Sterile Water

Sterile Water Overview

Sterile Water is a highly purified, non-pyrogenic, and sterile aqueous solvent specifically engineered for use in rigorous scientific and laboratory research settings. As a fundamental medium, it facilitates the precise preparation, dilution, and suspension of sensitive research compounds, including peptides, proteins, nucleic acids, and various biochemical reagents. Its manufacturing process ensures a particle-free composition, allowing researchers to maintain controlled, contamination-free environments essential for high-fidelity data.

In the landscape of laboratory research, Sterile Water serves as the gold standard for the reconstitution of lyophilized materials. It is indispensable for formulating complex buffers, creating stock solutions, and washing sensitive analytical instruments where the presence of ions or organic contaminants could skew results. By providing a chemically neutral environment, Sterile Water preserves the structural stability and biological integrity of solubilized compounds, directly supporting the reproducibility of experimental outcomes.

Technical Specifications Table

Property

Specification

Purity Grade

Laboratory/Reagent Grade

pH Range

5.0 to 7.0 (Neutral)

Conductivity

Less than 1.3 uS/cm at 25 degrees Celsius

Total Organic Carbon

Less than 500 ppb

Endotoxin Level

Less than 0.25 EU/mL

Physical State

Clear, Colorless Liquid

Sterile Water Structure

The molecular structure of Sterile Water consists of two hydrogen atoms covalently bonded to a single oxygen atom. In its highly purified state, the structure is free from dissolved minerals, gases, or microbial life that might interfere with molecular interactions.

Molecular Formula: H2O

Sterile Water Research

Sterile Water as a Universal Solvent

In biochemical research, Sterile Water acts as a universal solvent, capable of dissolving a vast array of polar molecules. Its high dielectric constant makes it ideal for maintaining the ionic balance of dissolved peptides and proteins. Because it lacks buffering agents or reactive species, it prevents unintended chemical reactions that could alter the native conformation of the solute. This makes it the preferred choice for spectroscopy and bioassay systems where baseline clarity is paramount.

Applications in Molecular Biology

The role of Sterile Water in molecular biology is critical, particularly in the setup of enzymatic reactions. It is used extensively in PCR, qPCR, and RNA extraction protocols. The absence of nucleases (DNase and RNase) and proteases is vital to prevent the degradation of genetic material. By ensuring a high degree of purity, Sterile Water prevents the inhibition of DNA polymerases and other enzymes, thereby increasing the fidelity of genetic sequencing and gene expression profiling.

System Preparation and Analytical Integrity

Beyond serving as a solvent, Sterile Water is a core component in the maintenance of high-performance analytical systems. It is utilized for rinsing capillary systems and diluting samples in chromatography and mass spectrometry. The lack of dissolved solids ensures that no residue builds up within delicate tubing or on detector surfaces, which helps maintain a high signal-to-noise ratio and prevents equipment corrosion over time.

Cell and Tissue Culture Preparation

In cellular research, Sterile Water is used to hydrate dehydrated culture media and prepare washing buffers. While not a nutrient source itself, its purity ensures that when nutrients are added, the resulting environment is precisely calibrated to the researcher's specifications. It supports the viability of cell lines by ensuring that no exogenous toxins or metallic ions are introduced during the initial hydration stages.

Usage Notice

Sterile Water is intended strictly for scientific study and controlled laboratory experimentation. It must only be handled by qualified research personnel. This product is not formulated, tested, or approved for human or veterinary use. Bodily administration of any kind is strictly prohibited. All experimental applications should comply with institutional safety and regulatory standards.

Article Author

This literature review was compiled and formatted using technical data and quality standards defined by the United States Pharmacopeia (USP). The USP is an independent organization that establishes global benchmarks for the purity and quality of laboratory reagents. The information presented is based on verified institutional publications to ensure technical accuracy and consistency with established laboratory guidelines.

Scientific Journal Author

Scientific and technical information regarding sterile water purity and reagent-grade classification has been sourced from recognized international authorities, including the U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), World Health Organization (WHO), and the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). These institutions provide the foundation for standardized methods of solvent formulation and quality control. This acknowledgment does not constitute an endorsement or promotion of this product. Montreal Peptides Canada has no formal affiliation or sponsorship with the organizations referenced.

Reference Citations

1. U.S. Pharmacopeia. Sterile Water for Laboratory Use. https://www.usp.org
2. FDA Label Information: Sterile Water Products. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov
3. World Health Organization Guidelines on Water Quality for Laboratories. https://www.who.int
4. ScienceDirect Topics: Sterile Water in Bioprocessing Applications. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/sterile-water
5. Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences. Water Quality Purity Standards for Laboratory Reagents. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
6. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Laboratory Water Quality Reference Standards. https://www.cdc.gov
7. Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. Reagent Water Specifications. https://clsi.org
8. Public Health England. Sterile Water Handling in Laboratory Research. https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/public-health-england

STORAGE

Storage Instructions

All peptide-related products are produced through a lyophilization (freeze-drying) process, which preserves molecular stability during transit for approximately 3 to 4 months. After the product is reconstituted, it must be stored in a refrigerated environment to maintain its effectiveness. Once mixed, the stability of the solution is generally maintained for up to 30 days.

Lyophilization, or cryodesiccation, is a dehydration method where the compound is frozen and exposed to low pressure, allowing water to sublimate directly from solid to gas. This leaves a stable, white crystalline structure. This powder can be safely kept at room temperature for several weeks before reconstitution. For extended storage lasting months or years, it is recommended to keep the product in a freezer at -80 degrees Celsius.

Best Practices for Storing Peptides

Proper storage is critical to preventing contamination, oxidation, and degradation. Following receipt, products should be kept cool and shielded from light. For short-term use, refrigeration below 4 degrees Celsius is sufficient.

To maximize longevity, minimize freeze-thaw cycles, as repeated temperature fluctuations can cause structural damage. Avoid using frost-free freezers, as the internal temperature varies during the defrost cycle.

Preventing Oxidation and Moisture Contamination

Exposure to air and moisture can significantly compromise stability. Moisture contamination often occurs when a cold vial is opened immediately after being removed from the freezer. Always allow the vial to reach room temperature before breaking the seal. To further protect sensitive residues like Cysteine or Methionine, researchers may store the remaining peptide under an inert gas like nitrogen.

Storing Peptides in Solution

Solutions have a significantly shorter shelf life than lyophilized powders. If storage in solution is necessary, use sterile buffers with a pH between 5.0 and 6.0. The solution should be divided into smaller aliquots to avoid repeated freezing and thawing. While most solutions remain stable for 30 days at 4 degrees Celsius, less stable sequences should be kept frozen when not in immediate use.

Peptide Storage Containers

Containers must be clean, durable, and chemically resistant. High-quality glass vials offer the best characteristics for long-term storage due to their chemical inertness. While many products are shipped in plastic to prevent breakage, they can be transferred to glass vials for long-term laboratory housing. Ensure containers are appropriately sized to minimize the amount of air (headspace) inside the vial.