Learn: reconstituting peptides
A general overview of how research peptides are typically reconstituted. This is educational information only — see our disclosure page for the full picture.
Filtered or unfiltered?
Passing the bacteriostatic water through a sterile 0.22-micron filter on the way into the vial adds an extra layer of protection against any bacteria or particulates that might have been introduced while handling or opening the vials. It's a cheap, quick step, so it's generally recommended just in case — but it isn't strictly required if you're working carefully on a clean, sanitized surface. Pick whichever guide below matches how you'd like to proceed.
- Gather your supplies: the peptide vial, bacteriostatic (or sterile) water, a syringe, a sterile 0.22-micron syringe filter, a new empty sterile vial, and alcohol swabs.
- Wipe the rubber stopper on the peptide vial, the water vial, and the new empty vial with an alcohol swab and let them air dry.
- Draw air into the syringe equal to the amount of water you plan to add, inject that air into the water vial, then draw out your intended volume of water.
- Insert the needle through the peptide vial's stopper at an angle and let the water run slowly down the inside wall of the vial rather than injecting it straight onto the powder — a hard, direct stream can shear the peptide.
- Gently swirl or roll the vial between your palms until the powder is fully dissolved. Don't shake it.
- Insert the needle back into the peptide vial and draw the fully reconstituted solution out into the syringe.
- Remove the needle and screw a sterile 0.22-micron filter onto the syringe in its place.
- Insert the filter tip through the stopper of the new empty sterile vial and slowly depress the plunger, pushing the solution through the filter and into the new vial. The filter catches any particulates or contaminants on the way through, so only filtered solution ends up in the new vial.
- Remove and discard the filter — it's single-use. Your peptide is now reconstituted and filtered in the new vial, ready to label and store.
Video walkthrough
Watch on YouTubeStoring it afterward
Once reconstituted, most peptides need to be refrigerated (not frozen) and are typically used within the timeframe recommended by the supplier or reference literature. Keep the vial away from light, and always double check vendor-provided instructions since stability varies by peptide.