Peptide Glossary
Your reference guide to peptide terminology. Clear, concise definitions for every term you need to know.
A
Amino Acid
Organic molecules that serve as the building blocks of peptides and proteins. There are 20 standard amino acids that combine in different sequences to form every peptide and protein in the human body.
B
Bacteriostatic Water
Sterile water that contains 0.9% benzyl alcohol as a bacteriostatic preservative, which inhibits bacterial growth and allows the water to be used for multiple injections from the same vial over an extended period.
Bioavailability
The proportion of a substance that enters the bloodstream and is available to exert its biological effect after administration. Bioavailability varies significantly based on the route of administration.
H
Half-Life
The time required for the concentration of a substance in the body to decrease by 50%. Half-life determines how frequently a peptide must be administered to maintain effective levels.
L
Lyophilized
Freeze-dried. Lyophilization is a process that removes water from a substance by freezing it and then reducing pressure to allow the frozen water to sublimate directly from ice to vapor, resulting in a stable dry powder.
P
Peptide Bond
A covalent chemical bond formed between two amino acids when the carboxyl group of one reacts with the amino group of another, releasing a molecule of water. Peptide bonds are the links that hold amino acid chains together.
R
Reconstitution
The process of dissolving a lyophilized (freeze-dried) peptide powder into a liquid solution, typically bacteriostatic water, to prepare it for accurate measurement and administration.
S
Subcutaneous
Beneath the skin. Subcutaneous injection delivers a substance into the layer of fat and connective tissue just below the skin surface, providing steady absorption into the bloodstream.