For Research Purposes Only

Glossary

Key terms and definitions in peptide research

Amino Acid
Organic compounds that serve as the building blocks of proteins and peptides. There are 20 standard amino acids that combine in various sequences to form different peptides and proteins.
Amino Acid Sequence
The specific order of amino acids that defines a peptide's chemical structure. This sequence determines the peptide's three-dimensional shape and biological properties.
Bacteriostatic Water
Sterile water containing 0.9% benzyl alcohol as a preservative. It is commonly used for reconstituting lyophilised peptides and allows for multiple uses from a single vial due to its antimicrobial properties.
Certificate of Analysis (COA)
A document provided by the manufacturer that confirms the identity, purity, and quality of a product. COAs typically include HPLC purity data, mass spectrometry results, and other analytical test results.
HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography)
An analytical technique used to separate, identify, and quantify components in a mixture. In peptide research, HPLC is the standard method for determining peptide purity.
Lyophilisation
A freeze-drying process used to remove moisture from peptides and improve their chemical stability. Lyophilised peptides appear as a white or off-white powder and have extended shelf life compared to solutions.
Peptide
A short chain of amino acids linked by peptide bonds. Peptides are typically defined as containing 2-50 amino acids, while longer chains are classified as proteins. They play crucial roles in biological processes and are widely studied in research.
Peptide Bond
A covalent chemical bond formed between two amino acids when the carboxyl group of one amino acid reacts with the amino group of another, releasing a molecule of water.
Purity (>99%)
The proportion of the target compound present in a sample, typically determined by HPLC analysis. A purity of >99% indicates that more than 99% of the sample consists of the intended peptide, with less than 1% impurities.
Reconstitution
The process of dissolving a lyophilised (freeze-dried) peptide in a suitable solvent, typically bacteriostatic water or sterile water, to create a solution for research use.
Research Peptide
A peptide compound manufactured and sold exclusively for laboratory research and scientific study. Research peptides are not approved for human or animal use and must only be used in controlled research settings.
Synthetic Peptide
A peptide produced through chemical synthesis rather than extracted from natural sources. Synthetic peptides can be manufactured with high purity and specific sequences for research applications.