Research Library
In-depth guides on HPLC, mass spectrometry, and reading analytical reports.
Researcher Resources
Everything You Need to Get Started.
Storage guidelines, laboratory handling practices, reference maths, and a plain-English glossary — written for researchers, not marketers.
Understanding Analytical Information
Learn how analytical methods and documentation can be used to evaluate research compounds and interpret published analytical reports.
Stability Windows
General reconstituted and lyophilised storage guidance by category.
Storage & Stability
Keep Compounds Viable.
General handling guidance for lyophilised (freeze-dried) peptides and reconstituted solutions. Always confirm against the specific compound's certificate of analysis and your institution's SOPs.
| Form | Recommended storage | Typical stability |
|---|---|---|
| Lyophilised (unopened powder) | Freezer, −20°C, protected from light | Up to 24 months unopened |
| Lyophilised, opened / partially used | Refrigerated, 2–8°C, sealed, protected from light | Several months, compound-dependent |
| Reconstituted (mixed with bacteriostatic water) | Refrigerated, 2–8°C, always | Commonly 20–30 days — check the COA |
| Reconstituted, no preservative (sterile water) | Refrigerated, use promptly | Shorter window — use within days, not weeks |
Avoid freeze-thaw cycles
Repeatedly freezing and thawing a reconstituted solution degrades peptide structure. Refrigerate, don't refreeze, once mixed.
Keep it dark
Most peptides are light-sensitive. Store vials in their original box or wrap in foil, even in the fridge.
Label reconstitution date
Write the mix date on the vial. It's the single easiest way to avoid using a solution past its stability window.
Handling & Safety
Best Practices for Handling.
Standard laboratory practices for handling research peptides and maintaining sample integrity in an in-vitro research setting.
01
Maintain aseptic technique
Swab vial septums with alcohol before each withdrawal, and use fresh sterile labware for every sample draw to prevent cross-contamination between vials and preserve sample integrity.
02
Reconstitute carefully
Direct the diluent down the inside wall of the vial rather than straight onto the powder, and swirl — don't shake — to avoid denaturing the peptide.
03
Inspect before use
The solution should be clear and free of particulate. Cloudiness, discolouration, or visible particles mean the sample should be discarded, not used.
04
Dispose of consumables properly
Dispose of needles, sharps, and other lab consumables in an approved sharps or biohazard container, in line with your institution's laboratory waste protocols.
05
Keep a lab log
Record which vial or sample was used in each session, including any reference information printed on the label, to support good documentation practice in your own records.
Analytical Reports
How to Read an Analytical Report.
Lumina Biologics commissions independent analytical testing for selected research compounds. Where an analytical report has been approved for a specific product, it is published alongside that product. Here's what to look for when reading one — and for a deeper walkthrough, see our Research Library.
HPLC Purity
High-Performance Liquid Chromatography separates the peptide from any related impurities and reports the main peak as a percentage of total peak area. A chromatographic purity result describes the relative analytical signal observed under the conditions of that specific method. It should not be interpreted on its own as proof of compound identity or as a complete description of everything present in a sample.
Manufacture & Expiry Dates
Manufacture date marks when the batch was produced; expiry is the manufacturer's guarantee window for the lyophilised (unopened) compound, not a reconstituted solution.
Want to check a compound's results yourself?
View Certificates →Glossary
Common Terms, Plain English.
mg vs. mcg
1 milligram (mg) = 1,000 micrograms (mcg). Peptide vials are usually labelled in mg; reference values are often discussed in mcg.
Lyophilised
Freeze-dried into a stable powder for storage and shipping. Reconstituted with a liquid (typically bacteriostatic water) before laboratory use.
Bacteriostatic water
Sterile water containing a small amount of benzyl alcohol as a preservative, used to reconstitute lyophilised peptides and extend usable solution life.
Concentration
How much peptide is present per unit of liquid volume, typically expressed as mg/mL, once reconstituted.
IU (International Unit)
A standardised unit of biological activity used for some compounds instead of mass — not interchangeable with mg/mcg without a specific conversion factor.
Half-life
The time it takes for half of a substance to be eliminated. Varies significantly between peptides and is reported in scientific literature per compound.
Molecular weight (MW)
The mass of one mole of the peptide, expressed in daltons (Da) or g/mol.
Excipient
An inactive substance formulated alongside the active peptide (e.g., a bulking agent) to aid stability or lyophilisation.
Frequently Asked
Researcher FAQ.
What's the difference between the lyophilised and reconstituted stability windows?
Unopened lyophilised powder is far more stable and can typically be frozen for extended periods. Once reconstituted with liquid, stability drops significantly — refrigerate immediately and use within the window noted on the COA, generally a matter of weeks, not months.
Can I refreeze a reconstituted vial?
It's not recommended. Freeze-thaw cycling can degrade peptide structure through mechanical stress on the molecule. Keep reconstituted solutions refrigerated rather than frozen.
Why does my solution look cloudy?
A clear solution is expected. Cloudiness or visible particulate can indicate degradation, contamination, or improper reconstitution technique (e.g., shaking instead of swirling). Discard and do not use a cloudy sample.
Where can I find analytical reports?
Where an independent analytical report has been approved for a specific Lumina Biologics product, it is published alongside that product. Analytical reports are product-specific and should not be interpreted as applying to the wider catalogue.