Endotoxin
Bacterial lipopolysaccharide that triggers TLR4-mediated inflammation; a critical research-peptide quality control parameter.
For laboratory and research use only — not for human consumption.
Endotoxins are lipopolysaccharides from the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria. Even trace contamination (picograms per millilitre) can activate the TLR4 innate-immune pathway, releasing cytokines that confound anti-inflammatory peptide studies. The Limulus amebocyte lysate (LAL) assay is the standard quantification method, with results in endotoxin units per millilitre (EU/mL). Research-grade peptide Certificates of Analysis typically report < 1 EU/mg for injectable use, lower for sensitive applications. A high endotoxin batch can produce apparent 'peptide effects' that are actually endotoxin effects.