When it comes to properly storing peptides, each one is different. Some peptides need to be stored in dry forms, while others remain in a liquid form for ideal storage. When a researcher uses different forms of peptides, it becomes imperative to know which type is being used so the peptides remain fresh and dependable. Here is a breakdown of proper storage procedures for both dry and liquid peptides.

Storing a Dry Peptide

When a peptide is shipped in a dry form, there are two storage options. First is leaving the peptide at room temperature for a short-term storage solution, but this only works if the peptide is room temperature stable. This should be something included from the manufacturer when the peptide is sent. If the peptide is not stable for room temperature storage, the next option is cool storage for the short-term. Typically keeping peptides below four degrees centigrade is cool enough for storage for a few months. However, if your dry peptide needs to be stored for longer than that, the temperature should remain below -20 degrees centigrade.

Dry peptides should also be stored out of direct light, no matter if they are stored at room temperature or if they are stored at a refrigerated temperature. Lights of all kinds decay peptides, some faster than others, and can cause them to become unstable and unreliable in a very short amount of time.

Storing Peptides as Solutions

Liquid peptides are a bit more difficult to store for the long term. Typically short-term refrigerated storage is enough for liquid peptides, but if long-term storage is required, most peptides require freezing in a freezer kept at or below -20 degrees centigrade. This helps keep peptides from oxidation and degradation, allowing the peptide to remain more stable and research to be conducted without the concern of skewed results.

However, researchers may want to freeze peptides in the quantities they experiment with so that the peptide does not undergo consistent freezing and thawing cycles, as this can cause permanent damage and degradation to all frozen peptides. Frost-free freezers repeatedly cycle on and off to keep frost from building up on the inside of the freezer, making the temperature unstable. Due to the damage this can cause the peptide, this type of freezer should also be avoided. In order to give liquid peptides the longest available shelf-life for use, storage must be a careful consideration prior to ordering peptides so that there is no lapse in temperature stability during the shipment and receipt process.

Peptide Storage Containers

When it comes to storing any type of peptide, one must also keep the container in mind. The container should be clear or translucent, resistant to chemical breakdown, strong enough to withstand moving the peptide around when using it, and made in a size that is fitting for the amount of peptide being stored. Most researchers choose glass; however, some types of plastics are also suitable for peptide storage.

If peptides are stored properly, they are able to remain fresh for a longer period of time. The fresher the peptide, the more accurate of research results will come from all experiments using the peptides. If any peptide is used beyond its ideal freshness time frame, it could throw off all of the results and make the experiment unable to be duplicated. Every peptide requires careful storage so make sure that each peptide is stored according to the specified instructions, and if a peptide is not stored properly, do not use it in any form of research. Instead, dispose of the peptide in the method recommended by the manufacturer and order a new supply.

It is important to read the manufacturer’s guidelines and ensure you are following the recommended storage guidelines.