Glossary - research peptides
A short glossary of terms found in research-grade reagent documentation: peptide, RUO, COA, lyophilisate, purity, batch number, CAS number, molecular weight and more.
A short glossary of the terms you will meet when working with research-grade peptides and reagents and reading their documentation.
Peptide
A molecule built from amino acids joined by peptide bonds. In a research context, peptides are the subject of laboratory analysis - they are not intended for use in humans or animals.
RUO (Research Use Only)
A classification denoting material for research purposes only, not intended for use in humans or animals or for clinical purposes. We cover the details in a separate article on RUO.
COA (certificate of analysis)
A document describing the identity and quality of a specific batch, including the determined purity and the analytical method. We explain how to read one in a separate article on COAs.
Lyophilisate / lyophilisation
Lyophilisation is freeze-drying (freezing followed by removal of water under reduced pressure). The resulting lyophilisate is a dry powder in which the material is relatively stable during storage.
Purity
The proportion of the material accounted for by the substance being determined, usually expressed as a percentage. Always read purity together with the analytical method used to determine it.
Analytical method
The technique used to test the material. Certificates commonly cite chromatographic methods and mass spectrometry, among others. A COA should state which method was used for each determination.
Batch number (batch / lot)
A unique identifier for a specific, physical batch of material. It links the product to its certificate of analysis and provides traceability.
CAS number
A number assigned by the Chemical Abstracts Service that uniquely identifies a chemical substance regardless of its trade name.
Molecular weight
The mass of a single molecule expressed in daltons (Da). One of the parameters describing the identity of a material.
Amino acid sequence
The order of amino acids in a peptide molecule, usually written using one- or three-letter codes. It defines the primary structure of the peptide.
Note
We supply these materials for laboratory research use only (RUO) - not for consumption by humans or animals and not for clinical applications. They are not a medicine, a medicinal product or a dietary supplement.