Peptide Storage Best Practices: A Complete Guide

Guide
Professional laboratory storage setup with properly labeled peptide samples
Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash

Proper peptide storage is crucial for maintaining peptide stability and ensuring reliable research results. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about storing peptides correctly.

Storage Conditions for Lyophilized Peptides

Lyophilized (powder) peptides generally have the longest shelf life when stored properly:

  • Store at -20°C or lower for long-term storage
  • Keep in a sealed, airtight container
  • Protect from light and moisture
  • Add desiccant packets for moisture-sensitive peptides

Solution Storage Guidelines

When storing peptides in solution, consider these factors:

  • Store at -20°C for short-term use (1-2 weeks)
  • Use -80°C for long-term storage
  • Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles
  • Consider adding preservatives for specific applications

Temperature Considerations

Different storage temperatures serve different purposes:

  • Room temperature: Only for immediate use
  • 4°C: Short-term storage (hours to days)
  • -20°C: Standard storage for most applications
  • -80°C: Long-term storage and sensitive peptides

Aliquoting Strategies

Proper aliquoting is crucial for maintaining peptide integrity:

  • Create single-use aliquots to avoid freeze-thaw cycles
  • Use appropriate volume sizes for your experiments
  • Label containers with concentration and date
  • Consider using low-binding tubes for dilute solutions

Common Storage Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Storing peptides in inappropriate containers
  2. Neglecting to record storage conditions and dates
  3. Improper sealing leading to moisture exposure
  4. Excessive freeze-thaw cycles
  5. Using wrong storage temperature for specific peptides

Special Considerations

Some peptides require special storage conditions:

  • Cysteine-containing peptides: Add reducing agents
  • Hydrophobic peptides: Consider DMSO solutions
  • Light-sensitive peptides: Use amber vials
  • Hygroscopic peptides: Extra moisture protection

Conclusion

Following these storage best practices will help maintain peptide stability and ensure reliable research results. Remember to always check manufacturer recommendations for specific peptides and document your storage conditions carefully.