Peptide Facts: Everything You Need to Know

Peptides are short chains of amino acids, typically made up of 2 to 50 amino acids, linked together by peptide bonds. They are naturally occurring in the body and play a crucial role in various biological functions — from hormone production to tissue repair.

Peptides are widely researched for their therapeutic potential. Some of the most studied benefits include:

• Muscle growth (e.g. growth hormone-releasing peptides)
• Fat loss
• Injury and joint repair (e.g. BPC-157, TB-500)
• Anti-aging and skin rejuvenation
• Enhanced cognitive performance
• Improved immune function

Note: Benefits may vary depending on the specific peptide and intended use.

Peptide synthesis is the chemical process of creating peptides in a lab setting. It typically involves linking amino acids in a specific sequence using solid-phase synthesis techniques. This allows scientists to create custom peptides for research, pharmaceutical development, or medical testing.

Proper storage is crucial to maintain peptide stability and effectiveness:

• Lyophilized (powdered) peptides should be stored in a cool, dry place (preferably refrigerated at 2–8°C or frozen at -20°C for long-term storage).
• Reconstituted peptides (mixed with bacteriostatic water) should be stored in the refrigerator and used within a few days to weeks, depending on the peptide.

The key difference lies in size and complexity:

• Peptides: Short chains of amino acids (2–50 residues)
• Proteins: Larger, more complex structures made of one or more long chains of amino acids (>50 residues)

Both play essential roles in biological processes, but peptides are often more targeted and easier to synthesize for specific applications.

Purification ensures the accuracy, safety, and reliability of a peptide. During synthesis, unwanted byproducts or incorrect sequences may form. Peptide purification — typically done through HPLC (High Performance Liquid Chromatography) — removes these impurities, ensuring the final product is of the highest possible quality for research.

Research peptides are synthetic peptides manufactured strictly for laboratory research and scientific study. They are not approved for human consumption or medical use, but are essential tools in biomedical research for exploring new treatments, mechanisms, and biological effects.