Peptide FAQs
What Are Peptides?
- Peptides are short chains of amino acids, smaller than proteins, that act as messengers to communicate with cells.
- They can be designed for various purposes, from promoting collagen production in skincare to being used in peptide therapies.
What Are Peptides Used For?
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Skincare:Peptides help with anti-aging by stimulating collagen production and relaxing facial muscles, which can soften wrinkles.
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Supplements:While marketed for muscle growth and fat loss, their effectiveness is often limited due to digestion.
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Therapy:Peptides can be administered via injection, nasal spray, or cream for various medical and wellness applications.
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Research:They are essential tools in scientific research, particularly for antibody production and complex binding assays.
Storage and Stability
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Lyophilized Form:Peptides are typically sold in a lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder form, which is stable at room temperature for short periods.
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Long-Term Storage:For long-term storage, peptides should be kept in a freezer, ideally at -20°C or -70°C.
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Solutions:Store peptides in solution at -20°C or below, ensuring they are in sealed containers to minimize degradation.
Purity and Application
- Crude (>50%): Suitable for non-sensitive screening assays.
- >85%: Often sufficient for antibody production.
- >95%: Recommended for quantitative assays, cell culture, and monoclonal antibody production.
- >98%: Essential for structural studies like NMR and X-ray crystallography.
Dissolving Peptides
- Guidelines for dissolving peptides can be found on a vendor's Solubility Testing page.
- Ensure the peptide is fully dissolved before use.
Administration
- Peptides can be administered in various ways depending on their type and purpose.
- Common methods include injection, transdermal cream, nasal spray, and oral tablet.
- Important Note: Source peptides only from trusted medical professionals to ensure safety and proper dosage.