0 Guide to Peptide Storage

Many researchers initially struggle with basic issues such as: "where are the purest peptides available?" Or "what is the difference in potency between GHRP-2 and GHRP-6?" (Note: the answers to both of these questions are available on Unitypeptide.com). But an important question that is seldom asked and even more rarely answered is how to properly store peptides. Research chemicals other than peptides do not usually require special storage precautions, but peptides are more fragile. Some peptides are more fragile than others and thus it is important to understand how to store them for best results.

Research chemicals and peptides must be properly manufactured, or they will not even endure the trip to your research facility. In the case of peptides, they must be lypophilized (sprayed into the container in a freeze-dried form), then sealed off from oxygen. While lypophilized and sealed, peptides are in their most durable state. They can even withstand heat reasonably well, up to 150 degrees Fahrenheit in the case of GHRP-2, Mod GRF 1-29, and GHRP-6. Once the seal is broken, oxygen is allowed in and begins to damage the peptides slowly.

Most people either reconstitute their peptides soon after receiving them, or put them in a freezer. Lypophilized peptides in a freezer can last for years. A cold lab freezer will extend the life even further than a kitchen refrigerator.

If the peptides are to be reconstituted, the choice of liquid used can affect the storage life as well as the handling safety. Sterile WFI (water for injection) is the simplest and cheapest choice, and will suffice if the peptide research is being conducted all at once on the spot.

For compounds like Melanotan II, GHRP-6, IGF-1, and others where research is done over a period of time, the simplest solution is Bacteriostatic Water or BW. BW has a small (0.9%) amount of benzyl alcohol to prevent fungi and bacteria from growing in the solution.

NaCl (sodium chloride) isotonic water is not necessary for the small portions typically used in a research setting. The commonly-recommended formula of water and acetic acid is highly degrading to IGF-1 and damaging to tissue and should be avoided.

The following recipe may be used for long-term cold-temperature (not frozen) of peptides. Researchers who need a precise calculation of solution volume should account for the 2.3% approximate increase in volume after additives. This formula is not necessary for solutions intended to be researched within 6 weeks of reconstitution.

Base: Sterile saline w 0.9% Sodium Chloride
Additives:
1.5% v/v Benzyl Alcohol
0.1% v/v Acetic Acid
1.25% w/v Sodium Acetate

Like UV, mechanical shock, and heat, refreezing also causes stress due to temperature change and should therefore be avoided as much as possible for Melanotan II, GHRP-2, GHRP-6, and especially Mod GRF 1-29 and IGF-1.

In terms of durability, GHRP-2, GHRP-6, and Melanotan II are the most durable and last the longest. GHRP-2 and GHRP-6 retain full potency for 6 weeks stored cold once reconstituted, and Melanotan II may be held for several months with minimal degradation if other guidelines are followed.

Mod GRF 1-29 is fairly fragile and keeps for 4 weeks refrigerated.

IGF-1 is extremely fragile and in some cases degrades completely in under 2 weeks. The best-practice recommendation is to reconstitute, then freeze reconstituted IGF-1 in appropriate amounts in different containers and use as needed, thawing each portion upon commencing research.

It is important when conducting research to use an appropriate storage method. Use these methods for your peptide storage and your research will go much more smoothly.