Solvent choice
Which solvent suits a peptide depends on the peptide. Bacteriostatic water contains benzyl alcohol as a preservative, allowing repeated entry; sterile water contains no preservative and is single-entry. Some compounds are incompatible with benzyl alcohol, and some poorly soluble peptides need a different solvent entirely.
Compatibility is a property of the specific compound and is stated in its documentation. It is not a general rule.
Gently, down the wall
Solvent is directed against the vial wall rather than jetted onto the cake, and the vial is swirled rather than shaken. Vigorous agitation creates an air-liquid interface where proteins unfold and aggregate, and generates foam that traps material.
Larger proteins are markedly more sensitive to this than short peptides.
What can go wrong
- Cloudiness or visible particles, indicating incomplete dissolution or aggregation
- Foam from over-agitation
- Contamination introduced when the stopper is entered
- A solvent the compound is not compatible with
After it dissolves
The material is now in the least stable state it will be in. Its usable life is governed by temperature, pH, the solvent and how often the vial is entered — and is far shorter than the dry material it came from.
Research use only. This page is explanatory and does not recommend any use, quantity or procedure. REVIVE LAB supplies reference materials for laboratory research. These are not medicines and are not for human or veterinary consumption. Anyone considering the use of any compound in humans should do so only under qualified medical supervision.