Research Blog

Third-Party Testing: HPLC and Mass Spectrometry Explained
Two analytical techniques underpin the testing of research peptides: HPLC and mass spectrometry. Here's what each does. HPLC — measuring purityHigh-Performance Liquid Chromatography separates a sample's components as they pass through a column, producing a chromatogram. The size of the main peak relative to others gives the purity percentage. Mass spectrometry — confirming identityMass spectrometry measures the molecular mass of the peptide. Comparing the measured mass to the expected mass confirms the compound is what it claims to be. Why both are neededPurity and identity are different questions. A sample... Read more...
Understanding Peptide Sequences and Nomenclature
Peptide names and sequences can look intimidating. This short guide explains how peptides are named and written. Amino acid sequencesA peptide is defined by its sequence of amino acids, often written using three-letter (e.g. Gly-His-Lys) or one-letter (e.g. GHK) codes. The sequence determines the peptide's identity and behaviour. Common naming conventionsPeptides may be named after their discovery or function (e.g. Body Protection Compound-157, "BPC-157"), after the natural molecule they derive from (e.g. Thymosin Beta-4), or by research code numbers. Analogues and modificationsMany research peptides are analogues — engineered variants of... Read more...
Why Research Peptides Are Supplied as Lyophilised Powder
Research peptides almost always arrive as a small amount of white powder at the bottom of a vial. That powder is the result of lyophilisation — and there's a good reason for it. What is lyophilisation?Lyophilisation, or freeze-drying, removes water from the peptide under low temperature and vacuum, leaving a stable dry powder. It is a standard step in preparing peptides and many biological materials. Why powder, not liquid?Peptides are far more stable dry. Water accelerates degradation, so shipping and storing peptides as a lyophilised powder greatly extends their stable... Read more...
An Introduction to Peptide Synthesis
Research peptides are manufactured, not extracted. This article introduces how peptides are made in the laboratory. What is a peptide?A peptide is a short chain of amino acids linked by peptide bonds. The specific sequence defines the peptide and its properties. Solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS)The dominant method is solid-phase peptide synthesis, a Nobel Prize–winning technique developed by Bruce Merrifield. Amino acids are added one at a time to a growing chain anchored to a solid resin, in a controlled, repeating cycle. PurificationThe crude peptide is then cleaved from the resin... Read more...
Peptide Purity Explained: What 99% Actually Means
When you see a research peptide advertised at "99% purity," what does that number actually mean — and why does it matter? This guide explains it in plain terms. What purity measuresPurity is the percentage of material in a vial that is the intended peptide, as opposed to impurities such as truncated or deletion sequences and residual synthesis reagents. 99% purity means 99% of the peptide content is the target compound. How purity is measuredThe standard method is High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), which separates a sample's components and quantifies each... Read more...
How to Choose a Research Peptide Supplier in the UK
Not all research peptide suppliers are equal. If you are sourcing peptides for laboratory research in the UK, here are the factors that matter most. 1. Independent third-party testingThe most important marker of a reliable supplier is independent, third-party testing — not the supplier testing its own product. Look for a Certificate of Analysis tied to the specific batch. Read our guide on understanding COAs. 2. Verified purityResearch-grade material is typically 98–99%+ purity, verified by HPLC and identity-confirmed by mass spectrometry. Purity should be stated clearly. 3. Proper storage and... Read more...
What Does "Research Use Only" Actually Mean?
If you have browsed research peptides or laboratory reagents, you will have seen the phrase "for research use only." This article explains what it means and why it matters. A defined category"Research Use Only" (RUO) describes products intended solely for laboratory research and experimentation. They are not tested, approved, or sold for use in humans or animals, and are not medicines, supplements or cosmetics. What it means in practice The product is intended for in-vitro (laboratory) research. It is not for human or animal consumption or administration. It is not... Read more...
MOTS-c and Mitochondrial Research
MOTS-c is a mitochondrial-derived peptide that has attracted significant interest in metabolic research. This article explains what mitochondrial-derived peptides are and the research around MOTS-c. What are mitochondrial-derived peptides?Mitochondria are the energy-producing structures within cells. Mitochondrial-derived peptides are short peptides encoded within the mitochondrial genome itself — a relatively recent and active area of research. MOTS-cMOTS-c is encoded within the 12S ribosomal RNA region of the mitochondrial genome. In published laboratory research it has been studied as a systemic metabolic signalling peptide. Areas of researchResearch involving MOTS-c has examined cellular... Read more...
