Sterile Water

Sterile Water Overview

Sterile Water represents the foundational standard for high-purity aqueous solvents used in modern laboratory research. Specifically processed to remove all viable microorganisms and pyrogenic substances, this solvent provides the essential blank canvas required for precise biochemical experimentation. It is primarily utilized as a primary diluent for sensitive laboratory reagents, ensuring that no exogenous particles or ions interfere with the desired chemical interactions.

In sophisticated research environments, the use of Sterile Water is mandatory for the reconstitution of lyophilized peptides and proteins. Its neutral chemical profile ensures that the primary, secondary, and tertiary structures of complex molecules remain intact during the transition from a solid to a liquid state. By eliminating dissolved minerals and organic carbon, Sterile Water supports the high signal-to-noise ratios required for modern detection methods.

Laboratory Application Matrix

Research Category

Primary Function

Significance

Peptide Science

Reconstitution of Lyophilized Solids

Maintains structural stability

Genomic Research

PCR/qPCR Reaction Preparation

Prevents enzymatic inhibition

Proteomics

Protein Extraction and Dilution

Eliminates protease contamination

Analytical Chemistry

Mobile Phase Preparation

Ensures baseline stability

Cell Biology

Media Hydration and Rinsing

Supports cellular viability

Sterile Water Structure

The structural composition of Sterile Water is defined by its molecular purity. It consists of two hydrogen atoms bonded to one oxygen atom, processed to be free of any additives, preservatives, or antimicrobial agents.

Structure Solution Formula: H2O

Sterile Water Research

Solvent Performance in Peptide Synthesis

In the context of peptide research, the solvent must be entirely non-reactive to ensure that the delicate amino acid chains do not undergo premature degradation or side-reactions. Sterile Water provides a stable aqueous environment that allows for the accurate measurement of peptide concentrations without the interference of dissolved solids. This is particularly important for spectroscopic analysis where water purity directly correlates to the accuracy of the absorbance readings.

Molecular Biology and Enzymatic Integrity

For research involving nucleic acids, the presence of RNase or DNase can lead to the immediate failure of an experiment. Sterile Water is processed to be nuclease-free, making it the preferred medium for DNA sequencing, RNA synthesis, and polymerase chain reactions. By providing a medium free of inhibitory metal ions, it allows enzymes to function at their maximum kinetic efficiency.

High-Precision Analytical Rinsing

Analytical workflows involving mass spectrometry or liquid chromatography rely on Sterile Water to maintain the cleanliness of the fluidic path. It is used to prepare wash buffers that remove residual analytes from injection needles and columns. Its lack of conductivity and dissolved organic carbon prevents the accumulation of scale or biofilm, thereby extending the life of expensive laboratory equipment.

Cellular Prep and Media Standardization

In tissue culture and in-vitro studies, Sterile Water is used to rehydrate concentrated media and prepare balanced salt solutions. Because it is pyrogen-free, it prevents the activation of inflammatory pathways in sensitive cell lines. This allows researchers to isolate the effects of the specific compounds being studied without the "noise" of environmental toxins.

Usage Notice

Sterile Water is intended for laboratory research use only. It is not intended for diagnostic or therapeutic use in humans or animals. This product should only be handled by trained professionals in a controlled laboratory setting. All research must be conducted in accordance with local and national safety regulations regarding the handling of laboratory reagents.

Article Author

This technical profile was drafted using scientific benchmarks provided by the U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP) and the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). These organizations establish the rigorous specifications for laboratory-grade water, focusing on conductivity, total organic carbon, and sterility. The information presented is intended to serve as a technical guide for researchers.

Scientific Journal Author

The data presented regarding solvent purity and application has been curated from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Technical insights into bioprocessing were sourced from ScienceDirect and the Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences. Montreal Peptides Canada is an independent provider and does not claim affiliation with or endorsement by these scientific institutions.

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

Products are delivered in a lyophilized state, a process that involves freezing the compound and removing the solvent through sublimation. This crystalline form is stable during shipping for up to 4 months. Once the product is reconstituted with a sterile solvent, it should be stored in a refrigerator at temperatures between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius. Reconstituted peptides are typically stable for a 30-day period.

For long-term preservation, lyophilized powders should be stored in a freezer at -80 degrees Celsius. This ultra-low temperature environment effectively halts all molecular motion, preventing the slow degradation of the peptide sequence over years of storage.

Best Practices for Storing Peptides

The primary threats to peptide integrity are heat, light, and repeated temperature fluctuations. Upon receipt, all vials should be placed in a dark environment at refrigerated temperatures. For researchers using the product over a period of weeks, standard refrigeration (below 4 degrees Celsius) is appropriate.

Avoid the use of frost-free freezers. These units utilize a heating cycle to prevent frost buildup, which can cause the internal temperature to rise and fall. This thermal cycling can lead to the denaturation of sensitive peptides.

Preventing Oxidation and Moisture Contamination

Peptides are highly hygroscopic, meaning they easily absorb moisture from the air. When removing a vial from cold storage, allow it to sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before opening. This prevents atmospheric moisture from condensing inside the vial. For peptides containing Cysteine, Methionine, or Tryptophan, extra care should be taken to minimize air exposure, as these amino acids are highly susceptible to oxidation.

Storing Peptides in Solution

Peptides in solution are far more vulnerable to degradation than their lyophilized counterparts. If a solution must be stored, it should be aliquoted into single-use volumes. This allows the researcher to thaw only the amount needed for a specific experiment, avoiding repeated freeze-thaw cycles. Most solutions should be stored at 4 degrees Celsius for no more than one month.

Peptide Storage Containers

Vials should be constructed from high-quality borosilicate glass or medical-grade polypropylene. Glass is generally preferred for its total chemical inertness, ensuring that no plasticizers or monomers leach into the solution. Ensure the vial size is appropriate for the volume; a large amount of empty space (headspace) in the vial increases the risk of oxidation.