How to Store Research Peptides: Lyophilised and Reconstituted

Why storage matters

Peptides are chains of amino acids. Over time they can break down through hydrolysis (reaction with water), oxidation (especially sequences containing methionine, cysteine or tryptophan) and aggregation. Heat, moisture, light and repeated temperature changes all speed these processes up. Good storage keeps the material as close as possible to the purity shown on its Certificate of Analysis.

Lyophilised (freeze-dried) peptides are the most stable form. Keep the vial sealed until you need it.

• For long-term storage, keep sealed vials in a freezer at −20 °C (or −80 °C where available).
• For short-term storage of a few weeks, a laboratory refrigerator at 2–8 °C is usually sufficient.
• Keep vials in their box or another dark container, away from direct light.
• Avoid frost-free freezers with automatic defrost cycles, which repeatedly warm the contents.

Always follow any product-specific storage conditions stated on the label or Certificate of Analysis.

The most common cause of moisture damage happens in the first minute after taking a vial out of the cold.

• Work with clean, dry tools and gloves.
• Wipe the rubber stopper with 70% isopropyl alcohol before piercing it.
• Take out only what you need and reseal promptly.

Once dissolved, peptides are much less stable than in powder form.

• Store solutions in the refrigerator at 2–8 °C and protect them from light.
• Stability in solution depends on the sequence, the solvent and the pH – it can range from days to several weeks.
• For longer storage, divide the solution into single-use aliquots and freeze them at −20 °C, so each portion is thawed only once.
• Label every vial or aliquot with the peptide name, concentration, solvent, batch number and date.

The right solvent depends on the peptide and the experiment. The solubility information on the product page or COA is the best starting point.

Add the solvent slowly along the side of the vial and swirl gently. Do not shake vigorously, as this can cause foaming and aggregation.

Quick checklist

1. Sealed powder at −20 °C for long-term storage
2. Vials kept dark and dry
3. Cold vials warmed to room temperature before opening
4. Appropriate solvent chosen from the product information
5. Solutions stored at 2–8 °C and protected from light
6. Single-use aliquots for longer storage
7. Every vial labelled with name, concentration, batch and date

All products sold by Auron Elite are intended strictly for in-vitro laboratory research use only. Not for human or veterinary use, and not for consumption. This article is for informational purposes only and describes laboratory handling, not any use in humans or animals.