What Is Tesamorelin? A GHRH Analogue Explained
Tesamorelin is a synthetic peptide widely referenced in endocrinology research. This article explains what a GHRH analogue is and the research context around Tesamorelin. Growth-hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH)GHRH is a naturally occurring hormone that acts on the pituitary gland as part of the growth-hormone axis, and is a key subject in endocrine research. What is a GHRH analogue?An analogue is a molecule engineered to resemble a natural compound. Tesamorelin is a stabilised synthetic analogue of GHRH, designed to resist breakdown better than the natural hormone, which makes it useful as a... Read more...
BPC-157 & TB-500 in Tissue-Repair Research
BPC-157 and TB-500 are two of the most frequently studied peptides in tissue-repair and recovery research. This article introduces both compounds and why they are often studied together. BPC-157BPC-157 (Body Protection Compound-157) is a synthetic peptide derived from a partial sequence of a protein identified in gastric juice. In preclinical research it has been examined in relation to angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels), growth-factor signalling, and connective-tissue models. TB-500TB-500 is a synthetic form of the active region of Thymosin Beta-4, a naturally occurring peptide present in many tissues.... Read more...
GHK-Cu: A Research Overview
GHK-Cu is one of the most widely studied copper-binding peptides in dermatological and regenerative research. This overview explains what it is and the areas researchers investigate. What is GHK-Cu?GHK-Cu (copper tripeptide-1) is a naturally occurring tripeptide made of the amino acids glycine, histidine and lysine, bound to a copper ion. It occurs naturally in human plasma, and its concentration is known to decline with age. DiscoveryGHK was first identified in the 1970s as a factor in human plasma. Researchers later established its strong affinity for copper, forming the GHK-Cu complex... Read more...
How to Store Research Peptides Correctly
Peptides are delicate molecules, and correct storage is essential to preserving their integrity for research. This guide covers the key principles for storing both lyophilised (freeze-dried) and reconstituted research peptides in a laboratory setting. Lyophilised (freeze-dried) peptidesIn powder form, peptides are at their most stable: Keep cold: store in a freezer, typically around −20°C, for long-term stability. Keep dry: moisture is a primary cause of degradation. Keep vials sealed. Keep dark: protect from prolonged light exposure. Reconstituted peptidesOnce reconstituted for research, the stability window shortens: Store refrigerated, typically around 2–8°C.... Read more...
Understanding Certificates of Analysis (COAs) for Research Peptides
When sourcing research peptides, the single most important document is the Certificate of Analysis (COA). It is the independent evidence of what a vial actually contains. This guide explains what a COA is, what it should contain, and why third-party testing matters. What is a Certificate of Analysis?A COA is a laboratory-issued document that reports the identity and purity of a specific batch of a compound. For research peptides, it confirms that the material in the vial matches what is stated on the label, and to what degree of purity.... Read more...
How to Choose a UK Research Peptide Supplier: 7 Things to Check
Seven things every researcher should check before ordering peptides from a UK supplier — from CoA testing to batch traceability and honest purity claims. Read more...
How to Store Research Peptides: Temperature, Shelf Life & Handling
Fridge or freezer? How long do peptides last? A clear guide to storing lyophilised and reconstituted research peptides so they stay stable. Read more...
How to Reconstitute Peptides: A Step-by-Step Research Guide
How to reconstitute lyophilised peptides correctly — bacteriostatic water, volume calculations, mixing technique, and storage, explained step by step. Read more...
How to Read a Peptide Certificate of Analysis (CoA)
A Certificate of Analysis, or CoA, is the single most important document a research peptide supplier can give you. It is the independent evidence that the compound in the vial is what the label says it is — at the purity claimed, and free from contaminants. Yet most CoAs are dense with technical terms that are rarely explained. This guide breaks down exactly what each section means, so you can evaluate any supplier's CoA with confidence. ## What a Certificate of Analysis actually is A CoA is a batch-specific report... Read more...