COAs & Test Results

Peptides are short chains of amino acids linked by peptide bonds. In a research context, synthetic peptides are used as tools to study biological processes — from cell signaling and receptor binding to enzyme function and immune response. They are not drugs, supplements, or consumer products.

Research peptides are synthesized using solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) or similar methods, then purified and analyzed to confirm their identity and purity. The resulting product is a lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder that researchers reconstitute for use in their specific assay or experiment.

The utility of peptides in research comes from their specificity. Because peptides can be designed to target particular receptors or mimic natural signaling molecules, they are valuable tools for investigating biological mechanisms in controlled settings.

Proper handling of research peptides is critical to maintaining their integrity. Most lyophilized peptides should be stored at -20°C or below, in a dry environment, and protected from light. Once received, peptides should be placed in appropriate storage as soon as possible.

When reconstituting a peptide, use sterile bacteriostatic water or the solvent recommended for the specific peptide. Work in a clean environment, ideally under a laminar flow hood. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles, as these can degrade the peptide over time. If you need to use a peptide across multiple sessions, consider aliquoting the reconstituted solution into smaller volumes.

Always refer to the product-specific storage instructions provided with your Certificate of Analysis. Different peptides may have different stability profiles depending on their sequence and structure.

Purity is one of the most important quality metrics for research peptides. It indicates the percentage of the sample that consists of the target peptide, as opposed to synthesis byproducts, truncated sequences, or other impurities. Higher purity generally means more reliable and reproducible experimental results.

The primary method for assessing peptide purity is high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). This technique separates the components of a sample based on their chemical properties, producing a chromatogram that shows the relative abundance of each component. A purity of 95% or higher is typical for research-grade peptides, though some applications may require 98% or above.

A Certificate of Analysis (COA) is a document that accompanies each lot of peptide and reports the results of quality testing. A thorough COA includes HPLC purity data, mass spectrometry confirmation of molecular weight, appearance, lot number, and storage recommendations. Reputable suppliers provide COAs as a standard part of every order — not as an optional add-on.