Aliquot
Aliquot — A precisely measured sub-volume of a solution taken from a larger stock, used to divide reconstituted peptides into single-use portions to avoid freeze-thaw cycles.
What Is an Aliquot?
An aliquot is a precisely measured portion of a peptide solution divided from a larger stock for individual use. Aliquoting is a fundamental peptide handling practice that avoids repeated freeze-thaw cycles by dividing reconstituted peptide into single-use volumes immediately after reconstitution.
Best Practices
- Volume: Aliquot into volumes sufficient for one experiment (avoid re-freezing)
- Containers: Low-bind microcentrifuge tubes or PCR tubes to minimize adsorption
- Labeling: Record peptide name, concentration, date, volume on each aliquot
- Storage: Flash-freeze in liquid nitrogen, store at -80°C for maximum stability
- Temperature: Thaw on ice, use immediately, discard remainder
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Aliquot?
A precisely measured sub-volume of a solution taken from a larger stock, used to divide reconstituted peptides into single-use portions to avoid freeze-thaw cycles.
Why is Aliquot important in peptide research?
Aliquot is a fundamental concept in laboratory as it relates to peptide science. It directly influences experimental design, compound characterization, and the reliability of research outcomes across biochemistry and molecular biology disciplines.