Overview
Peptides and related research reagents should be stored and handled carefully to preserve product quality and support reliable experimental results. Stability can vary depending on the product type, sequence, formulation, salt form, residual moisture, and storage conditions.
PeptaNova products are supplied with product-specific storage recommendations. Always follow the storage condition listed on the product label, certificate of analysis, product datasheet, or catalog entry. The guidance below provides general handling recommendations for peptides, peptide-related reagents, antisera, antibodies, enzyme substrates, and other research materials.
Products are intended for research use only and are not intended for human or animal use.
General Storage Temperature Guide
PeptaNova products may carry different storage recommendations depending on the product type. Common storage designations include:
| Storage Indication | Meaning |
|---|---|
| RT | Room temperature |
| 2–10°C | Refrigerator storage |
| -20°C | Freezer storage |
Products stored at room temperature should be kept away from direct sunlight and should not be exposed to very high temperatures for extended periods. For all products, avoid unnecessary exposure to moisture, heat, and repeated temperature changes.
| Situation | Product Form | Typical Condition | Guidance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shipment / in-transit | Sealed, lyophilized or undissolved product | Ambient / room temperature during shipment | PeptaNova products are generally shipped at room temperature in their original sealed packaging. Upon receipt, transfer the product to the storage condition stated on the vial, label, datasheet, or product documentation. |
| Storage after receipt | Unopened lyophilized / undissolved product | Product-specific; commonly -20°C for many peptide and substrate products | Store the product according to the vial-specific instructions. Keep containers tightly closed and protect from light or moisture where indicated. |
| Handling before use | Lyophilized / undissolved product | Limited time outside recommended storage | Allow cold vials to reach room temperature before opening to reduce condensation. Open only when ready to use and reseal promptly if material remains. |
| After reconstitution | Stock solution | Product-specific | Follow the vial instruction for solvent, volume, concentration, storage temperature, light protection, moisture protection, and stability period. Do not assume all prepared solutions can be stored. |
| Working solution | Diluted assay-ready solution | Prepare fresh unless otherwise stated | Prepare working dilutions close to use. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles and discard unused working solution unless product-specific instructions support storage. |
Storage of Lyophilized Peptides
Most lyophilized peptides should be stored cold, dry, tightly sealed, and protected from light. Unless otherwise stated in the product-specific documentation, freezer storage at -20°C or below is generally recommended for long-term storage.
Before opening a vial, allow it to reach room temperature while still sealed. This helps reduce condensation inside the vial. Moisture exposure can negatively affect peptide quality, especially for hygroscopic or moisture-sensitive materials.
After opening, reseal the vial immediately and return unused material to the recommended storage condition.
Biologically Active Peptides
Biologically active peptides should generally be stored in a freezer and kept dry to reduce unnecessary deterioration. Some peptides may remain stable at ambient temperature for short periods, but freezer storage is preferred for maintaining long-term quality.
Once a peptide solution has been prepared, it should be used as soon as possible. Peptide solutions are typically less stable than lyophilized material, even at low temperatures. If a solution must be kept overnight, it should be stored frozen at below -20°C. For prolonged storage of peptide solutions, product quality or homogeneity should be checked periodically where required by the application.
Peptides in Solution
Long-term storage of peptides in solution is generally not recommended unless supported by the product documentation or by a validated internal protocol.
If storage in solution is unavoidable:
- Use a suitable solvent or buffer for the peptide and application.
- Prepare only the amount needed whenever practical.
- Divide the solution into small aliquots.
- Store aliquots frozen at -20°C or below.
- Avoid repeated freeze–thaw cycles.
- Protect light-sensitive materials from direct light.
- Use the solution as soon as possible after preparation.
For sterile or cell-based applications, filtration through a 0.2 µm filter may be considered where compatible with the peptide and assay. However, filtration may lead to material loss for some peptides due to adsorption to the filter membrane.
Oxidation- and Moisture-Sensitive Peptides
Some peptide sequences require additional care.
Peptides containing cysteine, methionine, or tryptophan may be more prone to oxidation. These materials should be exposed to air as little as possible and stored tightly sealed.
Peptides containing strongly polar or charged residues may absorb moisture from the air. Moisture-sensitive peptides should be stored under dry conditions, preferably with desiccant or in a desiccator.
Antisera and Peptide Antibodies
Lyophilized antisera should be stored in a deep freezer unless otherwise stated in the product-specific documentation. After reconstitution with an appropriate buffer, the solution may be stored refrigerated for continuous use when a suitable preservative is included. For longer-term storage after reconstitution, frozen storage at -20°C is generally recommended.
Peptide antibodies should be stored according to the product-specific documentation. Where no alternative condition is provided, storage below -20°C is generally recommended.
Enzyme Substrates, Peptide-MCA, Peptide-pNA, and Peptide-Aldehyde Products
Certain enzyme substrates and peptide-related assay reagents require especially careful handling.
Bulk-packaged materials may require storage at 2–10°C under dry conditions, while some products require freezer storage due to reduced stability at higher temperatures. For long-term storage, lyophilized vialed materials should generally be stored in a freezer under dry conditions unless otherwise stated.
Once solutions of these products are prepared, they should be used as soon as possible. This is especially important for peptide-aldehyde products, which may be less stable in solution.
Carbohydrate Derivatives and Glycopeptide-Related Products
Carbohydrate derivatives and related specialty products should be stored according to the product-specific documentation. Where indicated, these materials should be stored in a freezer to preserve quality during long-term storage.
Important Note
These guidelines are general recommendations. Product-specific storage instructions take priority over general guidance. Always refer to the product label, certificate of analysis, datasheet, catalog entry, or instruction sheet before use.
For questions about a specific product, please contact PeptaNova with the product name, catalog number, lot number, intended application, and planned storage or use conditions.