Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about research peptides, ordering, storage, reconstitution, and quality assurance.
Yes, research peptides are legal to purchase for laboratory research purposes in the United States and most countries. They are sold as research chemicals and are clearly labeled 'For Laboratory Research Use Only.' They are not intended for human consumption or therapeutic use. Researchers should be aware of and comply with all applicable laws and regulations in their jurisdiction regarding the possession and use of research chemicals.
When stored properly, lyophilized (freeze-dried) peptides can remain stable for 2-3 years or longer. The key factors are temperature, light, moisture, and freeze-thaw cycles. For long-term storage, keep vials at -20°C or -80°C in their original packaging, protected from light and moisture. Allow vials to warm to room temperature before opening to prevent condensation. Reconstituted solutions are less stable and should be used within 2-4 weeks when refrigerated at 4°C, or aliquoted and frozen for longer storage.
HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography) purity is a measure of how much of the sample is the target peptide versus impurities. It is calculated as the percentage of the main peak area relative to the total peak area in the chromatogram. A purity of 99% means that 99% of the sample is the target peptide, with 1% being impurities such as deletion sequences, truncated peptides, or oxidation products. HPLC does not measure biological activity or sterility — it only measures chemical purity. For identity confirmation, mass spectrometry (MS) is used in conjunction with HPLC.
To reconstitute lyophilized peptides: 1) Allow the vial to warm to room temperature before opening (20-30 minutes). 2) Choose an appropriate solvent — bacteriostatic water is most common for research use, sterile water for applications without preservatives. 3) Draw the solvent into a sterile syringe and inject it slowly down the inner wall of the vial, not directly onto the powder, to prevent foaming. 4) Gently swirl the vial until the powder is fully dissolved — do not shake or vortex vigorously. 5) Calculate concentration by dividing the peptide mass by the solvent volume. 6) Label the vial with concentration and reconstitution date. Store at 4°C for short-term use or aliquot and freeze for longer storage.
GHRP (Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide) and GHRH (Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone) are two classes of peptides that stimulate growth hormone release through different receptors and pathways. GHRHs (such as Mod GRF 1-29, CJC-1295) act on the GHRH receptor in the pituitary to stimulate growth hormone synthesis and release, producing a more sustained response. GHRPs (such as GHRP-2, GHRP-6, Ipamorelin, Hexarelin) act through the ghrelin receptor pathway, producing a more acute growth hormone pulse. Because they work through different pathways, they are synergistic when used together — the combined effect is greater than the sum of individual effects. This is why blend formulations containing both a GHRH and a GHRP are popular in research.
Reconstituted peptide solutions should be stored at 4°C (refrigerated) for short-term use, typically 2-4 weeks. For longer storage, aliquot the solution into single-use volumes and freeze at -20°C or -80°C. This minimizes freeze-thaw cycles, which can cause degradation or aggregation. Protect solutions from light by storing in amber vials or wrapping in foil. Before use, allow frozen aliquots to thaw slowly in the refrigerator, and inspect the solution for cloudiness or particulates before use. Some peptides are less stable in solution than others, so always check the product-specific storage recommendations.
A Certificate of Analysis (COA) is a document that provides detailed analytical results for a specific batch of product. It typically includes: product identification (name, lot number, analysis date), purity results from HPLC with a chromatogram showing the peak areas, identity confirmation from mass spectrometry comparing expected vs. measured molecular weight, analytical methods used, and the performing laboratory and analyst identification. A third-party COA from an independent laboratory is more credible than in-house testing because it provides an unbiased assessment. At amideworks, we provide batch certificates for every lot, available on each product page or upon request.
Yes, we ship to most countries worldwide. International orders are shipped via USPS International Priority or DHL Express, depending on the destination and order size. Delivery times typically range from 5-14 business days, depending on customs clearance in the destination country. Customers are responsible for any customs duties, taxes, or import fees that may apply. We recommend checking your country's regulations regarding the importation of research chemicals before placing an order. All international shipments are packaged discreetly and securely to ensure product integrity during transit.
We accept all major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover), PayPal, and bank wire transfers for larger orders. All payments are processed securely through encrypted payment gateways. For wholesale or bulk orders, we may offer net-30 payment terms to established customers with approved credit. Please contact our sales team for more information about payment options for large orders or custom synthesis projects.
Because our products are research chemicals, we cannot accept returns once an order has been shipped, due to safety and regulatory concerns. However, if you receive a product that is damaged, defective, or does not match the certificate of analysis, please contact us within 7 days of receipt with photos and a description of the issue. We will promptly replace the product or issue a full refund at our discretion. We stand behind the quality of our products and are committed to customer satisfaction. If you have any concerns about an order, please contact our customer service team and we will work to resolve the issue.
Yes, we offer custom peptide synthesis services for researchers who need peptides not available in our catalog. We can synthesize peptides from 5 to 50+ amino acids in length, with a wide range of modifications including N-terminal acetylation, C-terminal amidation, phosphorylation, biotinylation, fluorescent labeling, and more. Purity levels of 85%, 95%, 98%, and >99% are available, with HPLC and MS verification included. Turnaround time is typically 2-4 weeks depending on length, complexity, and purity level. For a custom quote, please contact us with the peptide sequence, quantity, purity level, and any modifications required.
The price per milligram typically decreases as the vial size increases, reflecting the economies of scale in peptide synthesis. Larger synthesis runs have lower per-unit costs for reagents, purification, and quality control. However, it is important to purchase only the quantity you will use within the product's shelf life, as unused material may degrade over time even with proper storage. For researchers who use large quantities of a particular peptide, our wholesale pricing for 10-vial boxes offers additional savings compared to individual vial purchases.
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