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For laboratory research and educational purposes only.
All peptide instructions are provided strictly for laboratory research and educational purposes. Not intended for human or veterinary use unless prescribed by a licensed medical professional.
We've compiled the most accurate and practical guidance for laboratory research involving peptides — organized and accessible here.
New to peptides? Start here. These guides cover the fundamentals every researcher needs.
Peptides are short chains of amino acids — the same building blocks that make up proteins. The difference is length: peptides are generally defined as chains of 2 to 50 amino acids, while longer chains are classified as proteins. Your body produces thousands of peptides naturally, and they serve as signaling molecules, hormones, and regulators of biological processes.
Some examples you may already know without realizing they're peptides: insulin (51 amino acids, regulates blood sugar), oxytocin (9 amino acids, involved in social bonding), and growth hormone (191 amino acids, technically a protein but widely discussed in the peptide community).
When people in the research community talk about "peptides," they're usually referring to synthetic versions of naturally occurring peptides (or novel analogues designed to mimic them) that are produced in a lab and sold as lyophilized (freeze-dried) powders for research purposes.
Peptides work by binding to specific receptors on or inside cells, triggering a biological response. Think of it like a key fitting into a lock — the peptide is the key, the receptor is the lock, and the biological effect is what happens when the door opens.
Different peptides target different receptors, which is why they have such varied effects. A growth hormone releasing peptide (like GHRP-6) binds to ghrelin receptors in the pituitary, triggering GH release. A GLP-1 agonist (like semaglutide) binds to GLP-1 receptors in the pancreas and brain, affecting insulin secretion and appetite. BPC-157 interacts with multiple pathways related to tissue repair and inflammation.
The key concept to understand is specificity: each peptide has a specific target, a specific dose range where it's active, and a specific half-life that determines how long it stays active in the body. This is why dosage protocols matter.
Research peptides arrive as a lyophilized powder — a white or off-white cake or powder sitting at the bottom of a small glass vial. The vial is sealed with a rubber stopper and an aluminum crimp cap. The label tells you the peptide name and the total amount in the vial (e.g., "BPC-157 5mg" or "Semaglutide 3mg").
This powder is not ready to use as-is. It must first be reconstituted — dissolved in a liquid diluent — to create an injectable solution. The powder form exists because peptides are far more stable as a dry powder than in liquid.
Reconstitution is the single most important practical skill in peptide handling. What you need:
For the full step-by-step process, see the Reconstitution Guide →
Unit confusion is the #1 source of dosing errors for beginners. There are three measurement systems in play:
Reconstitution is the process of dissolving a lyophilized (freeze-dried) peptide powder into a liquid solution so it can be measured and administered via syringe. Research peptides are shipped as dry powder because peptides are far more stable in this form — they can remain viable for months or years when stored properly.
The process itself is simple — you're adding a measured amount of liquid to the powder and letting it dissolve. What trips people up is the math: the amount of liquid you add determines the concentration of the solution, which determines how much liquid you need to draw for each dose.
Nearly all peptide protocols use insulin syringes. They are designed for small, precise volumes and have thin-gauge needles (typically 29G, 30G, or 31G) appropriate for subcutaneous injection. They come pre-attached with a fixed needle, which means less dead space compared to syringes with detachable needles.
Insulin syringes are labeled by two characteristics: their total capacity (how much liquid they hold) and their unit scale (what the tick marks represent). Understanding the scale is where most confusion starts.
Every dosing calculation follows the same three-step process:
Dosing Instructions Prep & Injection Guide FAQs
Prep & Injection Guide
Peptides are quite fragile, and require specific, stable storage conditions to retain their potency and maximize their shelf life.
Whenever you purchase multiple vials of a peptide, you will only reconstitute the vial that you will be dosing from. The rest will be
kept in either your refrigerator or freezer, depending on the period of time they will be stored prior to use.
Factors Influencing Peptide Stability
Temperature fluctuations: higher temperatures accelerate peptide degradation
Multiple freeze/thaw cycles: this is one of the fastest way to diminish the efficacy of your peptides
Humidity: moisture can cause degradation and crystal formation. Even in their lyophilized state, peptides can absorb moisture from
the air, inside of the vial.
Light exposure
Mechanical shock (when lyophilized vials are dropped or otherwise impact a hard surface with a decent amount of force): this can
reduce efficacy and cause aggregation, particle formation, and cavitation (the formation and collapse of bubbles within a liquid)
Regardless of whether your peptide is reconstituted or lyophilized, and no matter if they will be stored in the refrigerator or freezer,
you need an appropriate container to hold them.
1. Get an opaque container which can be sealed tightly. If you do not have an opaque container, wrap your peptides in foil to prevent
their exposure to light.
2. Consider purchasing desiccant packets- these are larger versions of the silica gel packets found in new shoes. Amazon has a 60-
count package of 5 gram silica gel packets for $5.99.
Place a couple silica packets into your storage container with your peptides in order to minimize their exposure to moisture. This may
seem like overkill, but considering the detrimental effect that moisture has on the efficacy of your peptides, this simple extra step is
worth the negligible cost.
