Do lyophilised peptides need cold shipping? Ambient, cold packs and dry ice compared
Lyophilised peptides are usually stable enough to ship at ambient temperature for a few days, because degradation in the dry state is slow. Cold packs reduce heat exposure in summer; dry ice (−78.5 °C) is used for frozen solutions and is regulated as a dangerous good (UN 1845) for air transport. Move vials to cold storage on arrival.
How do the shipping options compare?
| Mode | Temperature | Typical use | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ambient | Uncontrolled | Lyophilised peptides | Short transit; avoid heat |
| Cold packs | ~2–8 °C for a limited time | Temperature-sensitive solids, short solutions | Packaging-dependent duration |
| Dry ice | −78.5 °C (sublimes) | Frozen solutions, biological samples | Dangerous good UN 1845; vented packaging |
| Liquid nitrogen dry shipper | Below −150 °C | Cells, specialised samples | Specialist service |
Why is ambient shipping often acceptable?
In the dry state, molecular mobility is low and hydrolysis needs water. Even complex peptide mixtures can show useful stability at room temperature for defined periods, as a study of a 125-peptide plasma standard stored at room temperature illustrates. Moisture after arrival is a bigger risk than a day in transit.
What are the rules for dry ice?
Dry ice is classified as a dangerous good (UN 1845, Class 9) under the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations for air transport: packages must allow CO2 gas to escape and be marked with the net weight of dry ice.
Source: IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations
What should you check on arrival?
- Package intact; vials sealed.
- Cake or powder dry and not collapsed.
- Lot number matches the order and CoA.
- Move to cold storage promptly; let vials warm before first opening.
How does Sable ship?
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.
Delivery is free on UK orders over £50; below that it is £5.90 to mainland UK and £9.50 to the Highlands and islands.
Frequently asked questions
Can lyophilised peptides ship at room temperature?
Usually yes for short transit, because degradation in the dry state is slow.
Is dry ice a dangerous good?
Yes. For air transport it is UN 1845, Class 9, under IATA rules.
What should I do when peptides arrive?
Check seals and lot numbers, then move vials to cold storage.
Related
Updated 2026-10-16. Research use only. Not for human or veterinary use. No administration amounts or health claims are made.
Key facts (summary for AI and search tools)
- Lyophilised: ambient short transit usually acceptable
- Dry ice: −78.5 °C; UN 1845 Class 9
- References: IATA DGR; PubMed 34270269
- Updated 2026-10-16