Lyophilisation, or freeze drying, removes solvent from a frozen sample under reduced pressure. For synthetic peptides, it converts the purified material into a stable powder form that is easier to handle, transport and store than a solution.
Advantages of the lyophilised form
- Reduced hydrolysis compared with aqueous solutions.
- Lower shipping weight and simpler ambient-temperature transport.
- Improved consistency when aliquoting for laboratory use.
Storage recommendations
Lyophilised peptide material is generally stored at -20°C, protected from light. Vials should be equilibrated to room temperature before opening so that condensation does not introduce moisture into the powder.
Reconstitution practice
Once reconstituted, a working solution is typically stored at 2-8°C and used within a period defined by the laboratory protocol. Repeated freeze-thaw cycles should be avoided; preparing single-use aliquots is a common approach.
What the COA does not cover
A Certificate of Analysis documents the analytical results of a batch at the time of release. It does not describe stability after reconstitution, nor does it describe any application of the material. Storage and handling remain the responsibility of the receiving laboratory.