3. Tightly fasten the lid onto your container. Keep them in either the refrigerator or freezer according to the length of time they will
be stored.
Refrigeration of Reconstituted Peptides
For storage of reconstituted peptides for up to 60 days.
Place peptide vials into appropriate light-proof, airtight container as specified above.
Do not store your vials in the door of the refrigerator, since this will subject the peptide to unnecessary agitation and damage.
If your dosing vial is going to last you for longer than 1-2 months and you are aliquoting reconstituted peptides for long-term freezer
storage, use a buffer solution with a pH between 5-6 instead of bacteriostatic water. Aliquoting is transferring some of your
reconstituted peptide into a sterile container, then storing it in the freezer. It is absolutely vital that you only freeze this solution one
time, as multiple freeze/thaw cycles are particularly damaging to peptides. You may purchase the buffered solution on Amazon.
Peptides stored in the refrigerator may be used for 60-90 days following reconstitution for most peptides (30- 45 days for NAD+ and
AOD- 9604).
Lyophilized Powder Storage: Refrigerator
Exposure to bright artificial light or sunlight can degrade the quality of peptides.
Lyophilized peptides are stable when stored at room temperature for 30-60 days. We recommend storing them in a cool, dark, dry
cupboard when they may not be refrigerated or frozen.
Lyophilized peptides which will be used within 1 year may be stored in the refrigerator. It is important to store them in a container that
will block moisture and light.
If you need to store peptides for longer than one year, they should be stored in the freezer. It is important to use a container which
will prevent exposure to light and additional moisture. When frozen, peptides may be stored for 2-3 years. It is vitally important that
your peptides not be subjected to multiple freeze/thaw cycles, as this causes them to undergo rapid degradation.
If you plan to use peptides long-term, consider purchasing a peptide vial storage container. They are available with and without
temperature controls. The temperature-controlled options are excellent for traveling and for those who wish to be discreet about
their use of peptides. Etsy has an extensive selection of reasonably priced options, as does Amazon.
*Do not store Lipo-C in the refrigerator, as doing so will cause the solution to gel. It should be stored between 68-77°, away from light.
Alcohol prep pads.
Bacteriostatic water. Depending on the peptide’s properties and intended use, other solvents like saline solutions, specific buffers, or
acetic acid may be required to prepare the peptide properly (e.g. the acetic acid solvent which accompanies AOD-9604). We provide
the necessary solutions for all peptides in our inventory.
Clean insulin syringes. It is advisable to familiarize yourself with the dosing for the peptide you will be using, and purchase the most
appropriately sized syringe with which to draw and administer your doses accurately. If your dosing involves single digit units (e.g. 2
units, 3 units, 6 units, and so on) the use of .3mL (.3cc, or 30 unit) syringes is advisable. Accurately measuring out such small doses is
nearly impossible on a 1mL or .5mL syringe. Two online vendors who supply syringes without a prescription are Amazon
and ADW Diabetes .
Optional: 22 or 23 gauge, 3mL syringe for reconstitution.
Optional: Light-blocking, moisture-preventing peptide storage container. Non-climate controlled options are ideal for use in
refrigerators and freezers. Climate controlled options are ideal for traveling or discretion.
Tip: The needle.
Barrel: The Cylindrical part of the syringe that the numbers are
printed on.
Plunger: The moveable part inside of the barrel.
1mL / 1cc / 100-unit Syringe
Used for doses over 10 units.
The numbers reflect 10 unit graduations (e.g., 10 units, 20 units,
etc.).
Each line (“tick mark”) between the numbers represents TWO (2)
units.
Impossible to draw single unit doses accurately.
Left: 0.3mL / 0.3cc / 30-unit Syringe
Should be used for any peptide which calls for single-unit doses (e.g., 2 units, 5 units, 7 units, etc.).
The numbers on the barrel reflect 10 unit graduations.
Each line (“tick mark”) between the numbers stands for ONE (1) unit.
30 units on a 3/10mL, 0.5mL, or 1mL syringe are exactly the same—they just look different because the barrel sizes differ.
You will not need to adapt your dosing instructions based on the size of needle you are using.
Right: 0.5mL / 0.5cc / 50-unit Syringe
Also suitable for single-unit dosing, especially for peptides with doses under 10 units.
The numbers reflect 10 unit graduations, each line stands for ONE (1) unit.
10mL Luer Lock Syringe
For Lemon Bottle administration or large volume use.
Does not come with a needle—these must be purchased separately.
Allows use of a larger tip to draw the solution, and a smaller needle to administer the medication.
Dosing needles are perfectly capable of both drawing and administering the dose.
Luer Lock Needle Hub
Twists on to Luer Lock barrel. Often sold separately from the Luer Lock barrel. Available in a number of different gauges and lengths
to accommodate specific applications.
3mL Reconstitution Syringe
Numbered lines refer to .5mL, 1mL, 1.5mL, 2mL, 2.5mL, and 3mL.
Short lines measure 0.1mL (0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, etc.).
Used for accurate reconstitution of peptides.
Needle gauge refers to the thickness or diameter of the needle (higher number = thinner needle).
