Essential Storage Equipment
Refrigerator (2-8°C): Required for storing reconstituted peptides and bacteriostatic water after opening. A dedicated laboratory refrigerator is ideal, but a clean section of a standard refrigerator works for basic research. Monitor temperature with a calibrated thermometer.
Freezer (-20°C): For long-term storage of lyophilized peptides. A standard household freezer maintains adequate temperature. Chest freezers provide more stable temperatures than upright models due to less warm air entry when opened.
Light protection: Amber vials or aluminum foil wrapping protects light-sensitive peptides from photodegradation. Some peptides (particularly those containing tryptophan or tyrosine) are especially photosensitive.
Reconstitution Supplies
Bacteriostatic water: Standard reconstitution solvent. Keep 10mL and 30mL vials on hand.
Syringes: 1mL insulin syringes (100 unit) for precise volume measurement. Larger syringes (3mL, 5mL) for adding reconstitution solvent to vials.
Needles: 18-gauge for drawing bacteriostatic water (larger bore for easier drawing). 25-29 gauge for precise measurements. Always use a fresh, sterile needle for each vial entry.
Alcohol swabs: Isopropyl alcohol pads for swabbing vial septa before puncturing. Essential for maintaining sterility.
Measurement and Documentation
Analytical balance: For weighing peptide quantities when working with bulk material. A balance reading to 0.1mg is sufficient for most peptide work. Not required if working exclusively with pre-weighed commercial vials.
Lab notebook: Document lot numbers, reconstitution dates, volumes, concentrations, storage conditions, and experimental observations. Proper documentation is essential for reproducibility.
Labels: Label reconstituted vials with peptide name, concentration, reconstitution date, and lot number. Use waterproof labels or permanent marker.
Workspace Requirements
A clean, well-lit workspace is the minimum requirement. Wipe surfaces with 70% isopropyl alcohol before reconstitution procedures. Minimize air currents (close windows, turn off fans) during open-vial procedures. While a laminar flow hood provides the highest level of contamination prevention, it is not strictly necessary for basic peptide research with bacteriostatic water.
Safety
Wear gloves when handling peptides and solvents. Dispose of needles and syringes in appropriate sharps containers. Follow all applicable laboratory safety regulations for your institution or jurisdiction. Research peptides are not for human or veterinary use.
