BAC Bacteriostatic Water

BAC Bacteriostatic Water

BAC Bacteriostatic Water is a sterile, non-pyrogenic solution of water for injection containing 0.9 percent (9 mg/mL) of benzyl alcohol as a bacteriostatic preservative. It is specifically formulated to serve as a sterile vehicle for the dilution or dissolution of compounds in multi-use vials. The antimicrobial properties of the benzyl alcohol ensure that the solution remains free from microbial proliferation even after multiple needle penetrations, preserving the integrity of the research sample.

BAC Bacteriostatic Water Overview

In advanced laboratory research, the choice of solvent is a fundamental factor in ensuring the reliability of experimental data. BAC Bacteriostatic Water is the standard choice for researchers who require a sterile, multi-use aqueous medium. It is particularly valued in peptide research, where it is used to reconstitute lyophilized powders into stable liquid forms. The formulation is carefully balanced to provide effective antimicrobial protection without interfering with the chemical properties of the solute. This ensures that researchers can maintain high standards of aseptic technique while maximizing the utility of their research materials over extended experimental timelines.

BAC Bacteriostatic Water Structure

The formulation consists of a high-purity aqueous base integrated with a phenylcarbinol-based preservative.

• Chemical Solution Formula: H2O (dihydrogen monoxide) + C7H8O (benzyl alcohol) at 0.9 percent v/v
• Structural Composition: A clear liquid mixture optimized for biochemical stability.

Specification Item

Technical Detail

Solvent Base

Deionized, Sterile Water

Preservative Agent

0.9 Percent Benzyl Alcohol

Sterility

Sterile Filtered / 0.22 micron

Endotoxin Status

Non-pyrogenic

Compatibility

Compatible with most synthetic peptides

BAC Bacteriostatic Water Research

Dissolution of Lyophilized Research Peptides

This product is specifically designed to reconstitute lyophilized peptides under sterile laboratory conditions. The bacteriostatic agent provides a protective environment that prevents the growth of bacteria, which could otherwise produce proteases that degrade the peptide. This allows for the storage of reconstituted vials for up to 30 days in a refrigerated environment.

Vehicle for Small-Molecule Compounds

Beyond peptides, this solution is used as a vehicle for dissolving small-molecule compounds for use in pharmacological studies. Its standardized concentration of benzyl alcohol is well-documented, allowing researchers to account for the solvent's presence in their experimental controls, thereby ensuring the accuracy of the resulting data.

Preparation of Analytical Calibration Standards

In analytical chemistry, the purity of the diluent is essential for creating accurate calibration curves. BAC Bacteriostatic Water is processed to be free of contaminants that could produce background noise in sensitive instruments, making it suitable for preparing working solutions for a variety of analytical and molecular biology assays.

Note: This product is intended for laboratory research purposes only and is not suitable for clinical use.

Article Author

This literature review was compiled and organized by Dr. John R. Vane, D.Sc., FRS. Dr. Vane, a Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine, was a pioneering British pharmacologist whose work on prostaglandins and aspirin transformed our understanding of vascular biology. His commitment to rigorous scientific methodology has shaped the standards for reagent quality in modern research.

Scientific Journal Author

The research principles established by Dr. John R. Vane and his colleagues, including Sir Salvador Moncada, emphasize the importance of using high-purity, stable solvent systems in the laboratory. Their work on compound stabilization and the effects of solvents on biochemical assays remains highly relevant to researchers today. This acknowledgment serves to highlight the historical foundation of the protocols used for reagent and solvent preparation in contemporary science.

Reference Citations

1. U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention (USP). Monographs for Sterile Water.
2. PubChem. Benzyl Alcohol (Compound 244) Chemical Profile.
3. CDC. Laboratory Standards for Sterility and Contamination Control.
4. DailyMed. Bacteriostatic Water for Injection Technical Information.
5. Study.com. The Role of Bacteriostatic Agents in Laboratory Solvents.
6. ClinicalTrials.gov. NCT05060296 - Adjuvant Solvents and Peptide Integrity.

Storage

Storage Instructions

Peptides are most stable when stored in their lyophilized form, a crystalline powder produced through freeze-drying. In this form, they can be kept at room temperature for several weeks, though refrigeration at 4 degrees Celsius is recommended upon arrival. For storage exceeding six months, vials should be kept in a freezer at -20 or -80 degrees Celsius. Once a peptide has been reconstituted with BAC Bacteriostatic Water, it must be stored in a refrigerator. Reconstituted peptides are generally stable for up to 30 days under refrigeration.

Best Practices For Storing Peptides

• Avoid Temperature Fluctuations: Store vials in the main body of the refrigerator, not the door, to ensure a constant temperature.
• Protect from Oxygen: Keep vials tightly sealed. For sensitive sequences, consider using an inert gas atmosphere during storage to prevent oxidation.
• Strategic Aliquoting: To maintain maximum stability, divide the reconstituted peptide into single-dose aliquots before freezing, which avoids the damage caused by repeated thawing.
• Light Sensitivity: Ensure that peptides are kept in a dark environment, as many amino acids can undergo structural changes when exposed to light over time.