FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Plain-language answers to common questions about research peptides, ordering, storage, and our testing standards.
About Peptides
What are peptides?
Peptides are short chains of amino acids — the building blocks of proteins. They act as precise biological signalling molecules, communicating between cells and triggering specific physiological responses in research models. Unlike steroids, which work through broad hormonal mechanisms, peptides work through targeted receptor binding with much greater specificity.
Are peptides the same as steroids?
No. Peptides and steroids are fundamentally different in mechanism, structure, and safety profile. Steroids are lipid-based molecules that bind intracellular receptors and broadly alter gene expression. Peptides are chains of amino acids that bind cell-surface receptors and trigger specific signalling pathways. Research shows peptides generally do not suppress natural hormone production in the way anabolic steroids do.
What is the difference between a peptide and a protein?
Size and complexity. Proteins are large, complex molecules made of hundreds to thousands of amino acids folded into three-dimensional structures. Peptides are small — typically 2 to 50 amino acids — and are correspondingly simpler in structure. This small size is what allows peptides to act as efficient signalling molecules in research models.
Ordering & Shipping
What form do peptides arrive in?
All Silver Peptide products are shipped as lyophilised (freeze-dried) powder in sterile sealed vials. This form is stable at room temperature for transport and has a long shelf life when stored correctly. Lyophilised peptides are reconstituted with bacteriostatic water in a laboratory setting prior to research use.
How are orders packaged?
Orders are packaged discreetly in plain outer packaging with no reference to peptides or Silver Peptide on the exterior. All vials are sealed, labelled, and accompanied by their certificate of analysis.
What are standard shipping times?
Domestic UK orders typically arrive within 2–4 business days via Royal Mail Tracked or DPD. All orders are dispatched with tracking information provided by email.
Storage & Handling
How should lyophilised peptides be stored?
Lyophilised peptides should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. For long-term storage (months to years), storage in a freezer at -20°C is standard laboratory practice. For short-term storage (weeks), a refrigerator at 2–8°C is sufficient. Repeated freeze-thaw cycles should be avoided.
How should reconstituted peptides be stored?
Reconstituted peptides should be stored upright in the refrigerator at 2–8°C. Bacteriostatic water (containing 0.9% benzyl alcohol as preservative) is the standard reconstitution solvent for multi-use research vials. Most reconstituted peptides remain stable for 28–42 days when refrigerated under standard laboratory conditions.
Is freezing reconstituted peptides recommended?
Freezing reconstituted peptides is generally not recommended in standard research practice, as repeated freeze-thaw cycles can degrade peptide structure. Lyophilised powder is the appropriate form for freezer storage. Researchers needing extended storage periods typically adjust reconstitution volume accordingly.
Reconstitution
How does the reconstitution calculator work?
The reconstitution calculator at /tools/reconstitution calculates the resulting concentration when a known peptide mass (mg) is dissolved in a known volume of bacteriostatic water (mL). It outputs the concentration in both mg/mL and mcg/mL for laboratory reference.
What is bacteriostatic water?
Bacteriostatic water is sterile water containing 0.9% benzyl alcohol as a preservative. The preservative inhibits bacterial growth in the solution, allowing it to be stored safely for up to 30 days in a research setting following reconstitution. It is the standard diluent for lyophilised research peptides and is available from most medical and laboratory supply sources.
Legal & Research
What is the legal status of research peptides in the UK?
Research peptides sold by Silver Peptide are not licensed medicines and are not approved for human use by the MHRA. They are sold solely for in vitro laboratory research and scientific study purposes. Purchasers are responsible for understanding and complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their jurisdiction.
Why are products labelled "for research purposes only"?
All Silver Peptide products are manufactured and supplied exclusively for in vitro laboratory research use only. They are not approved by the MHRA, FDA, or any regulatory body for human consumption, injection, or veterinary use. They are not medicines and must not be used as such. The designation "for in vitro research use only" is a legal and regulatory requirement, not a formality.
Does Silver Peptide ship internationally?
Silver Peptide is a UK-based supplier primarily serving domestic and EU research customers. Import regulations for research chemicals vary by country. It is the purchaser's responsibility to verify the legal status of any compound in their destination country before placing an order.
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