Research peptide glossary

Definitions for the most-used terms in peptide research, laboratory practice, and UK regulation. Each term has its own page with deeper context and links to related peptides.

For laboratory and research use only — not for human consumption.

Angiogenesis
The formation of new blood vessels from pre-existing vasculature.
Bacteriostatic water
Sterile water containing 0.9% benzyl alcohol as a bacteriostatic preservative — the standard peptide reconstitution vehicle.
Bioavailability
Fraction of an administered dose that reaches systemic circulation in unchanged form.
Certificate of Analysis (CoA)
Batch-specific document reporting purity, identity, and contaminant results for a research peptide lot.
Collagen
The most abundant structural protein in the body, organised into types with distinct tissue roles.
Endotoxin
Bacterial lipopolysaccharide that triggers TLR4-mediated inflammation; a critical research-peptide quality control parameter.
Fibroblast
Connective-tissue cell that synthesises collagen and the extracellular matrix.
Half-life
Time for the plasma concentration of a substance to fall to half its initial value.
HPLC
High-performance liquid chromatography — the principal method for assessing peptide purity.
LAL test
Limulus amebocyte lysate assay — the standard method for quantifying bacterial endotoxin contamination.
Lyophilisation
Freeze-drying process used to stabilise peptides as a dry powder.
MHRA
UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency — licenses medicines for UK use.
MMP (Matrix metalloproteinase)
Matrix metalloproteinase — zinc-dependent enzyme that remodels the extracellular matrix.
NF-κB
Nuclear factor kappa B — a transcription factor central to inflammatory gene expression.
Reconstitution
Dissolving a lyophilised peptide in an appropriate aqueous vehicle prior to research use.
Tenocyte
Specialised fibroblast forming the cellular component of tendons.
Tight junction
Cell-cell adhesion complex regulating paracellular transport in epithelia.
VEGF
Vascular endothelial growth factor — signals new blood-vessel formation.
WADA Prohibited List
Annual list published by the World Anti-Doping Agency classifying substances and methods banned in sport.
Zonulin
Endogenous protein that regulates intestinal tight-junction permeability and the molecular target of larazotide.