Every research protocol needs the same foundation: a clean diluent, a sterile field, an accurate syringe and a stable vial. This guide explains each component and links back to the SPT Peptide glossary.
Bacteriostatic water is sterile water containing 0.9% benzyl alcohol as a preservative. It is the reference-standard diluent for reconstitution of lyophilised research peptides because the benzyl alcohol suppresses bacterial growth in the reconstituted vial for extended periods when refrigerated.
Low-dead-space U-100 insulin syringes (0.3–1 mL, 29–31 G) allow accurate micro-volume aliquoting from a reconstituted vial. The fixed, thin-gauge needle minimises septum coring and reduces peptide loss inside the barrel.
Best practice
Match syringe volume to expected aliquot size to minimise dead-space error.
Use each syringe once, then discard into a rigid sharps container.
Draw slowly to avoid cavitation bubbles that skew volumetric accuracy.
Type-I borosilicate glass vials are the pharmaceutical-grade storage container for both lyophilised and reconstituted peptides. Their low leachable profile, chemical inertness and thermal stability outperform standard soda-lime glass and prevent peptide adsorption artefacts in long research protocols.
Best practice
Store lyophilised material at −20 °C in the original sealed vial.
After reconstitution, keep upright and refrigerated at 2–8 °C.
Label with peptide identity, concentration, reconstitution date and lot.
70% isopropyl-alcohol prep pads disinfect vial septa and glassware before puncture. Consistent swab use is the single largest contributor to sterile-field integrity in peptide research handling.
Best practice
Swab the septum and let it air-dry for 5–10 s before piercing.
Use a fresh pad for every vial and every session.
Work on a wiped, uncluttered surface with clean gloved hands.
Lyophilisation preserves peptide integrity as a stable dry cake. Cold storage protocols extend that stability once the material has been reconstituted — the two together form the complete storage picture.
Best practice
Long-term (unopened, lyophilised): −20 °C, protected from light.
Short-term (reconstituted): 2–8 °C, refrigerator, upright.
Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles of reconstituted solutions.
