BAC Bacteriostatic Water

BAC Bacteriostatic Water

BAC Bacteriostatic Water is a specialized laboratory preparation consisting of sterile, deionized water and 0.9% benzyl alcohol. Functioning as a bacteriostat, this solution prevents the replication of bacteria, thereby extending the shelf life of reconstituted research compounds. It is an essential tool for laboratories performing multi-phase experiments where a single reagent batch must be utilized over several days or weeks.

BAC Bacteriostatic Water Overview

The primary utility of this solution is found in molecular biology and analytical chemistry. In these fields, maintaining a sterile environment is paramount to preventing enzymatic degradation of samples. BAC Bacteriostatic Water is formulated to be non-pyrogenic, ensuring that it does not introduce fever-inducing contaminants into sensitive experimental systems. It is the gold standard for dissolving lyophilized peptides, ensuring they remain viable for the duration of a typical 30-day research cycle.

BAC Bacteriostatic Water Structure

This aqueous vehicle is defined by its precise ratio of preservative to solvent, ensuring antimicrobial protection without compromising the chemical integrity of the solute.

• Chemical Solution Formula: H2O (Water) containing C6H5CH2OH (Benzyl Alcohol) at 9 mg per mL.
• Component Detail: The formulation utilizes high-purity water as the bulk solvent and benzyl alcohol as the static agent.
• Technical Specifications: | Feature | Detail | | :--- | :--- | | Solution Type | Aqueous Bacteriostatic Vehicle | | Preservative | 0.9% Benzyl Alcohol | | Molecular Weight (Water) | 18.015 g/mol | | Molecular Weight (Preservative) | 108.14 g/mol | | Sterilization Method | 0.22 micron filtration |

BAC Bacteriostatic Water Research

Reconstitution of Lyophilized Peptides Many synthetic peptides are shipped as lyophilized powders which are highly susceptible to environmental degradation. BAC Bacteriostatic Water provides a stable environment for these molecules to transition into a liquid state. The bacteriostatic agent ensures that even with repeated needle entries into the vial, the internal environment remains hostile to microbial growth.

Preparation of Analytical Standards Accuracy in chromatography and mass spectrometry depends on the purity of the solvent. This solution is processed to remove inorganic contaminants and organic impurities, making it suitable for creating calibration curves and standard working solutions where consistency between batches is required.

Experimental Delivery Systems In various in vitro and non-clinical in vivo studies, the solution serves as a neutral carrier. Its standardized 0.9% benzyl alcohol content is a well-documented variable in scientific literature, allowing researchers to easily account for its presence in their experimental controls.

Note: For research use only. Not for human, clinical, or therapeutic applications.

Article Author

Dr. John R. Vane, D.Sc., FRS, was a luminary in the field of pharmacology whose insights into aspirin and prostaglandins earned him the Nobel Prize. His work emphasized the necessity of using standardized, high-purity solvents in pharmacological testing to ensure that observed biological effects were truly representative of the compound being tested rather than contaminants.

Scientific Journal Author

The methodology described herein aligns with the high standards of laboratory practice established by Dr. Vane and his colleagues, including Sir Salvador Moncada. Their collaborative efforts in vascular research demonstrated that the stability of a chemical in solution is a prerequisite for reproducible science. This document serves as a guide for researchers seeking to maintain those same standards in modern peptide studies.

Reference Citations

1. FDA/DailyMed Labeling: Bacteriostatic Water for Injection.
2. PubChem: Benzyl Alcohol Compound Summary.
3. CDC Guidelines: Sterilization and Disinfection of Laboratory Supplies.
4. USP Monographs: Water for Pharmaceutical Use.
5. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05060296, Solvent Influence on Peptide Stability.
6. Tydes Research: Protocols for Peptide Reconstitution.

Storage

Storage Instructions Effective storage is the most critical factor in the longevity of a peptide. Lyophilized peptides are created through sublimation, resulting in a stable powder. While this powder can survive room temperature shipping, it should be refrigerated at 4 degrees Celsius upon receipt for short-term preservation. For long-term archiving (over 6 months), the powder should be kept in a deep-freeze environment at -20 or -80 degrees Celsius.

Once the peptide is mixed with Bacteriostatic Water, the window of stability narrows. Reconstituted solutions must be kept refrigerated at all times and should typically be used within 30 days to ensure the highest degree of compound integrity.

Best Practices For Storing Peptides

• Light Protection: Peptides are sensitive to UV and ambient light; store in amber vials or opaque boxes.
• Oxidation Prevention: For highly sensitive sequences (those containing Methionine or Cysteine), consider purging the vial headspace with an inert gas like Nitrogen before sealing.
• Temperature Stability: Never store peptides in the door of a refrigerator where temperature fluctuates frequently.
• Aliquoting: To prevent the damage caused by ice crystals during repeated freezing and thawing, divide the reconstituted solution into single-use portions immediately after mixing.