Glossary

A quick reference for common terms you’ll encounter across our product listings, Certificates of Analysis, and documentation.

Peptide #

A short chain of amino acids linked together by peptide bonds. Peptides are smaller than full proteins but built from the same fundamental building blocks, and they play a wide range of roles in biological research.

Lyophilized #

Freeze-dried into a stable powder or cake form by removing water under vacuum while frozen. This is the standard state in which peptides are supplied and stored prior to use, since it significantly improves stability compared to solution form. See our full guide on handling lyophilized material.

Purity (%) #

The proportion of a sample confirmed to be the intended compound, as determined by laboratory testing such as HPLC. A higher percentage indicates fewer impurities or byproducts present in the sample. See our full guide on purity testing.

HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography) #

A common laboratory analytical method used to separate the individual components of a sample, allowing purity to be calculated based on the proportion of the sample matching the target compound.

Mass Spectrometry (MS) #

An analytical technique that measures the mass-to-charge ratio of molecules in a sample, used to confirm that a compound’s molecular weight matches what’s expected for its identity.

Molecular Weight #

The mass of a single molecule of a compound, usually expressed in daltons (Da). Confirming molecular weight is one way to verify a compound’s identity matches its expected chemical structure.

Batch / Lot Number #

A unique identifier assigned to a specific production run of a product. Batch numbers are used to match a specific unit of product to its corresponding Certificate of Analysis and testing records.

Certificate of Analysis (COA) #

A document from a testing laboratory confirming the composition, purity, and identity of a specific batch of material. See our full guide on how to read a Certificate of Analysis.

Research Use Only (RUO) #

A labelling classification indicating a product is supplied strictly for laboratory and research purposes, and has not been tested, approved, or labelled for human or veterinary use. See our full guide on what Research Use Only means.

Reconstitution #

The general process of dissolving a lyophilized compound into a liquid solution prior to use. Our documentation does not provide reconstitution ratios, dosing, or procedural instructions — this term is included here for reference only, since it appears frequently in research contexts.

Stability #

How well a compound retains its original chemical composition and structure over time, influenced by factors including temperature, light exposure, moisture, and whether the compound is in lyophilized or reconstituted form. See our full guide on shelf life and stability.

Independent Testing #

Laboratory testing carried out by a party with no financial interest in the result, as distinct from self-reported or in-house testing conducted by a manufacturer or seller. Independent testing is generally considered more reliable, since it removes the incentive to report favourable results.

Degradation #

The gradual breakdown of a compound’s chemical structure over time, typically accelerated by heat, light, moisture, or repeated temperature fluctuations. Degradation can reduce purity and alter a compound’s properties even without any visible change to a sample.