Research Peptide Glossary
Definitions of key terms used in peptide research, HPLC analysis, and laboratory practice.
A
- Actin Polymerisation General
- The process by which actin monomers assemble into filamentous actin (F-actin). Critical for cell migration, wound healing, and cytoskeletal rearrangement. TB-500 promotes actin polymerisation as its primary mechanism.
- Related: tb-500
B
- Bacteriostatic Water Equipment
- Sterile water containing 0.9% benzyl alcohol as a preservative. The standard solvent for reconstituting lyophilised research peptides. The preservative inhibits bacterial growth, making it suitable for multiple withdrawals.
- Related: bacteriostatic-water
- Batch Number General
- A unique identifier assigned to a specific production run of a research peptide. Used to trace the manufacturing history, quality control results, and expiry date for each batch.
- Related: bpc-157 , tb-500 , ghk-cu , melanotan-ii , semax , selank
- BPC-157 Peptides
- A synthetic pentadecapeptide (15 amino acids) derived from human gastric juice body protection compound. Studied extensively for tissue repair, gastrointestinal protection, and wound healing in preclinical models.
- Related: bpc-157
C
- CAS Number General
- A unique numerical identifier assigned by the Chemical Abstracts Service to every chemical substance described in scientific literature. Used to unambiguously identify compounds in regulatory and research contexts.
- Related: bpc-157 , tb-500 , ghk-cu , melanotan-ii
- Certificate of Analysis (COA) General
- A document provided with each batch of research peptides detailing the results of quality control testing. Includes HPLC purity data, mass spectrometry identity confirmation, visual appearance assessment, and storage recommendations.
- Related: bpc-157 , tb-500 , ghk-cu , melanotan-ii , semax , selank
- Coupling Reagents Techniques
- Chemical agents used in SPPS to activate the carboxyl group of amino acids for peptide bond formation. Common examples include HBTU, HATU, PyBOP, and DIC/HOBt mixtures.
G
- GABAergic System General
- The neurotransmitter system involving gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. Selank modulates this system for anxiolytic effects.
- Related: selank
- GHK-Cu Peptides
- Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper — a naturally occurring tripeptide-copper complex found in human plasma. Studied for wound healing, collagen synthesis, tissue remodelling, and skin regeneration.
- Related: ghk-cu
H
- HPLC Purity Techniques
- High-Performance Liquid Chromatography — an analytical technique used to determine the purity of synthesised peptides. Measures the percentage of the target compound relative to impurities. Industry standard is >= 98% for research peptides.
- Related: bpc-157 , tb-500 , ghk-cu , melanotan-ii , semax , selank , bacteriostatic-water
I
- In Vitro Research General
- Studies performed outside a living organism, typically in test tubes or culture dishes. All research peptides sold by Kingston Peptides are intended for in vitro research and analytical purposes only.
L
- Lyophilisation Techniques
- Freeze-drying — a process that removes water from a frozen sample under vacuum. Used to stabilise peptides for long-term storage by converting them into a dry powder form that can be reconstituted before use.
- Related: bpc-157 , tb-500 , ghk-cu , melanotan-ii , semax , selank
M
- Mass Spectrometry Techniques
- An analytical technique that measures the mass-to-charge ratio of ions. Used alongside HPLC to confirm the molecular identity of synthesised peptides, ensuring the compound matches the expected molecular weight.
- Related: bpc-157 , tb-500 , ghk-cu
- Melanocortin Receptor General
- A family of G protein-coupled receptors (MC1R-MC5R) activated by melanocortin peptides. Involved in pigmentation, appetite regulation, sexual function, and energy homeostasis. Melanotan II is a non-selective agonist.
- Related: melanotan-ii , semax
- Melanotan II Peptides
- A synthetic cyclic heptapeptide analogue of alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH). A non-selective melanocortin receptor agonist activating MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R.
- Related: melanotan-ii
P
- Peptide Fragment General
- A shorter chain of amino acids derived from a larger parent peptide. Fragments often retain the biological activity of specific regions of the parent molecule. TB-500 is a fragment of Thymosin Beta-4.
- Related: tb-500 , bpc-157
- Purity Grade General
- The measured purity level of a research chemical, typically expressed as a percentage. Research peptides are commonly available in 95%, 98%, and 99%+ grades. Higher purity reduces the risk of confounding experimental results.
- Related: bpc-157 , tb-500 , ghk-cu , melanotan-ii , semax , selank
R
- Reconstitution Techniques
- The process of adding a solvent (typically bacteriostatic water) to a lyophilised peptide powder to create a working solution. The concentration and solvent choice depend on the peptide and experimental requirements.
- Related: bpc-157 , tb-500 , ghk-cu , melanotan-ii , semax , selank
S
- Selank Peptides
- A synthetic analogue of the immunomodulatory peptide Tuftsin. A neuropeptide studied for anxiolytic, nootropic, and immunomodulatory properties through the GABAergic system.
- Related: selank
- Semax Peptides
- A synthetic analogue of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) fragment ACTH(4-10). A neuropeptide studied for neuroprotective, nootropic, and immunomodulatory properties through melanocortin receptor pathways.
- Related: semax
T
- TB-500 Peptides
- A synthetic fragment of Thymosin Beta-4, specifically the active 43-amino-acid region responsible for cell migration and differentiation. Promotes actin polymerisation and angiogenesis in tissue repair research.
- Related: tb-500
- TFA Salts Techniques
- Trifluoroacetic acid salts that remain after peptide cleavage from the SPPS resin. TFA is used as a cleavage agent but residual salts can affect peptide solubility and biological activity. Removal or reduction is often necessary.