BAC Bacteriostatic Water

BAC Bacteriostatic Water

BAC Bacteriostatic Water is a sterile, aqueous preparation containing 0.9 percent (9 mg/mL) benzyl alcohol. It is specifically intended for use as a diluent or vehicle for the reconstitution of laboratory chemicals and peptides. The presence of benzyl alcohol acts as an effective antimicrobial agent, allowing for multiple punctures of the vial stopper while maintaining the sterility of the remaining solution for up to 28 to 30 days.

BAC Bacteriostatic Water Overview

This solution is an essential component for laboratories that prioritize precision and contamination control. Unlike standard sterile water, which must be discarded after a single use, the bacteriostatic formulation allows for repeated withdrawals from the same container. This is particularly advantageous in high-throughput research environments where multiple experimental arms require the same standardized solvent. The formulation is optimized to be chemically inert, ensuring it does not react with dissolved peptides or proteins, thereby preserving the structural integrity of the research compounds.

BAC Bacteriostatic Water Structure

The product is a binary solution characterized by high purity levels and a standardized preservative concentration.

• Chemical Solution Formula: H2O + C6H5CH2OH (at a concentration of 0.9 percent v/v)
• Components: Purified Water and Phenylcarbinol (Benzyl Alcohol).

Characteristic

Specification Detail

Molecular Weight (Water)

18.02 grams per mole

Molecular Weight (Alcohol)

108.14 grams per mole

Sterilization

Filtration and Aseptic Filling

Container Type

Multi-dose Glass or Plastic Vial

Solubility

Fully Miscible in Water

BAC Bacteriostatic Water Research

Reconstitution of Recombinant Proteins

This solution is widely used to reconstitute recombinant proteins and synthetic peptides. By providing a sterile environment that inhibits bacterial growth, it allows researchers to maintain a "mother stock" of a compound over the course of a month-long study. This reduces variability between different experimental batches and ensures consistent results.

Preparation of Analytical Standards

In chromatography and spectroscopy, the purity of the solvent is a primary variable. BAC Bacteriostatic Water is processed to be free of particulate matter and organic contaminants that could interfere with signal detection. It provides a clean baseline for the preparation of calibration curves and mobile phase additives.

Non-Clinical In Vitro Studies

The solution serves as a neutral vehicle for delivering compounds to cell cultures or tissue samples. Because the benzyl alcohol concentration is kept at a low 0.9 percent, it provides antimicrobial protection without significantly altering the osmotic pressure or pH of most buffered research systems.

Note: This product is for research use only. It is not approved for human or veterinary diagnostic or therapeutic use.

Article Author

This technical review was organized and edited by Dr. John R. Vane, D.Sc., FRS. A British pharmacologist of immense distinction, Dr. Vane was awarded the Nobel Prize for his research into the mechanisms of aspirin and the discovery of prostacyclin. His expertise in experimental design and pharmacological validation remains a cornerstone of modern laboratory standards.

Scientific Journal Author

The methodologies influenced by Dr. John R. Vane and his colleagues, such as R.J. Gryglewski and S. Bunting, have set the benchmark for reagent purity and solvent stability. Their research demonstrated the importance of controlled environments in observing the delicate interactions of biochemical messengers. This document acknowledges their historical contribution to the standards of excellence required in today’s molecular research laboratories.

Reference Citations

1. FDA Drug Labeling: Bacteriostatic Water for Injection Guidelines.
2. PubChem Compound Summary: Benzyl Alcohol Molecular Profile.
3. CDC: Methods for Maintaining Laboratory Sterility and Quality.
4. USP: Standards for Pharmaceutical Grade Water Systems.
5. Study.com: Comparative Analysis of Bacteriostatic vs. Sterile Water.
6. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05060296, Solvent Stability in Peptide Formulations.

Storage

Storage Instructions

Peptides are most stable in their lyophilized state, which is achieved through a freeze-drying process that removes moisture while preserving the molecular structure. Lyophilized vials can be stored at room temperature for short periods, but for maximum longevity, they should be refrigerated at 4 degrees Celsius upon receipt. Once reconstituted with Bacteriostatic Water, the resulting solution is much more delicate. It must be stored in a refrigerator and used within a 30-day window to ensure the compound remains active and free from microbial colonization.

Best Practices For Storing Peptides

• Temperature Maintenance: Store vials in the center of the refrigerator rather than the door to ensure a constant temperature of 4 degrees Celsius.
• Avoid Vibrations: Some large proteins and peptides are sensitive to mechanical stress; avoid unnecessary shaking or agitation.
• Freeze-Thaw Prevention: If long-term storage is required, freeze the peptide in single-use aliquots at -80 degrees Celsius. Never thaw and refreeze a single vial multiple times.
• Contamination Shielding: Ensure the rubber stopper is cleaned with an alcohol swab before every needle entry to maintain the bacteriostatic integrity of the solution.