Many lyophilized peptides store well at −20 °C or lower; short‑term storage at 2–8 °C may be acceptable if specified.
- Moisture control: Keep vials capped; minimize ambient humidity exposure.
- Light: Store in a dark or amber‑protected environment.
Reconstitution Window
- Plan your experiment before reconstitution to reduce freeze‑thaw cycles.
- Use sterile diluents as appropriate for lab protocols.
- Gently swirl to dissolve; avoid foaming that may denature delicate sequences.
Aliquoting Strategy
- Reconstitute to a convenient stock concentration.
- Aliquot into small volumes to avoid repeated freeze‑thaw.
- Label each aliquot with name, concentration, date, and lot.
Stability Considerations
- pH & buffer: Choose buffers compatible with the peptide’s chemistry.
- Temperature: Store aliquots at recommended temperatures (often −20 °C or −80 °C) and avoid temperature cycling.
- Time: Use within your lab’s validated window; discard beyond your SOP limits.
Disposal
- Follow your institution’s chemical hygiene plan and local regulations.
RUO Notice: Information is for laboratory research workflows only.