What is lyophilization?
Lyophilization — also known as freeze-drying — is a gentle drying process in which water is removed from a frozen sample through sublimation. This means: the water transitions directly from a solid state (ice) to a gaseous state without passing through the liquid phase.
The process occurs in three phases: freezing the sample, primary drying (sublimation of free water under vacuum), and secondary drying (removal of bound residual water). The result is a dry, porous powder — the lyophilized solid.
Why are peptides lyophilized?
Synthetic peptides in aqueous solution are susceptible to hydrolysis, oxidation, and microbial growth. Lyophilization removes water as a reaction medium, thereby drastically slowing down chemical degradation processes.
Advantages compared to liquid formulations:
- →Extended shelf life — lyophilized peptides remain stable for 24 months and longer when stored correctly
- →Reduced degradation — absence of water as a reaction medium for hydrolysis
- →Easier transport — no risk of cold chain failure during short-term temperature fluctuations
- →Flexible reconstitution — the powder can be dissolved with the desired solvent and at the desired concentration prior to use
Important
Lyophilized peptides should be stored at −20°C, protected from light and kept dry. After opening the vial and after reconstitution, different storage conditions apply — use reconstituted solutions at 4°C and promptly.
Correct storage of lyophilized peptides
The following recommendations apply for the optimal stability of lyophilized peptides:
| State |
Recommendation |
| Sealed, lyophilized |
−20°C · light-protected · dry · up to 24 months |
| Opened, non-reconstituted |
−20°C · reseal immediately · use promptly |
| Reconstituted in solution |
4°C · light-protected · use within 7–14 days |
Reconstitution — what does it mean?
Reconstitution refers to the dissolution of the lyophilized powder in a solvent prior to use in a research context. For research peptides, bacteriostatic water (0.9% benzyl alcohol) or sterile water is typically used.
Bacteriostatic water has the advantage that the benzyl alcohol acts as a preservative, making the reconstituted solution suitable for multiple extractions — in contrast to sterile water without preservatives.