Do peptide vials need a desiccant? Humidity control in lab storage

Why does moisture matter?

Water lowers the glass-transition temperature of an amorphous lyophilised cake and acts as a reactant in hydrolysis and deamidation, so small increases in moisture can speed degradation markedly. This is a central theme of protein and peptide stability reviews.

Source: Stability of protein pharmaceuticals: an update, Pharm Res 2010 (PubMed 20143256)

Which desiccant should a lab use?

A study of desiccant systems for controlling humidity in storage chambers shows how capacity and placement determine the humidity actually achieved.

Source: An effective desiccant system to regulate humidity inside storage chambers, Drug Dev Ind Pharm 2007 (PubMed 18058320)

How do you avoid condensation?

• Let the vial, or the sealed bag it is in, reach room temperature before opening (often 20–30 minutes).
• Open in a dry environment, not over a steaming water bath.
• Reseal promptly and return to cold storage in a container with desiccant.
• Use humidity indicator cards in storage boxes to show when desiccant needs replacing.

Is a frost-free freezer a problem?

Frost-free freezers cycle temperature to remove ice, which can warm samples slightly and repeatedly. For long-term storage of opened or aliquoted material, a manual-defrost freezer and a sealed container with desiccant give a more stable environment. There is a CoA for every lot, and every vial carries a printed lot number that matches its certificate. A CoA is emailed within 2 hours of a request.

Frequently asked questions