Guide

How to reconstitute a lyophilised peptide

Reconstitution is simply dissolving a freeze-dried peptide in liquid. Done gently and cleanly it takes two minutes; done roughly it can degrade the peptide.

What you need

A vial of lyophilised peptide, bacteriostatic water, an alcohol swab and a U-100 syringe. Bacteriostatic water contains 0.9% benzyl alcohol, which lets you draw from the same vial repeatedly over weeks. Plain sterile water has no preservative and is single-use.

Step by step

01 Let the vial reach room temperature. Cold glass encourages condensation, and condensation encourages clumping.

02 Swab both rubber stoppers with alcohol and let them dry.

03 Draw your chosen volume of bacteriostatic water.

04 Insert the needle at an angle and let the water run slowly down the inside wall of the vial. Never fire it directly onto the powder.

05 Swirl gently, or simply leave it to stand for a few minutes. Never shake — agitation shears peptide bonds and produces foam.

06 Once fully clear, label the vial with the concentration and date, and refrigerate.

Choosing your volume

More water means a more dilute solution and larger, easier-to-measure draws. Less water means a smaller draw but less margin for measurement error. For most vials between 1ml and 2ml gives a workable balance. Use the calculator to see the numbers before you commit.

Signs something is wrong

A solution that stays cloudy, has visible particles, or has changed colour should not be used. A small amount of powder clinging to the wall of the vial is normal and will usually dissolve on standing.

Supplied strictly as a laboratory reference material for in-vitro research. Not a medicine, food or cosmetic. Not for human or veterinary consumption, diagnostic or therapeutic use.