Why do peptides degrade?
Peptide bonds are subject to hydrolysis (water breaks bonds), oxidation (methionine, cysteine), aggregation (molecules clump together), and deamidation (asparagine, glutamine). All processes accelerate with temperature, moisture, light, and repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Storing lyophilized peptides
Long-term: –20°C (stable for years). Medium-term: 2–8°C (up to one month). Let the vial reach room temperature before opening, since condensation will introduce moisture. On first use, divide the contents into aliquots rather than reopening the main vial again and again.
Storing reconstituted peptides
Store at 2–8°C after reconstitution. With bacteriostatic water: 3–4 weeks. With sterile water: 1–2 weeks. Don't repeatedly freeze and thaw, since each cycle mechanically damages the molecules. Use aliquots if you need longer storage.
Light and moisture protection
Several peptides are sensitive to light. Keep vials in their original boxes or wrap them in aluminum foil, and never open them in humid environments. Peptid.si ships in insulated packages via GLS express delivery, which keeps transit time short.
References / Links
- Al Musaimi O, Lombardi L, Williams DR, Albericio F (2022). Strategies for Improving Peptide Stability and Delivery. Pharmaceuticals. MDPI
- Zapadka KL, Becher FJ, Gomes dos Santos AL, Jackson SE (2017). Factors affecting the physical stability (aggregation) of peptide therapeutics. Interface Focus. Web
- Hoofnagle AN, Whiteaker JR, Carr SA, Kuhn E, et al. (2016). Recommendations for the generation, quantification, storage and handling of peptides used for mass spectrometry-based assays. Clin Chem. Oxford Academic
- Yi J, Warunek D, Craft D (2015). Degradation and Stabilization of Peptide Hormones in Human Blood Specimens. PLOS ONE. PLOS
- Kraut A, Marcellin M, Adrait A, Kuhn L, et al. (2009). Peptide storage: are you getting the best return on your investment? Defining optimal storage conditions for proteomics samples. J Proteome Res. PubMed
