On receipt
- Check that the vial label, batch number and quantity match the packing list and the Certificate of Analysis.
- Inspect the seal and the appearance of the material. Lyophilised peptides are typically a dry cake or powder.
- Record the date of receipt, the batch number and the storage location in your laboratory inventory before use.
- Read the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and follow your institution's chemical-handling procedures.
Storage temperature
For long-term storage, lyophilised peptides are generally kept frozen, commonly at −20 °C, or at −80 °C for extended periods. Short-term storage at 2–8 °C is often acceptable for many sequences. Always follow the storage conditions stated on the supplier's documentation for the specific batch, because stability depends on the sequence.
Moisture is the main enemy
Lyophilised peptides are hygroscopic: they absorb water from the air, and absorbed moisture speeds up degradation. Two practical rules help:
- Warm before opening. Let a cold vial reach room temperature, ideally in a desiccator, before opening it. Opening a cold vial draws condensation onto the powder.
- Keep exposure short. Weigh quickly, reseal promptly, and store vials with desiccant where possible.
Light and oxygen
Some residues, including methionine, cysteine and tryptophan, are prone to oxidation. Store vials protected from light, and consider purging with an inert gas such as nitrogen or argon after opening if the sequence is oxidation-sensitive.
Peptides in solution
Peptides are much less stable once dissolved. Prepare solutions according to the supplier's batch information and your laboratory's validated protocols. Prepare only what you need, divide stock solutions into single-use aliquots, store them frozen, and avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles, which can degrade the peptide and cause aggregation.
Labelling and records
Label every vial and aliquot with the material name, batch number, concentration where relevant, preparation date and preparer. Link your experiment records to the batch number, so results can be traced back to the exact material and its Certificate of Analysis.
Disposal
Dispose of unused material, solutions and contaminated consumables according to your institution's chemical-waste procedures and local regulations.
Documentation from NEXA
Where supply is agreed, NEXA provides batch-specific documentation. If your protocols need particular storage or stability information, include that in your enquiry so it can be confirmed before quotation.
Further reading
How to read a peptide Certificate of Analysis
Research materials
This article is general laboratory information for qualified research staff. It is not medical advice and does not describe human or veterinary use.