Lyophilisation removes virtually all water from the peptide, creating a dry solid that is far less susceptible to hydrolysis, oxidation and microbial contamination. The absence of bulk solvent means that chemical reactions that require water are dramatically slowed, preserving the primary sequence and any post-synthetic modifications.
Peptides are inherently hygroscopic and can absorb moisture from the environment. Even small amounts of water can promote aggregation or deamidation, especially for sequences rich in labile residues. By delivering the material as a powder, the risk of moisture-induced degradation during the shipping interval is minimized.
Packaging for shipment
The dry product is sealed in airtight vials, often under an inert gas such as nitrogen or argon, and can be packed with desiccants. This combination protects the peptide from both atmospheric oxygen and humidity, and it also eliminates the need for temperature-controlled shipping in many cases, reducing cost and logistical complexity.
Handling on arrival
When the powder reaches the laboratory, it should be stored at -20 °C or colder and protected from moisture until reconstitution. Reconstitute with the recommended solvent, vortex briefly, and avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles. Following these simple practices ensures that the peptide retains the quality expected from the supplier.
For research use only. This guide covers bench handling of laboratory research materials. It does not describe an application, benefit, dose, route or outcome, and nothing in it is guidance for use in a person or an animal. Nothing sold by PepXtide has been evaluated by the FDA.