Proper storage protects peptide integrity and improves reproducibility. The biggest practical risks are moisture uptake, repeated freeze–thaw cycles, oxidation-sensitive residues, and contamination introduced during handling.
At a glance
- Keep it dry: lyophilized peptides are generally more stable than solutions.
- Avoid freeze–thaw: aliquot into single-use vials whenever possible.
- Minimize exposure: light, air, and humidity can degrade susceptible sequences over time.
Lyophilized (powder) vs solution storage
Lyophilized peptides
Lyophilized material is often preferred for longer-term storage because it reduces hydrolysis and microbial risks. Store tightly sealed, ideally with minimal headspace and controlled moisture exposure.
Peptides in solution
Solutions are typically less stable and more vulnerable to contamination. If you must store solutions, use sterile technique, compatible buffers, and short storage windows that match your experimental plan.
Aliquoting: the simplest high-impact step
Many stability issues come from repeatedly opening a vial, letting humid air in, and cycling the material between temperatures. A good workflow is:
- Plan the amount you use per experiment.
- Prepare multiple small aliquots rather than one large stock.
- Label aliquots clearly (concentration, solvent, date, lot).
Containers and materials
- Glass or high-quality plastic can both work; choose chemically resistant materials for your solvent system.
- Seal quality matters: use caps that minimize moisture exchange.
- Adsorption risk: very dilute peptide solutions can stick to some plastics—validate when working at low concentrations.
Sequence-dependent considerations
Some residues are more sensitive to oxidation or other degradation pathways under certain conditions. If your sequence includes oxidation-prone residues, consider handling under minimized air/light exposure and avoid unnecessary time at room temperature.
Upon receipt checklist
- Confirm the label matches the CoA (sequence, modifications, lot).
- Store promptly at an appropriate temperature for your timeline.
- Decide immediately whether you will aliquot dry or after solubilization.
