General Storage Guidelines:
Ideal Storage Temperature:
Store lyophilized peptides at -20°C (freezer) for long-term storage.
They can also be stored at 2-4°C (refrigerator) for short-term use.
Room Temperature Storage:
Lyophilized peptides can be kept at room temperature (around 25°C) for a limited time without significant degradation.
Typically, they can be stable at 25°C for up to 1-2 weeks, but this depends on the specific peptide and its stability profile.
Freeze-Thaw Cycles:
Minimize the number of freeze-thaw cycles to prevent degradation.
Repeated freeze-thaw cycles can lead to peptide degradation and reduced efficacy.
It is recommended to aliquot peptides into smaller volumes before freezing to avoid multiple freeze-thaw cycles.
Light and Humidity:
Protect peptides from light and moisture.
Store in airtight, opaque containers to prevent exposure to humidity and UV light, which can cause degradation.
Practical Tips:
Desiccation:
Ensure peptides are fully lyophilized (dry) and store them with desiccants to protect against moisture.
Handling:
When handling, allow the vial to reach room temperature before opening to prevent condensation from forming inside the vial.
Stability at Room Temperature:
While lyophilized peptides are generally stable at room temperature for short periods, prolonged exposure can lead to degradation. For critical applications, it is best to keep storage at recommended freezer temperatures.
If storage at 25°C is necessary, limit this to no more than 1-2 weeks, and ensure that the peptides are kept in a dry, dark environment.
If traveling put unmixed peptides in your check-in so they are kept in the cargo hold which is cold.
Summary:
Long-term storage: -20°C (freezer).
Short-term storage: 2-4°C (refrigerator).
Room temperature: Up to 1-2 weeks at 25°C, but stability decreases over time.
Freeze-thaw cycles: Minimize to preserve integrity; in general 10 cycles max.
Protect from light and moisture: Use opaque, airtight containers with desiccants.
By following these guidelines, the integrity and efficacy of lyophilized peptides can be maintained effectively, ensuring reliable results in their application.