Research Peptide Storage & Handling Guide
Storage conditions affect the integrity of a research peptide over time. This guide covers the general handling principles for lyophilised peptides. Specific stability is batch-dependent and is recorded on each batch record; handling is the responsibility of the qualified researcher.
Lyophilised powder is the stable form
Research peptides are supplied lyophilised (freeze-dried) because the dry powder is far more stable than a peptide in solution. As a general principle, lyophilised peptides are best stored at -20°C, desiccated (protected from moisture), and protected from light. Long-term stability data are batch-specific and are recorded against each batch record.
Why solution stability is different
Once reconstituted, many peptides are markedly less stable and can degrade through hydrolysis, oxidation or aggregation — more quickly at higher temperatures and at certain pH values. This is why the powder and the solution have very different handling expectations, and why solutions are generally prepared according to the specific experimental protocol rather than stored long-term.
Special cases
Some materials have their own considerations. NAD+ is hygroscopic and unstable in alkaline solution. Metal complexes such as GHK-Cu should be kept away from chelating buffers if the intact complex is required. Lipidated peptides such as retatrutide can show different solubility behaviour from unmodified peptides. The batch record is the reference for each specific material.
What Index Peptides does NOT advise on
Index Peptides documents storage conditions for each batch but does not provide reconstitution, dosing, administration or preparation-for-use guidance — those are part of the researcher's experimental design and fall outside what we supply.
Frequently asked questions
What temperature should lyophilised peptides be stored at?
As a general principle, -20°C, desiccated and protected from light. The batch record is the reference for any specific material.
Why are peptides less stable once mixed into solution?
In solution, peptides are exposed to hydrolysis, oxidation and aggregation, which proceed faster than in the dry state — so solutions are generally prepared fresh per the experimental protocol.
Does Index Peptides advise on reconstitution?
No. We document storage conditions per batch but do not provide reconstitution, dosing or preparation-for-use guidance — that is part of the researcher's protocol.
Research use only. Not for human or animal consumption.