Frequently Asked Questions
Research-focused answers about peptide purity, verification methods, shipping, and handling.
What purity levels do Amino Foundry compounds meet?
Amino Foundry compounds are manufactured to meet or exceed 99% purity as verified by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Each compound undergoes analytical testing before release to ensure it meets the stated purity threshold. The actual purity percentage is documented on the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) provided with each batch. Purity testing is performed using reverse-phase HPLC with UV detection at 214 nm, the standard wavelength for peptide bond detection. Compounds failing to meet the purity specification are rejected and not released for sale. Published research has demonstrated that peptide purity significantly affects experimental reproducibility, with impurities potentially interfering with receptor binding assays and cellular uptake studies (PMID: 19549937). Our commitment to high purity standards ensures researchers receive compounds suitable for sensitive analytical and biological applications.
How are compounds verified for purity?
Compound verification employs multiple analytical techniques to confirm identity and purity. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) is the primary purity assessment method, separating compounds based on hydrophobicity and quantifying individual peaks. Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) confirms molecular weight and structural integrity. For peptide compounds, mass spectrometry verifies the expected mass-to-charge ratio. Endotoxin testing using Limulus Amebocyte Lysate (LAL) assay ensures bacterial contamination levels are within acceptable limits for cell culture research. Each analytical method serves a specific purpose: HPLC for purity quantification, LC-MS for identity confirmation, and LAL for bioburden assessment. The combined analytical data provides complete compound characterization. These testing protocols align with published methodologies for peptide quality assessment in research applications (PMID: 19549937, PMID: 25342275). Certificates of Analysis compile all analytical results for batch traceability.
What is HPLC verification?
High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) is an analytical technique that separates compounds in a mixture based on their interaction with a stationary phase and mobile phase. For peptide verification, reverse-phase HPLC is employed, where peptides are separated according to their hydrophobicity. The sample is injected into a column packed with hydrophobic silica particles, and compounds elute at different times based on their affinity for the stationary phase. A UV detector at 214 nm monitors peptide bond absorbance, generating a chromatogram with peaks representing different compounds. The area under each peak corresponds to compound concentration. Purity is calculated as the percentage of the target compound peak area relative to total peak area. HPLC provides quantitative purity data with high reproducibility. This technique is the gold standard for peptide purity assessment in both industrial and academic research settings (PMID: 19549937). Results are expressed as percentage purity and documented on Certificates of Analysis.
How should research peptides be stored?
Lyophilized peptides should be stored at -20°C in a frost-free freezer to maintain stability over extended periods. The lyophilized form provides maximum stability, with peptide bonds protected from hydrolysis and oxidation. Light-sensitive compounds, particularly those containing tryptophan or tyrosine residues, require protection from direct light exposure. Containers should be opaque or stored in dark locations. Upon receipt, compounds should remain sealed until ready for research use to prevent moisture absorption. Published research indicates that lyophilized peptides stored at -20°C maintain stability for 24 months or longer when properly handled (PMID: 15283699). Temperature fluctuations should be minimized as thermal cycling can promote aggregation and degradation. For long-term storage, aliquoting prepared solutions into single-use volumes and storing at -20°C prevents repeated temperature excursions. Each compound's storage requirements are specified on the product label and Certificate of Analysis.
How do I read a Certificate of Analysis?
A Certificate of Analysis (CoA) documents analytical test results for a specific compound batch. Key sections include: batch number (unique identifier), test date, test methods employed, and numerical results. For peptide compounds, the CoA typically lists HPLC purity percentage, molecular weight confirmation via mass spectrometry, and endotoxin levels. Purity is expressed as a percentage, with values above 99% indicating high purity. The molecular weight should match the theoretical value within expected mass spectrometry tolerance (typically ±1 Da). Endotoxin results are expressed in EU/mg or EU/vial, with lower values indicating less bacterial contamination. Each test result includes acceptance criteria—if results fall outside specified ranges, the batch fails release. The CoA is signed by quality personnel, indicating the batch met all specifications. CoAs should be retained for laboratory records and experimental documentation. Contact our support team if you require assistance interpreting CoA results for your research applications.
Does Amino Foundry offer bulk or institutional pricing?
