Standardized laboratory handling protocol for reconstituting freeze-dried peptide cakes using bacteriostatic water.
Allow the sealed lyophilized vial to sit at ambient room temperature for 15-20 minutes before introduction of solvent to avoid condensation on the cake.
Vigorously swab the rubber stoppers of both the peptide vial and the bacteriostatic water vial with a fresh 70% isopropyl alcohol wipe. Allow to air dry for 30 seconds.
Using a sterile reconstitution syringe (18G to 21G), draw the calculated volume of bacteriostatic water (typically 1.0 mL to 3.0 mL). Many lyophilized vials are vacuum sealed; slowly control the plunger.
Pierce the peptide vial stopper at a 45-degree angle. Aim the needle tip against the inner glass wall. Allow the fluid to slowly stream down the glass rather than spraying directly onto the cake.
Slowly swirl the vial in gentle horizontal circles. DO NOT shake or agitate. Dissolution typically takes 1 to 5 minutes depending on peptide hydrophobicity.
Store immediately in a clean container at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). Protect from direct light. Stable for approximately 28 to 30 days depending on compound.
