Quality Control & Analysis Guide
At Amino Peptides Ltd, we prioritise clarity as much as quality. Below is our guide on how we verify our products for laboratory research.
What is a Certificate of Analysis (COA)?
A Certificate of Analysis (COA) is an official quality assurance document issued by a testing laboratory. It serves as documented proof that a specific batch of a product meets its defined quality, purity, and identity specifications.
In the context of research peptides, a COA is your guarantee that the compound in the vial is exactly what the label claims, free from harmful synthesis by-products or degradation. It bridges the critical gap between our rigorous manufacturing standards and your laboratory's research integrity.
How to Read Your Certificate Of Analysis (COA)
Every peptide we dispatch has undergone batch testing and is accompanied by a Certificate of Analysis. This document ensures the material you receive meets the exact specifications required for high-precision research.
Here are the three key metrics we verify for every batch:
| Metric | What it Means | Our Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Mass Spec (MS) | Confirms molecular weight and ensures the identity of the sequence is correct. | Verified Identity |
| HPLC Purity | Measures the percentage of the target peptide vs. any residual impurities. | Minimum >98% |
| Appearance | Confirms the physical state of the lyophilised (freeze-dried) powder. | Clean Lyophilised Powder |
Researcher Note: We recommend keeping COAs on file for laboratory records to ensure reproducibility in your experiments.
Understanding the HPLC Chromatogram
High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) is the industry standard for determining purity. On your COA, the chromatogram shows a "peak." A single, sharp, tall peak indicates a pure compound.
The Importance of Mass Spectrometry (MS)
While HPLC tells us how pure a peptide is, Mass Spectrometry tells us what it is. We confirm the peptide's unique molecular fingerprint matches the intended sequence.
Why "Purity >98%" is the Gold Standard
In research, trace contaminants can skew data. A purity level of >98% ensures the biological activity observed is a direct result of the peptide itself.
Storage and Reconstitution
- Allow vials to reach room temp before opening.
- Use Bacteriostatic water for multi-use research.
For more, visit our Reconstitution Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions About COAs
What does >98% purity actually mean for my research?
A purity of >98% means that over 98 percent of the lyophilised powder in your vial is the exact target peptide you ordered. The remaining fraction consists of harmless residual moisture or benign salts from the synthesis process, ensuring no toxic contaminants will interfere with your assays.
Why do you use both HPLC and Mass Spectrometry (MS)?
HPLC determines the concentration and purity of the peptide, while Mass Spectrometry verifies the molecular weight to prove the peptide chain was assembled correctly. Together, they provide absolute certainty of both identity and quality.
Can I request a specific batch COA before ordering?
Yes. While every order is shipped with its corresponding batch COA, you can contact our technical support team at any time to request the most recent testing data for a specific compound before placing your order.