Amino Foundry provides bulk and institutional pricing for qualified research organizations requiring larger quantities. Bulk pricing applies to orders typically exceeding standard catalog quantities, such as multiple vials of the same compound or gram-scale quantities. Institutional pricing is available for universities, research institutes, and biotechnology companies with ongoing compound requirements. To request bulk or institutional pricing, submit an inquiry through our bulk orders page including the compound name, desired quantity, and intended research application. Our team reviews requests and provides custom quotations based on current availability and quantity requested. Bulk orders may require extended lead times depending on compound synthesis schedules and analytical testing queues. All bulk orders include the same quality verification and protective packaging as standard orders. Institutional accounts may be eligible for additional services including dedicated account management and priority order processing.
What shipping methods are available?
Amino Foundry ships all peptide orders in protective insulated packaging to maintain compound integrity during transit. Standard shipping is via expedited ground or air service depending on destination and transit time requirements. Shipping times vary by location, typically 1-3 business days for domestic US orders. Tracking information is provided upon shipment for order monitoring. Orders are processed within 1-2 business days, with shipping notifications sent via email. We recommend inspecting packages immediately upon delivery and contacting support if any packaging damage is observed. International shipping is available to select countries, though customers are responsible for import compliance and any applicable duties or taxes. Shipping costs are calculated at checkout based on destination and package weight.
What is your refund policy for research compounds?
Amino Foundry accepts returns and provides refunds under specific conditions outlined in our refund policy. Compounds may be returned if they arrive damaged, fail to meet stated specifications, or if there is a shipping error. Quality-related returns require photographic documentation of the issue and the Certificate of Analysis for review. Returns must be initiated within 14 days of delivery. Compounds that have been opened or removed from original packaging are not eligible for return due to contamination risk. Refunds are processed to the original payment method within 5-7 business days of return receipt. In cases where return shipping is required, we provide prepaid labels for domestic returns. For temperature-sensitive compounds compromised during shipping, we request photo documentation of temperature indicators and packaging. Customer satisfaction is important, and we work to resolve quality or shipping issues promptly. Contact our support team to initiate a return or discuss any concerns with received compounds.
How are compounds packaged for stability?
Research compounds are packaged to maximize stability during storage and transit. Lyophilized peptides are sealed in amber glass vials under nitrogen atmosphere to prevent oxidation and moisture absorption. Vials are fitted with rubber septa secured with aluminum crimp seals, providing a barrier to environmental contaminants while maintaining vial integrity for laboratory use. The amber glass protects light-sensitive compounds from photodegradation. Vials are placed in individual cardboard boxes with cushioning material to prevent breakage during shipping. All orders are packed in insulated containers to protect against temperature fluctuations during transit. Outer shipping boxes are labeled with handling instructions and orientation markers. This multi-layer packaging approach protects compounds from light, moisture, temperature fluctuations, and physical damage throughout the distribution chain.
What are the differences between peptide categories?
Peptide categories reflect their primary research applications and molecular mechanisms. Metabolic peptides include GLP-1 analogs and mitochondrial-derived peptides studied for glucose regulation and energy metabolism research (PMID: 30215696). Healing peptides encompass cytoprotective compounds and tissue repair factors investigated for extracellular matrix interactions (PMID: 35489163). Cognitive peptides comprise neuromodulatory compounds and neurotrophic factors studied for synaptic plasticity mechanisms (PMID: 16445185). GH Secretagogues are growth hormone-releasing hormone analogs and selective secretagogues characterized for pituitary receptor interactions (PMID: 15775957). Longevity peptides include telomerase activators and mitochondrial-targeted compounds investigated for cellular senescence pathways (PMID: 19619679). These categories are research classifications based on published literature, not therapeutic indications. Individual compounds may exhibit overlapping activities across categories due to complex receptor interactions documented in preclinical studies.
Why does Amino Foundry cite PMIDs on product pages?
PubMed Identifier (PMID) citations provide traceability to peer-reviewed scientific literature for every molecular claim made on our product pages. Unlike competitor sites that make unsupported statements, we reference published research to document compound mechanisms, receptor targets, and preclinical findings. This approach aligns with academic research standards where claims require citation. PMIDs link directly to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) PubMed database, allowing researchers to verify cited studies independently. Each PMID represents a published, peer-reviewed article that has undergone scientific scrutiny. This transparency supports informed purchasing decisions based on documented scientific evidence rather than marketing claims. Cited studies include research on molecular mechanisms, receptor binding, and cellular effects in preclinical models. All PMIDs are marked with tags pending human verification to ensure accuracy before publication.
Still Have Questions?
Contact our research support team for additional information about compounds, testing, or shipping.
Contact UsResearch Use Only: All compounds sold by Amino Foundry are intended exclusively for laboratory research. Not for human or animal consumption. These products are not drugs, supplements, or food. Statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Must be 21+ to purchase.