Benzyl Alcohol 0.9% Solution
This product is a sterile, bacteriostatic solution of 0.9 percent Benzyl Alcohol in ultra-pure water, specifically engineered for research applications. It is used primarily as a diluent and a vehicle for the reconstitution of synthetic peptides and proteins. The presence of benzyl alcohol provides a chemical environment that inhibits the growth of microorganisms, allowing for the safe reuse of reagent vials in various laboratory workflows.
Benzyl Alcohol Overview
Benzyl Alcohol 0.9% is widely utilized in molecular biology and biochemistry for its dual action as a solvent and a preservative. It is particularly valued in high-precision research because it is manufactured using ultra-pure water with exceptionally low endotoxin levels. This ensures that the reagent does not introduce variables that could interfere with cell culture viability or enzymatic assays. Its chemical compatibility makes it an ideal choice for the preparation of buffers and mobile phases in analytical research.
Benzyl Alcohol Structure
Chemical Configuration
The solution is a precisely titrated blend of high-purity benzyl alcohol and pharmaceutical-grade water.
Structure Solution Formula: C6H5CH2OH at 0.9 percent v/v in Purified H2O
Property
Detail
Molecular Weight
108.14 grams per mole
Physical State
Liquid Solution
Solvent Resistance
High compatibility with plastics and glass
Sterility
0.22 micron filtered
Application
Reagent Reconstitution / Preservation
Benzyl Alcohol Research
Antimicrobial Efficacy in Research
Scientific studies have confirmed that a 0.9 percent concentration of benzyl alcohol is effective at suppressing bacterial proliferation in aqueous solutions. This makes it the preferred medium for multi-use vials in laboratory settings, where researchers must draw multiple doses from a single stock solution over the course of an experiment.
Solubilization of Complex Peptides
The inclusion of benzyl alcohol can improve the solubility of peptides that possess hydrophobic regions. By reducing the surface tension of the water, the solution facilitates a faster and more complete reconstitution of lyophilized cakes, resulting in a more uniform and reliable final concentration for experimental use.
Instrument Grade Purity
This solution is processed to remove particulates and dissolved ions that could cause background interference in liquid chromatography or mass spectrometry. Its high degree of purity ensures that the preservative does not produce extraneous peaks, preserving the accuracy of the researcher's analytical data.
Article Author
The technical organization of this review was managed by Dr. James R. Alford, Ph.D., an expert in the field of protein formulation. Dr. Alford's specialized research into the structural behavior of proteins in the presence of various solvents has made him a leading voice in the optimization of laboratory reagents.
Scientific Journal Author
Dr. James R. Alford’s academic work, notably his 2011 study on recombinant human albumin, provides essential data on the interaction between benzyl alcohol and protein tertiary structures. His research ensures that the use of bacteriostatic agents is grounded in a deep understanding of biophysical chemistry. This section acknowledges his and his colleagues' contributions to the advancement of protein science.
Reference Citations
- Alford JR. Protein Expression and Purification, 2011.
- PubChem. Benzyl Alcohol (CID 244) Chemical Summary.
- ScienceDirect. Role of bacteriostatic water in peptide research.
- MilliporeSigma. Technical Specification for Benzyl Alcohol Reagents.
- USP 1231. Water Quality Standards for Laboratory Applications.
STORAGE
General Handling and Refrigeration
Upon receipt, all lyophilized peptides should be stored in a cool, dry place. Once the peptide has been reconstituted with Benzyl Alcohol 0.9% Solution, the vial must be kept in a refrigerator at 4 degrees Celsius. While the bacteriostatic agent inhibits microbial growth, the chemical structure of the peptide itself remains subject to degradation in liquid form. Therefore, reconstituted solutions should be used within a 30-day window for the most accurate and reproducible results.
Freezing and Aliquoting
For researchers who do not plan to use the entire vial within 30 days, it is recommended to divide the reconstituted solution into smaller portions, or aliquots. Each aliquot should be placed in a separate, sterile container and frozen. This prevents the need for repeated freeze-thaw cycles, which are highly damaging to the delicate bonds that hold a peptide together. Aliquots should be stored at -20 degrees Celsius or -80 degrees Celsius for maximum longevity.
Protection from Light and Moisture
Peptides are sensitive to photodegradation; exposure to light can cause the molecule to break apart or change its shape. Always store vials in the dark or in an opaque container. Additionally, when using frozen peptides, allow the vial to reach room temperature before opening. This simple step prevents moisture from the air from condensing inside the vial, which could lead to hydrolysis or the formation of insoluble aggregates.