Name: Bacteriostatic Water
Brand: Hati Peptides
SKU: BAC-10ML
Price: 3 GBP
Availability: InStock

Question 1

What is Bacteriostatic Water and how is it used in peptide research?

Accepted Answer

Bacteriostatic water (BAC water) is sterile water containing 0.9% (9 mg/mL) benzyl alcohol as a bacteriostatic preservative. In research laboratories, it is the standard reconstitution medium for lyophilised peptides. The benzyl alcohol acts as a bacteriostatic agent, preventing bacterial growth in reconstituted solutions. Unlike plain sterile water, bacteriostatic water allows reconstituted peptides to be stored for 7–14 days under refrigeration without significant microbial contamination risk, making it essential for peptide research workflows.

Question 2

How do I reconstitute peptides using Bacteriostatic Water?

Accepted Answer

Standard reconstitution protocol: (1) Allow both the peptide vial and bacteriostatic water vial to reach room temperature. (2) Wipe rubber stoppers with 70% isopropanol and allow to dry. (3) Draw the required volume of bacteriostatic water into a sterile syringe. (4) Inject water slowly down the inside wall of the peptide vial (not directly onto the powder). (5) Gently swirl or roll between palms to aid dissolution. (6) Allow to stand for 5–10 minutes. Typical volumes: 1–2 mL for 10 mg peptides. Do not shake vigorously (may cause foam formation). Never use tap water or non-sterile water.

Question 3

What quality standards are recommended for Bacteriostatic Water in research?

Accepted Answer

Research-grade bacteriostatic water should meet pharmaceutical standards: sterility confirmed by USP <71> sterility test; endotoxin levels <0.5 EU/mL (LAL test); benzyl alcohol concentration 0.9% (w/v); pH 4.5–7.0; isotonic osmolarity (~300 mOsm/L); and sterile packaging. Batch-specific Certificates of Analysis should document sterility, endotoxin, pH, and benzyl alcohol concentration. The water should be sourced from GMP-compliant manufacturers and stored at room temperature (15–30°C), protected from light.

Question 4

Is Bacteriostatic Water legal for research in the UK?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Bacteriostatic water is classified as a sterile pharmaceutical accessory for laboratory use. It is not a controlled substance and is available for research laboratories without prescription requirements. It is not licensed as a medicine by the MHRA. Research institutions should ensure sourcing from GMP-compliant manufacturers and retention of documentation for regulatory compliance.

Question 5

What are the signs of degraded or contaminated reconstituted peptides?

Accepted Answer

Signs of peptide degradation include: cloudiness or precipitation in the solution; colour change (yellowing, browning); visible particles or fibres; loss of biological activity in standard assays; changes in HPLC chromatographic profile (new peaks, broadening, or reduced main peak); and altered mass spectrometry profile. If any signs are observed, discard the solution and prepare fresh from a new lyophilised vial. Proper storage at 2–8°C, protection from light, and use of bacteriostatic water help prevent degradation.

Bacteriostatic Water

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