Beginner's Guide to Reconstitution

What is Reconstitution?

Most research peptides arrive in a lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder form. To be used for research, they must be reconstituted—mixed with a liquid solvent—to create a solution. This process is critical for ensuring accurate dosing and maintaining the peptide's stability.

What You Need

• Lyophilized Peptide Vial: The powder form of your compound.
• Bacteriostatic Water (Bac Water): Sterile water containing 0.9% benzyl alcohol, which inhibits bacterial growth.
• Alcohol Prep Pads: For sterilizing vial stoppers.
• Syringe: Typically a 1ml or 3ml syringe for adding the water.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Clean the Surface: Wipe down your workspace with alcohol or a disinfectant.
2. Pop the Caps: Flip off the plastic protective caps from both the peptide vial and the bacteriostatic water vial.
3. Sanitize Stoppers: Use an alcohol prep pad to wipe the rubber stoppers of both vials. Let them air dry for 10-15 seconds. Don't blow on them.
4. Draw the Water:
   - Determine how much water you need (commonly 1ml, 2ml, or 3ml depending on concentration desired).
   - Insert the syringe needle into the Bac Water vial. Turn it upside down and draw the desired amount of liquid.
5. Inject into Peptide Vial:
   - Insert the needle into the center of the peptide vial's rubber stopper.
   - Aim for the side: Slowly inject the water down the side of the glass wall. Do not spray directly onto the powder, as this can damage fragile peptide bonds.
6. Equalize Pressure: After injecting, if the vial has a vacuum, it might pull the plunger down. If it has pressure, it might push back. Ideally, let the syringe fill with air from the vial (if positive pressure) or pull the needle out.
7. Dissolve Gently:
   - Do NOT shake the vial. Shaking creates bubbles and shears peptide structures.
   - Instead, gently swirl the vial in a circular motion or roll it between your palms until the powder is fully dissolved and the solution is clear.

Common Reconstitution Math

The "Peptide Plotter" reconstitution calculator can help you here, but the basic math is:

Concentration = Mass of Peptide / Volume of Water

Example: 5mg Peptide / 2ml Water = 2.5mg per ml.

Storage After Mixing

Once reconstituted, peptides are fragile. They must be stored in the refrigerator (2-8°C) to prevent degradation.