Peptide Care & Handling Guide

Peptides are biological molecules susceptible to degradation through various chemical processes including oxidation, hydrolysis, and enzymatic breakdown. Cold temperatures significantly slow these degradation processes, preserving molecular structure and research integrity. Freezing effectively halts most degradation mechanisms for long-term storage.

Yes. Temperature fluctuations and repeated freeze-thaw cycles can cause protein denaturation, aggregation, and loss of biological activity. Each temperature transition creates stress on the molecular structure. This is why maintaining consistent storage temperatures and avoiding freeze-thaw cycles is critical for preserving peptide quality.

Many peptides contain amino acids (like tryptophan, tyrosine, and cysteine) that are photosensitive. UV and visible light exposure can trigger photochemical reactions leading to oxidation, bond cleavage, and structural changes. This photodegradation reduces peptide purity and can alter biological properties, making light protection essential during storage and handling.

Storage duration for reconstituted peptides varies depending on the specific compound, solvent used, and storage conditions. Generally, reconstituted peptides stored at 2-8°C maintain stability for several days to weeks. Always consult product-specific documentation for precise stability data. For longer-term storage, lyophilized form is preferred.

Brief room temperature exposure (hours) typically doesn't cause significant degradation for lyophilized peptides, though it's not ideal. Immediately return to proper storage conditions. For prolonged exposure or reconstituted peptides, stability may be compromised. Consider requesting Certificate of Analysis and stability data, or contact technical support for guidance on whether the compound should still be used for research.