When purchasing peptides for research purposes, it is important to keep in mind that these molecules are sold as an amorphous powder that has been lyophilized from a solution and must be reconstituted in a solvent before use. The most appropriate solvent will vary depending on the peptide’s chemical structure, desired solubility, and shelf-life needs. The most common solvents for solubilization include bacteriostatic and sterile water, although poorly soluble peptides may require organic solvents such as DMSO.
Once a peptide has been successfully reconstituted, the vial should be tightly capped and stored under an inert atmosphere to maintain long-term stability. Moisture absorption can significantly decrease peptide long-term stability, so it is important to minimize exposure to the surrounding environment. Similarly, a vial should be kept away from bright light to prevent photodegradation and degradation.
It is important to follow the established protocols and guidelines specific to your peptide of interest. This will help to ensure accurate and reproducible results. Additionally, the appropriate solvent and injection method should be selected to avoid denaturation or degradation. Injection is typically performed at a 45-degree angle to reduce the risk of tissue damage.
Using the correct equipment and handling techniques will also play an essential role in maintaining the integrity of your peptides and optimizing reconstituted results. For instance, a syringe should be filled with the required amount of bacteriostatic or sterile water and inserted into the peptide vial. This process should be done carefully to avoid contamination and to allow the peptide to dissolve completely.
To begin, the peptide and bacteriostatic or sterile water vial should be warmed to room temperature and sterilized with alcohol prep wipes. A syringe with a large needle will then be attached to the bacteriostatic or sterile water. The syringe needle should be injected into the lid of the peptide vial to withdraw the correct amount of solvent needed for reconstitution (typically 1mL). The syringe can then be removed from the vial and the needle disposed of in a sharps container.
Some individuals will suggest that you lightly swirl the peptide in the solvent. However, this is unnecessary and can potentially cause more harm than good. In most cases, the peptide will dissolve on its own. If you need to speed up the process, you can try sonication or very gently roll/swirl the peptide in your hands. Just be sure not to shake the peptide, as this can damage the structure.
The reconstituted peptide should be stored at a stable temperature until the desired experiments can be performed. Depending on the experiment, it can be stored at a normal room temperature or -20°C for short-term storage. It is advisable to store peptides in a dark, cool place to preserve the stability of the molecule. peptide vials