Peptide Storage & Handling
Best Practices for Peptide Stability
Storage Conditions
Lyophilized (Freeze-Dried) Peptides
| Condition | Duration | Notes |
| -20 °C (freezer) | 1–2 years | Most peptides are stable |
| -80 °C (deep freeze) | 3–5 years | Best for long-term |
| 4 °C (refrigerator) | 3–12 months | Short-term storage |
| Room temperature | Days–weeks | Avoid; only for immediate use |
Reconstituted (Solution) Peptides
| Condition | Duration | Notes |
| -20 °C aliquot | 3–12 months | Single-use aliquots |
| 4 °C | 1–14 days | Depends on sequence |
| Room temp | Hours | Use immediately |
Reconstitution Guidelines
- Centrifuge vial briefly to collect powder at bottom
- Warm to room temperature (prevents moisture condensation)
- Add solvent appropriate for peptide (water, buffer, DMSO)
- Gentle vortex or pipette mixing
- Aliquot into single-use portions
- Archive aliquot for QC at time zero
Degradation Risks
| Risk Factor | Mitigation |
| Freeze-thaw cycles | Single-use aliquots only |
| Moisture absorption | Desiccator, bring to RT before opening |
| Light exposure | Amber vials, foil wrap |
| Oxygen | Nitrogen/argon headspace |
| Metal ions | Use metal-free containers |
| Microbial growth | Sterile handling, preservatives for solutions |
Shipping Conditions
| Shipment | Condition | Duration |
| Lyophilized, domestic | Room temp with ice pack | 24–48 h |
| Lyophilized, international | Ice pack + insulated box | 3–7 days |
| Solution, domestic | Dry ice + insulated box | 24–48 h |
| Solution, international | Dry ice + validated shipper | 3–5 days |
Shipping documentation: COA, MSDS, customs declaration (if international)
🔗 Related: Stability Testing | Lyophilization | Quality Control Overview | Tech Sheet Download Center