Research peptides are short chains of amino acids manufactured for use in laboratory research and development. This handbook explains what they are, how they are supplied and handled, and how BioSequence Labs verifies the identity and purity of every lot — so researchers can source and work with reference-grade material confidently. Everything below is written for a laboratory context: our products are strictly Research Use Only (RUO) and are not for human or animal consumption.
What are research peptides?
A peptide is a molecule made of amino acids joined by peptide bonds — essentially a very short protein. “Research peptides” are synthetic peptides produced to a defined sequence and supplied to laboratories, universities, and independent researchers as reference materials for in-vitro and analytical work. They are characterised by their amino-acid sequence, molecular weight, and purity rather than by any therapeutic role, and they are not drugs, foods, cosmetics, or dietary supplements.
How research peptides are supplied
Most peptides are shipped lyophilised (freeze-dried) as a white powder or pellet inside a sealed vial. Lyophilisation removes water so the material stays stable in transit and storage. Before use in the lab the powder is dissolved — “reconstituted” — in a suitable solvent, most commonly bacteriostatic water. Peptides are supplied by amount (for example 5 mg or 10 mg per vial) and blends may combine more than one sequence in a single vial.
Handling and reconstitution
Reconstitution is straightforward: add your chosen volume of bacteriostatic water down the wall of the vial, let the pellet dissolve without shaking, and you have a solution of known concentration. Use our free peptide reconstitution calculator to convert milligrams and water volume into concentration and insulin-syringe units, and follow the reconstitution guide for technique.
Storage and stability
Lyophilised peptides are stable for extended periods when kept cold and dry; once reconstituted they should be refrigerated and used within a shorter window. Protect material from repeated temperature swings and light. Full detail is in the peptide storage guide.
Purity, identity, and the Certificate of Analysis
The single most important thing about a research peptide is that it is actually what the label says. Every BioSequence Labs lot is verified by independent third-party laboratories using HPLC (for purity) and mass spectrometry (for molecular identity), and each order ships with a lot-specific Certificate of Analysis (COA). Learn how we test on the Certificates of Analysis & Testing page and read our Research & Quality Standards. New to the field? Start with our introduction to research peptides.
Browse the catalog by category
- Single Peptides — individual sequences such as BPC-157, TB-500, GHK-Cu, Semax, and Selank.
- GLP-1 & Metabolic — Semaglutide, Tirzepatide, Retatrutide, and Cagrilintide.
- Blends — pre-formulated multi-peptide combinations.
- Supplies — bacteriostatic water and research consumables.
Compound research overviews
Single peptides
- BPC-157 research overview
- TB-500 research overview
- GHK-Cu research overview
- Ipamorelin research overview
- CJC-1295 (No DAC) research overview
- PT-141 research overview
- Selank research overview
- Semax research overview
- Thymosin Alpha-1 research overview
- MOTS-c research overview
- Epithalon research overview
- NAD+ research overview
- Glutathione research overview
- Gonadorelin research overview
GLP-1 & Metabolic
Blends
- CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin research overview
- Cagrilintide + Retatrutide research overview
- GLOW research overview
Compound comparisons
Frequently asked questions
What does “Research Use Only” mean?
It means the material is intended solely for laboratory research and development. It is not a drug or supplement, has not been evaluated by the FDA, and is not for human or animal consumption.
How do I know a research peptide is genuine?
Look for a lot-specific Certificate of Analysis showing third-party HPLC purity and mass-spectrometry identity for the exact lot you receive. Every BioSequence Labs order includes one.
What solvent is used to reconstitute peptides?
Bacteriostatic water is the most common choice for research reconstitution because the benzyl alcohol it contains inhibits microbial growth in a multi-use vial. The reconstitution calculator works out the resulting concentration.
Research Use Only. All BioSequence Labs products are sold strictly for in-vitro laboratory research and development. They are not drugs, foods, cosmetics, or dietary supplements, are not for human or animal consumption, and have not been evaluated by the FDA.