Peptide Reconstitution Guide
QSC peptides ship as lyophilised (freeze-dried) powder. Before use in research, the powder must be reconstituted — dissolved in a suitable solvent to form a stable solution. This guide covers the correct reconstitution procedure, solvent selection, sterile technique, and storage of reconstituted peptide.
Buy QSC Peptides + BAC Water
Lyophilised peptides and bacteriostatic water available from qscpeptide.com. ≥99% purity, Janoshik COA.
Equipment Needed
- QSC peptide vial (lyophilised powder)
- Bacteriostatic water (BAC water) — QSC supplies this at qscpeptide.com
- Insulin syringes (1mL, 100-unit markings) for precise volume measurement
- Alcohol swabs for vial septum sterilisation
- Optional: sterile gloves
Why Bacteriostatic Water?
Bacteriostatic water (BAC water) contains 0.9% benzyl alcohol as a preservative. This inhibits microbial growth in the reconstituted solution, extending usable life to 4–6 weeks when refrigerated — compared to days for solutions made with sterile water. Most research protocols use BAC water for peptide reconstitution for this reason.
Do not use tap water, distilled water, or saline. Tap water is not sterile. Saline creates osmolality issues. Plain sterile water has no antimicrobial protection and the reconstituted peptide degrades within days.
Reconstitution Procedure
Allow to Reach Room Temperature
Remove the peptide vial from refrigeration and allow it to reach room temperature for 10–15 minutes before opening. This reduces condensation from forming inside the vial.
Sterilise Both Vial Tops
Wipe the rubber septum of both the peptide vial and the BAC water vial with an alcohol swab. Allow to air-dry for 30 seconds.
Draw the BAC Water Volume
Using an insulin syringe, draw the appropriate volume of BAC water (see volume calculation below). Most researchers use 1–2mL per vial for convenient concentration.
Inject Slowly Down the Vial Wall
Insert the needle through the rubber septum of the peptide vial. Aim the tip at the vial wall, not the powder. Inject the BAC water slowly so it runs down the side of the vial onto the powder — do not squirt directly onto the lyophilate.
Gentle Roll, Do Not Shake
Gently roll the vial between your palms for 30–60 seconds until the powder is fully dissolved. Do not shake or vortex — this can cause foaming and peptide denaturation.
Inspect and Store
The solution should be clear and colourless (most peptides) or slightly yellow (some GHK-Cu, cysteine-containing peptides). Cloudy or particulate solutions indicate incomplete dissolution or potential degradation. Store in the refrigerator at 2–8°C.
Volume Calculation
The reconstitution volume determines the concentration of the final solution. Common convention:
| BAC Water Added | 5mg Vial Concentration | 10mg Vial Concentration |
|---|---|---|
| 1mL (100 units on insulin syringe) | 5mg/mL = 5,000mcg/mL | 10mg/mL = 10,000mcg/mL |
| 2mL (200 units) | 2.5mg/mL = 2,500mcg/mL | 5mg/mL = 5,000mcg/mL |
Many researchers prefer 1mL reconstitution for easy unit math on insulin syringes. At 1mL per 5mg vial: every 10 units on a 100U insulin syringe = 0.1mL = 500mcg.
Research Use Only. This reconstitution guide is for laboratory research applications only. QSC peptides are not for human consumption. All research protocols should be performed in accordance with applicable institutional and regulatory requirements.