Lab handling · 6 min read
Storing Lyophilized Peptides: Temperature, Light and Moisture
Laboratory storage guidance for lyophilized research peptides: temperature tiers, oxidation-sensitive residues, condensation and shipping exposure.
Lyophilized (freeze-dried) peptides are far more stable than peptides in solution, but they are not indestructible. Most avoidable degradation comes from heat peaks, moisture and light.
Temperature tiers
- Long term: −20 °C in a sealed vial with desiccant.
- Short term (weeks): 2–8 °C, sealed and dark.
- In transit: a few days at ambient temperature typically causes negligible change. Peak temperature matters more than average: a delivery truck or loading dock at 50–60 °C is the real risk, which is why we ship fast and insulated.
Residues that oxidize
Sequences containing methionine (Met), cysteine (Cys) or tryptophan (Trp) oxidize more readily. MOTS-c, for example, contains two methionines and a tryptophan. Keep these vials sealed under their original inert-gas crimp until use, and minimize exposure to air and light.
Condensation is the hidden problem
Opening a cold vial in a warm room draws moisture onto the powder. Let a sealed vial reach room temperature before opening, then reseal promptly. Moisture uptake accelerates hydrolysis and makes weighing inaccurate.
Light
Store vials in their box or an opaque container. Aromatic residues and copper complexes such as GHK-Cu can be light sensitive.
Shipping from Atlas
Orders confirmed before 2 PM CT ship the same business day in insulated mailers, with gel packs in warm months and adult signature on delivery. Details are in our shipping policy.
Keep reading
- How to Read a Peptide Certificate of Analysis
- Net Peptide Content vs Gross Weight: What a "10 mg" Vial Contains
Research use only. For Research Use Only. Not for human or veterinary use. Not for diagnostic or therapeutic use. Not a drug, food, cosmetic or dietary supplement. Not for resale to consumers.
