How to Reconstitute Peptides: Choosing the Right Solvent

Peptides come in lyophilized form (powder) and need to be dissolved before use. The choice of solvent affects the stability, shelf life and safety of the finished solution. Bacteriostatic water is sterile water with 0.9% benzyl alcohol added, which inhibits bacterial growth. This is the most universal and popular solvent for peptides. Works for most peptides Allows multiple draws from the vial without contamination risk Finished solution keeps up to 4 weeks in the refrigerator Acetic Acid Water (Acid Water) - a 0.6% acetic acid solution in sterile water. Used for peptides that dissolve poorly in a neutral environment. Needed when a peptide won't dissolve in bacteriostatic water After reconstitution in AA Water, the finished solution is often further diluted with saline or bacteriostatic water before injection Finished solution keeps up to 4 weeks in the refrigerator What not to do? ❌ Use regular tap water or distilled water - not sterile, critically dangerous. ❌ Shake the vial when dissolving - only gently swirl it in your palms ❌ Pour the solvent directly onto the powder under pressure - direct it along the wall of the vial ❌ Apply heat to speed up dissolving Only use the peptide after it's fully dissolved (no visible powder particles in the solution)