Storage & handling
How to keep a freeze-dried research peptide from the day it arrives. Laboratory handling guidance only.
For research use only. 21+.
The short version
- 01
Store the sealed vial in a freezer (−20 °C) for long-term storage, or a fridge (2–8 °C) for short-term.
- 02
Let the vial reach room temperature before opening so no moisture gets in.
- 03
Keep away from light.
- 04
Once mixed into liquid, a peptide breaks down much faster; store mixed solutions frozen in small portions and avoid repeated freezing and thawing.
Why
- Powder keeps best cold
- For long-term storage, peptide chemists keep freeze-dried powder below −15 °C. For short-term storage, a fridge (about 4 °C) is fine.
- Moisture is the enemy
- Peptides soak up water from the air. Let the sealed vial warm to room temperature before you open it (ideally in a dry box), so no moisture condenses inside.
- Liquid is not for keeping
- Peptides should not be stored in solution. Once mixed into liquid, a peptide breaks down much faster, so keep mixed solutions frozen in small portions and avoid freezing and thawing them again and again.
- Some peptides keep for less time
- Peptides that contain the building blocks asparagine (Asn), glutamine (Gln), methionine (Met), cysteine (Cys) or tryptophan (Trp) have shorter shelf lives.
Shipping and arrival
Lyophilized peptides are shipped at room temperature, which is normal for freeze-dried peptides for a few days. On arrival, put them in the fridge or freezer.
Shipping policy →Items sold as a liquid
Storage temperature for this solution is being confirmed with the supplier. Peptide solutions are normally kept frozen. Each liquid's product page carries its own storage note.
Storage temperatures for individual compounds are being confirmed with the supplier. A fuller guide is on the way. Source: Bachem, Handling and storage guidelines for peptides.