Documentation
Quality and testing
How we document identity, purity and content for each research material, and how to read the certificate that comes with it.
What a certificate of analysis tells you
A certificate of analysis (COA) is the lab report for one specific production lot. It ties a lot number to the results of the tests run on that lot, so the number on your vial label should match the number on the certificate.
Before you use any material in an experiment, check three things on the COA: the lot number matches your label, the compound identity is confirmed, and the reported purity meets the threshold your protocol requires.
Common tests and what they measure
HPLC purity. High-performance liquid chromatography separates the target compound from impurities and reports purity as a percentage of total peak area.
Mass spectrometry (MS). Confirms identity by measuring molecular mass and comparing it with the theoretical mass of the expected sequence or structure.
Net content. Quantifies how much of the compound is actually present, which matters because lyophilized peptides also contain counter-ions and residual moisture.
Endotoxin and microbial testing. Measure bacterial endotoxin and microbial load, which can interfere with cell-based assays.
The tests reported for a given lot are listed on that lot's certificate. If a test you need is not shown, contact us before ordering.
Storage and handling basics
Most lyophilized peptides are stable longest when kept sealed, dry and protected from light at or below -20 °C. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles, and let a vial reach room temperature before opening it so moisture does not condense inside.
Aqueous formulations, capsules and topical systems each have their own storage conditions, listed on the product page and label.