Library

Glossary

Clear definitions of the key terms around research peptides, from reconstitution to HPLC.

Agonist: An agonist is a molecule that binds to a receptor and activates it, triggering a cellular response. In peptide research the term refers to a compound that mimics the action of a natural signalling molecule.
Amino acid: An amino acid is an organic compound and building block of peptides and proteins, containing both an amino group and a carboxyl group.
Amino acid sequence: The amino acid sequence is the precise order in which the amino acids in a peptide or protein are linked together. This order determines the molecule's structure and properties.
Angiogenesis: Angiogenesis is the formation of new blood vessels from existing ones. In laboratory research this process is studied to better understand tissue repair and cell biology.
Antagonist: An antagonist is a molecule that binds to a receptor without activating it, blocking or reducing the action of an agonist. The term describes a compound's role in receptor research.
Bacteriostatic water: Bacteriostatic water is sterile water containing a small percentage of benzyl alcohol that inhibits bacterial growth, used as a solvent during reconstitution.
Certificate of Analysis (CoA): A certificate of analysis is a document confirming the identity and purity of a batch based on HPLC and mass spectrometry analysis.
Double-blind study: In a double-blind study neither the participants nor the researchers know who receives the active substance and who receives the control. This design reduces bias in the results.
GHRH analog: A GHRH analog is a synthetic variant of growth hormone-releasing hormone that acts on the GHRH receptor.
Half-life: The half-life is the time it takes for half of a substance to be cleared from a system or broken down. In research this value indicates how quickly a peptide declines in a test setting.
HPLC: HPLC, or high performance liquid chromatography, is an analytical technique that separates and quantifies the components of a mixture and is used to determine purity.
In vitro: In vitro means literally in glass and refers to experiments carried out outside a living organism, for example in a test tube or cell culture. The term contrasts with in vivo.
In vivo: In vivo means literally within the living and refers to research conducted in a living organism. The term contrasts with in vitro, where work is done outside the organism.
Incretin: Incretins are gut hormones, such as GLP-1 and GIP, released after a meal and involved in the regulation of blood glucose. The term is used in research to denote this class of signalling molecules.
Ligand: A ligand is a molecule that binds to a receptor or other target protein. In peptide research the peptide is often the ligand whose binding to a given receptor is studied.
Lyophilization: Lyophilization, or freeze-drying, is a process in which water is removed from a frozen product under vacuum to obtain a stable powder.
Mass spectrometry: Mass spectrometry is an analytical technique that measures the mass-to-charge ratio of molecules to confirm identity and molecular weight.
Neurotrophic factor: A neurotrophic factor is a protein that supports the growth, maintenance and survival of nerve cells. In research these factors are studied within neurobiology.
Peptide: A peptide is a chain of amino acids linked by peptide bonds, shorter than a protein.
Peptide bond: A peptide bond is the chemical link that joins two amino acids together, forming the chain of a peptide. This bond forms when the carboxyl group of one amino acid reacts with the amino group of another.
Placebo-controlled: Placebo-controlled means that in a study one group receives a dummy treatment without active substance, for comparison with the group receiving the actual substance. This lets researchers distinguish real effects from chance or expectation.
Preclinical research: Preclinical research comprises the studies conducted before a substance is tested in humans, usually in cell cultures and animal models. This stage serves to explore activity and safety within a laboratory setting.
Purity: Purity is the percentage of the desired compound in a sample relative to impurities, determined using HPLC.
Receptor: A receptor is a protein on or inside a cell that recognises and binds specific molecules, after which a signal is relayed within the cell. Receptors are the binding sites at which peptides are studied in laboratory research.
Reconstitution: Reconstitution is the process of dissolving a lyophilized powder in a liquid, such as bacteriostatic water, to form a solution for laboratory use.
Secretagogue: A secretagogue is a substance that prompts a cell or gland to release a hormone or other substance. In research the term describes, for example, peptides that stimulate the release of growth hormone.