VivaReconstitution & Storage Guide
A step-by-step reference for preparing and storing lyophilised research peptides.
Updated August 13, 2026
Why peptides arrive as a powder
Every peptide vial we ship is lyophilised — freeze-dried under vacuum so the water sublimates directly from solid to gas, leaving a dry crystalline cake. That cake is far more stable than a solution: it tolerates ambient shipping temperatures for months, where a reconstituted peptide would degrade in days.
A note on appearance: the cake may sit as a firm disc, a loose powder, or a thin film on the vial wall. All three are normal and none indicates a problem. GHK-Cu arrives deep blue — that is the copper complex, and it is expected.
What you will need
- Bacteriostatic water (sterile water with 0.9% benzyl alcohol)
- A graduated syringe
- 70% isopropyl alcohol pads
- A clean, uncluttered work surface
Step by step
- Let the vial reach room temperature. Reconstituting straight from the fridge causes condensation inside the vial.
- Wipe both septa. The peptide vial and the bacteriostatic water vial, every time, with a fresh alcohol pad.
- Draw your diluent. Use the Reconstitution Calculator to determine the volume for your target concentration.
- Add it slowly, down the wall. Angle the needle so the water runs down the inner glass rather than jetting directly onto the cake. Peptides are shear sensitive and a direct stream can denature them.
- Swirl — never shake. Rotate gently until fully dissolved. Some compounds take a few minutes. Shaking introduces foaming and mechanical stress.
- Inspect. The solution should be clear and free of particulates. Cloudiness or visible material means something has gone wrong; stop and contact us.
- Label and refrigerate. Mark the vial with the compound, concentration and date.
Storage
| State | Temperature | Stability |
|---|---|---|
| Lyophilised, unopened | 2–8 °C | 24 months |
| Lyophilised, long-term | −20 °C or colder | 36+ months |
| Lyophilised, in transit | Ambient | 3–4 months |
| Reconstituted | 2–4 °C | 30 days |
What shortens shelf life
Four things, in rough order of impact: repeated freeze-thaw cycles, light exposure, leaving reconstituted solution at room temperature, and contaminating the septum. Aliquot if you need long-term storage of a reconstituted solution — freeze once, in portions, rather than cycling a single vial.
Research use only. This guide describes laboratory handling of reference materials. It is not medical guidance and does not suggest any use in humans or animals.
Research use only. This guide describes laboratory handling of reference materials. It is not medical or veterinary guidance and does not suggest any use in humans or animals.