Peptide Glossary

An amino acid is a molecule that acts as a basic unit for peptides and proteins. Amino acids join each other by means of peptide bonds forming different chains of peptides. The sequence of amino acids is responsible for various properties of peptides.

A well-characterised reference material used to calibrate instruments and confirm the identity or concentration of a compound during laboratory analysis.

Analytical testing is a group of laboratory tests designed for determining the identity, composition, purity, and quality properties of the sample. HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography) and MS (Mass Spectrometry) are among the analytical methods commonly used in peptide research.

An assay is a laboratory test intended to measure the amount of a particular substance in a sample. Assay results can be found in a Certificate of Analysis.

A batch number is a numerical identifier assigned to a particular manufacturing batch. It helps scientists to locate documents about the manufacturing process, analytical testing, packaging, and quality control of this particular lot.

Batch testing is the testing of individual production lots prior to distribution. Such testing can be carried out to determine the identity and purity of the product.

A unique numeric identifier assigned by the Chemical Abstracts Service to a specific chemical substance, allowing it to be referenced unambiguously across scientific literature.

A Certificate of Analysis is a quality assurance document that gives an overview of analytical findings for a particular manufacturing lot. It usually includes data like batch number, analysis techniques used, purity data, identity verification, among others.

The process of chromatography is a procedure carried out in the laboratory for the purpose of separating the components of a mixture. This process is crucial in the process of analysis of chemicals in the laboratory.

Compound identification is the practice carried out in the laboratory to verify whether a particular compound matches its expected chemical composition. This is achieved through processes like mass spectrometry and chromatography.

A degradation product is a result of the reaction undergone by a substance due to chemical and/or physical modifications. Quality control through analysis may consider the degradation product among others in the process.

A lipopolysaccharide component of certain bacterial cell walls. Endotoxin levels are measured (for example by LAL testing) as part of quality control for research materials.

Freeze drying is referred to as lyophilisation. It dehydrates materials while preserving their physical and chemical properties at the same time.

Freeze drying, or lyophilisation, refers to a method of preservation that entails the removal of water at low temperatures and reduced pressure.

High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) is a method utilized to isolate and analyze compounds in the sample. For the purposes of studying peptides, HPLC can be used for sample purity testing.

The identity test refers to laboratory testing aimed at establishing that the sample under study possesses the expected chemical structure. Such testing is conducted as part of a quality assurance programme.

Impurities refer to any substances that are not expected in the sample but are present in it nonetheless.

A code assigned to a specific production batch, enabling traceability between a physical vial and its corresponding analytical documentation.

Mass spectrometry is a method of analysis which is employed to determine the molecular mass and structure of chemicals. In peptide research, Mass Spectrometry is often used together with HPLC.

Laboratory research materials are materials that are provided for the purpose of conducting scientific studies, analyses, and experiments in research settings. Such materials cannot be used therapeutically or clinically.

The mass of one molecule of a compound, usually expressed in grams per mole (g/mol). It is used alongside mass spectrometry to help confirm peptide identity.

A peptide is a polypeptide made up of short amino acid residues bonded to each other by peptide linkages. Peptides have different sizes and compositions and are extensively investigated in areas like biochemistry, molecular biology, and analytical chemistry.

A peptide bond is a chemical bond that links two amino acids to form peptides.

A peptide sequence refers to the exact order of amino acids in a peptide. Minor modifications in a sequence can change the chemistry of the peptide.

Purity is the fraction of the desired component contained within the sample compared to any impurities detectable in the sample. The purity is usually calculated from analytical assays validated for the purpose.

Quality Assurance includes all the mechanisms involved in promoting uniformity during production, analysis, packing, and documentation.

Quality Control entails the tests and inspections carried out to ensure that predetermined quality standards have been met before releasing the materials.

The process of dissolving a lyophilised (freeze-dried) peptide in an appropriate solvent, such as bacteriostatic water, to prepare it for laboratory use.

Reference materials are well-characterized substances used in calibration, validation, comparative analysis, or for method development in laboratories.

Research grade is a term denoting the type of materials supplied specifically for analysis and investigation in laboratories. The term does not denote the fact that it is fit for pharmaceutical, clinical, or therapeutic use.

Retention time is the time needed by a substance to pass through a chromatography column under given conditions. It is one of many analytical parameters used in identification of compounds.

The term sample stability is used to describe a substance's stability in retaining its analytical properties while stored under specific conditions.

The sterile packaging technique means that the packing of a product is performed with a view of reducing contamination during transport. Packing techniques are part of laboratory quality processes.

Traceability means the ability to track a material from production through testing, packaging, and distribution based on documentation.