Peptide Research Glossary
Key terms used in peptide research, explained in plain language with links to the relevant compounds and categories across the HPLC Peps catalogue.
Peptide
A short chain of amino acids (typically 2–50) linked by peptide bonds. Peptides sit chemically between a single amino acid and a full protein. Browse our full research peptide catalogue for lab-verified compounds.
Amino Acid
The building block of peptides and proteins. There are 20 standard amino acids used in biological systems. Our peptides are assembled from pharmaceutical-grade amino acids using solid-phase synthesis.
Lyophilisation
Freeze-drying — the process of removing water from a peptide solution to produce a stable powder. Our peptides are shipped as a dry powder and reconstituted with a solvent before use.
Reconstitution
Dissolving a lyophilised peptide powder in a solvent (typically bacteriostatic water) to create a solution for research use. See our bacteriostatic water guide for the correct process.
Bacteriostatic Water
Sterile water containing 0.9% benzyl alcohol, used to reconstitute lyophilised peptides. The benzyl alcohol inhibits bacterial growth, allowing multi-use from a single vial.
HPLC
High-Performance Liquid Chromatography — an analytical technique used to measure peptide purity by separating the target compound from impurities. Every batch is HPLC tested at 99%+ purity; see our lab results for chromatograms.
Mass Spectrometry
An analytical technique that measures the mass-to-charge ratio of molecules, used to confirm the identity of a peptide by verifying its molecular weight. Every compound is identity-verified, not just purity-tested.
COA
Certificate of Analysis — a laboratory document recording the test results for a specific batch of a compound, including purity and identity verification. All certificates are published on our lab results page for full transparency.
Purity
The proportion of a sample that is the target peptide, measured by HPLC and expressed as a percentage. A purity of 99% means 99% of the sample is the target compound. Never accept a purity claim without a published COA.
Peptide Content
The actual amount of peptide in a vial, as opposed to the total powder weight. Distinct from purity — a vial may contain 10mg of powder but only 9mg of active peptide. Our range is labelled by true peptide content.
GLP-1
Glucagon-like peptide-1 is an incretin hormone that stimulates insulin secretion. GLP-1 receptor agonists such as semaglutide are studied for their effects on glucose homeostasis and appetite regulation. Browse our weight management category for the full range.
GIP
Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide is another incretin hormone. Dual GIP/GLP-1 agonists like tirzepatide are studied for combined metabolic effects. Compare semaglutide vs tirzepatide to understand the difference.
Angiogenesis
The formation of new blood vessels, studied in tissue repair research — particularly with peptides like BPC-157. Explore our healing and recovery category for the full regenerative range.
Melanocortin
A family of receptors (MC1R–MC5R) involved in pigmentation, energy homeostasis, and behaviour. Melanotan 2 is a melanocortin receptor agonist — see our tanning and libido category for related compounds.
Secretagogue
A substance that stimulates the secretion of another substance, such as growth hormone secretagogues. CJC-1295 / Ipamorelin stimulate the release of growth hormone — part of our growth hormone category.
Receptor Agonist
A molecule that binds to a receptor and activates it, producing a biological response. Many research peptides are receptor agonists — including retatrutide, a triple-receptor agonist studied in metabolic research.
Receptor Antagonist
A molecule that binds to a receptor but does not activate it, blocking the action of agonists. Browse our shop for antagonist and agonist compounds.
In Vitro
Literally 'in glass' — experiments conducted in test tubes or petri dishes outside a living organism. All HPLC Peps products are sold strictly for in-vitro and preclinical research. See our research hub for application notes.
In Vivo
Literally "in the living" — experiments conducted in living organisms.
SPPS
Solid-Phase Peptide Synthesis — the most common method for producing synthetic peptides, building the chain one amino acid at a time. Our peptides are manufactured to pharmaceutical-grade standards using this method.
CAS Number
A unique numerical identifier assigned by the Chemical Abstracts Service to a specific chemical substance. Every compound in our catalogue carries a verifiable CAS number for laboratory documentation.
Molecular Weight
The mass of a molecule, measured in grams per mole (g/mol), confirmed by mass spectrometry to verify peptide identity.
Research Peptides
Peptides manufactured and verified specifically for laboratory research use — not for human consumption. HPLC Peps offers bulk pricing for institutions and universities.
Peptide Supplier
A company that manufactures, tests, and distributes peptides for research use. Choosing a trusted supplier means looking for published COAs, HPLC verification, and batch traceability — the standards HPLC Peps is built on. See our supplier guide for a detailed checklist.
Learn more
Explore our educational articles and research resources.
For laboratory research use only. Not for human consumption, medical diagnosis, or treatment.