Storage Protocol
Proper storage is essential to maintain peptide stability and integrity. This protocol covers temperature, light, moisture, and handling guidelines for both lyophilized and reconstituted compounds.
Temperature Guidelines
Temperature is the single most critical factor in peptide stability. Different storage states require different temperature ranges. Deviations can cause irreversible degradation.
| State | Temperature | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lyophilized (long-term) | -20°C | 2+ years | Optimal for maximum shelf life |
| Lyophilized (short-term) | 2-8°C | 3-6 months | Acceptable for active research use |
| Reconstituted | 2-8°C | 28-30 days | Standard refrigerator temperature |
| Reconstituted (aliquoted) | -20°C | 3-6 months | Single-use aliquots only |
| Room temperature | 20-25°C | Hours only | Minimize exposure during handling |
Light Protection
Many peptides are photosensitive and degrade when exposed to ultraviolet or visible light. This includes common laboratory fluorescent lighting.
Moisture Control
Lyophilized peptides are hygroscopic -- they readily absorb moisture from the air. Moisture absorption triggers degradation reactions including hydrolysis and aggregation.
Critical: Desiccant Protocol
Always store lyophilized peptides with desiccant packets. When removing a vial from frozen storage, allow it to reach room temperature BEFORE opening to prevent condensation from forming on the cold peptide powder. This typically takes 15-20 minutes.
- --Keep vials sealed with parafilm around the stopper when not in use
- --Use nitrogen or argon gas purging for long-term storage to displace moisture
- --Store in airtight containers with fresh desiccant
- --Monitor humidity levels in storage areas -- aim for <30% relative humidity
- --Replace desiccant packets regularly
Reconstituted vs Lyophilized Storage
Understanding the stability differences between the two states is essential for planning your research timeline.
| Property | Lyophilized | Reconstituted |
|---|---|---|
| Stability | High | Moderate |
| Shelf Life | 2+ years at -20°C | 28-30 days at 2-8°C |
| Light Sensitivity | Moderate | High |
| Freeze-Thaw | Not applicable | Avoid -- causes aggregation |
| Contamination Risk | Low (sealed) | Higher (needle punctures) |
| Degradation Rate | Very slow | Accelerated in solution |
| Handling | Minimal precaution | Aseptic technique required |
Shipping Conditions
Halo Peptides ships all lyophilized compounds in vacuum-sealed vials within insulated packaging. Here is what you need to know about transit conditions:
| Factor | Standard | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Packaging | Vacuum-sealed vials | Individual vial protection |
| Insulation | Thermal-lined mailers | Maintains temperature during transit |
| Cold Packs | Included for sensitive orders | Gel ice packs for 24-48hr cold chain |
| Transit Time | 2-5 days domestic | Express options available |
| Upon Receipt | Transfer to -20°C immediately | Do not leave at ambient temperature |
Lyophilized peptides are generally stable at ambient temperatures for several days during transit. However, upon receipt, transfer all vials to proper cold storage immediately to maximize shelf life.