Peptide Reconstitution:
Proper reconstitution of your peptides are pivotal in how well they work for you. If not stored or reconstituted correctly, you risk damage to or degradation of your peptides.
These substances mainly come as a compound that has been lyophilized. This phrase basically means that they have been turned into a freeze-dried crystalline powder. In order to use your peptides, you’ll need to add fluid to them. This is where the phrase reconstitution is coined.
Peptides are extremely stable when stored at -20° C in their lyophilized powder form. We recommend keeping all peptide in its lyophilized state and only reconstituting what is needed for short-term use.
However, you cannot add just any fluid to your compound. Great care needs to be taken to ensure that your peptide is not damaged during this process.
Peptides must be mixed with bacteriostatic water and/or acetic acid. These liquids keep the peptides fresh, prevent them from deteriorating and keep them free of bacteria for longer periods. Before using bacteriostatic water which has been kept in the fridge, allow it to reach room temperature as this will facilitate dissolution. In general, simple peptides will only require the addition of bacteriostatic water. However, more complex and long chain peptides will need a small quantity of acetic acid (10-20%) which is then topped up with bacteriostatic water.
Differences Between Bacteriostatic Water vs. Sterile Water
Bottle of Bacteriostatic Water is not like the sterile water, in that it can be used several times within a 28-hour span. For this reason, bacteriostatic water is fairly popular among scientists. It is considered a non-pyrogenic solution, meaning that it does not conduct heat or fever when introduced to the body. It contains roughly 0.9% benzyl alcohol. This variation of alcohol is an aromatic alcohol. In terms of chemistry, they are a compound that contains a hydroxyl group that is indirectly bonded to an aromatic compound. The liquid is made in a way where bacteria cannot grow. That’s what makes it more user friendly since it can be used multiple times.
As for regular sterile water, it too has its own positives. The sterile water can only be used once and once opened and used would need to be discarded. In cases when the body doesn’t particularly fair well with bacteriostatic water, this is a good substitute.