Most dosing syringes are between 29–31 gauge.
Standard Syringe Lengths for Subcutaneous Injection
For subcutaneous injections, 5/16” (8mm) and ½” (12mm) tips are commonly used.
½” is the largest length recommended for subcutaneous use.
1. Review your dosing instructions. Determine whether you need 30, 50, or 100 unit syringes (or both).
If the dosing instructions require single-unit doses, e.g. 2-units, 5-units, 9-units, and so on, you will need either 3/10mL or .5mL
syringes in order to accurately measure your dose. If you do not have to draw doses under 10-units, 1mL/1cc/100-unit syringes may be
used.
2. Interpreting syringe labeling/ordering syringes: There are three relevant components you will need to interpret and/or relate
syringe measurements to oill need to order to correctly purchase syringes. Below is a pack of syringes. At the top right corner of the
bag, you will find a label stating “ 29 gauge, 1cc, ½” (12mm).”
29 gauge:Dosing syringes fall within the 29-31 gauge range. This is an acceptable size for dosing.
1cc: 1cc is the same as 1mL, or 100 units. This is an appropriately sized syringe for most peptide dosing.
½” (12mm): Refers to the length of the needle tip. ½” is the largest length that you will want to use for subcutaneous dosing, and is
the tip length of choice for intramuscular dosing.
3. Recommended dosing syringes.
For single-unit dosing: 30 or 31 gauge, 3/10mL/.3cc/30-unit syringes with 5/16” (8mm) tip.
For doses over 10 units: 29-31 gauge, 1mL/1cc/100-unit syringes with 5/6” (8mm) tips OR 29-31 gauge, 1mL/1cc/100-unit syringes with
½” tips if you have peptides requiring a mix of subcutaneous and intramuscular dosing.
Remove the plastic cap from the top of the peptide vial and from the bacteriostatic (BAC) water (if necessary).
Clean the surface of both vials with an alcohol prep pad.
Select a needle for the reconstitution process. The best option for this is a 22 of 23 gauge, 3mL syringe- however, a 1mL insulin syringe
may be used. When using an insulin syringe, it is easier to use the 28 or 29 gauge, ½” tip variety, as the shorter, finer gauge ones may
bend when passing through the rubber of the vials.
Insert the reconstitution syringe through the center ring of the BAC water. Turn vial upside down and draw out the indicated amount
of water required to mix the peptide.
Insert the water-filled syringe through the center ring of the peptide vial. Press the plunger of the syringe down slowly, gently
injecting the water into the vial.
Remove the syringe from the vial of peptide, then cap and dispose of it.
Roll the vial gently between the palms of your hands to mix the contents. Once the contents appear to be fully dissolved, allow the
vial to sit for another 15-30 minutes to complete the dissolution process.
The peptide is now ready to be used. Follow storage guidelines. Whenever you remove the peptide from the refrigerator to draw a
dose, roll the vial gently between your palms again to ensure that the contents are evenly mixed.
Clean the surface area of the peptide vial with an alcohol prep pad.
Remove the cap from the plunger and needle.
Insert the syringe into the center ring on the top of the peptide vial, turn the bottle upside down, and draw back the amount indicated
by your dosing instructions. If the peptide is not flowing into the syringe, or is flowing very slowly, remove the needle from the vial,
and pull the plunger back to fill the syringe with air. Reinsert the needle into the peptide vial and depress the plunger. Pushing air into
the plunger will allow the fluid to fill your syringe much faster.
Recap the syringe and set the needle down on your preparation surface. If you sanitize your preparation area prior to use, you may
leave the needle uncapped.
Clean the surface area of the skin were you want to inject the peptides. When the site allows you to do so, gently pinch the fat at the
injection site and lift it away from the body. With the other hand, quickly plunge the syringe into the skin until the needle is fully
inserted.
Depress the plunger until all of the syringe contents have been injected, wait for a few seconds, and remove, cap, and dispose of the
syringe.
We recommend that after you put your shirt back into place, that you rub the injection site (with your shirt as a barrier to the bacteria
on your hands) for one minute, to aid the absorption of the peptide.
Remember to return your peptide to the refrigerator!
Best Locations for Subcutaneous Injections
Clean the top part of the bottle where you will draw your shot from.
Remove caps from the needle and plunger.
Insert the syringe tip into the center ring of the rubber cap, turn the bottle upside down, and draw the dose indicated by your dosing
instructions.
Remove syringe from the peptide bottle. If your prep surface has not been sanitized, cap the needle before setting the syringe down.
If you did sanitize it you may set the needle down without a cap.
Clean the surface area of the skin where you will inject the peptide.
Quickly push the syringe through your skin and into the muscle.
Depress the plunger until all of the syringe contents have been injected, then wait a few seconds before removing the syringe.
We recommend that after you put your shirt back into place, that you rub the injection site (with your shirt as a barrier to the bacteria
on your hands) for one minute, to aid the absorption of the peptide.
Remember to return your peptide to the refrigerator!
⚠ Research Disclaimer: All information is provided strictly for laboratory research and educational purposes only. Not intended for human or veterinary use unless prescribed by a licensed medical professional.
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