The maximum temperature that peptides can withstand before they begin to degrade depends on several factors, including the peptide's sequence, structure, and the presence of stabilizing agents. However, some general guidelines can be followed:
General Temperature Guidelines:
Lyophilized Peptides:
Lyophilized (freeze-dried) peptides are typically more stable and can withstand slightly higher temperatures. They are generally stable at room temperature (20-25°C) for short periods but are best stored at -20°C or lower for long-term storage to maintain their integrity.
Max Temperature: Up to 40°C for very short periods; however, prolonged exposure should be avoided.
Peptides in aqueous solution are more prone to degradation due to hydrolysis and oxidation. Most peptides should be kept refrigerated (4°C) and are typically stable for a few weeks at this temperature.
Max Temperature: Generally, peptides in solution should not be exposed to temperatures above 25°C for any extended period. Short-term exposure to room temperature (up to 30°C) is usually tolerable, but prolonged exposure can lead to degradation.
Sensitive Amino Acids:
Peptides containing amino acids like methionine, cysteine, tryptophan, or asparagine are more sensitive to oxidation and heat. These peptides can begin to degrade at lower temperatures.
Max Temperature: Often limited to 25°C or lower.
Specific Peptide Examples:
Oxytocin: Can begin to degrade above 25°C. It's typically stored at 4°C in solution and lyophilized form to maintain stability.
BPC-157: Relatively stable at room temperature but should still be stored in cool conditions (4°C) for best results.
Thymosin Alpha-1: Should be stored at -20°C and kept at or below 4°C when in solution.
Stability Considerations:
pH Sensitivity: Peptide stability can be affected by pH, with extreme pH levels leading to degradation. Maintaining a neutral pH (around 7.0) is generally preferred.
Oxidation: Peptides containing sulfur-containing amino acids (e.g., cysteine, methionine) are prone to oxidation, particularly at higher temperatures, so they should be protected from air and light.
References:
Stability in Pharmaceutical Preparations: "Peptide stability can be compromised by exposure to higher temperatures, particularly in aqueous solutions. Temperature control is crucial during both storage and transport" (PubMed, NCBI).
General Storage Guidelines: Suppliers like Sigma-Aldrich and Bachem provide specific storage recommendations, typically advising storage at -20°C or lower for maximum stability.
In conclusion, while some peptides can tolerate brief exposure to temperatures up to 40°C, they should generally be stored at lower temperatures (preferably at -20°C or 4°C) to prevent degradation and maintain their effectiveness
Dripdok offers a peptide travel package for $50 USD which includes the following:
Hard shell case designed to tightly hold up to 10 vials securely
Travel documentation and MSDS
Prescription for travel
Additional hard shell cases are $4.50 USD
We do not provide this for the following countries: Japan, Singapore, Australia, or Saudi Arabia.