How to Reconstitute Peptides: A Step-by-Step Guide

Lyophilised (freeze-dried) peptides need to be reconstituted with a liquid diluent before they can be measured and used in a research protocol. Below is the standard process referenced across the peptide research community.

What you'll need

1. A vial of lyophilised peptide
2. Bacteriostatic water (BAC water)
3. A syringe with a fine-gauge needle
4. Alcohol swabs

Steps

1. Calculate your target concentration. Use the reconstitution calculator to work out how much BAC water to add for your preferred concentration.
2. Swab both vial tops. Wipe the rubber stopper of both the peptide vial and the BAC water vial with an alcohol swab.
3. Draw the BAC water. Pull air into the syringe equal to the volume of BAC water you need, inject it into the BAC water vial to equalise pressure, then draw out the calculated amount.
4. Add it to the peptide vial slowly. Insert the needle at an angle and let the water run down the inside wall of the vial rather than hitting the peptide powder directly. This reduces agitation and shear stress on the peptide structure.
5. Let it dissolve on its own. Gently swirl or let the vial sit at room temperature; avoid shaking, which can denature the peptide.
6. Label and store. Once dissolved, label the vial with the date and concentration, and store as directed for that compound.

Common mistakes

• Shaking the vial instead of gently swirling it.
• Injecting the diluent directly onto the peptide powder at speed.
• Skipping the concentration calculation and guessing dosing later.

Research-use-only

This guide describes a general laboratory technique referenced in the literature. It is not medical advice, and none of the products referenced are approved for human or veterinary use.