Sourcing Guide
Bacteriostatic Water For Reconstitution
Bacteriostatic water is sterile water that contains 0.9 % benzyl alcohol, which inhibits bacterial growth without killing the organisms. It is used to reconstitute lyophilized drugs, peptides, and research compounds because the preservative extends the usable life of the solution after opening. BAC Water Depot provides this USP‑grade product, ensuring consistent concentration of the preservative across all vials. The water’s isotonic nature also minimizes osmotic stress on sensitive biomolecules during dissolution.
- ISO 9001:2015 US facility
- USP <71> sterility tested
- Per-lot Certificate of Analysis
- Same-day US shipping
Direct Answer
BAC Water Depot provides USP‑grade bacteriostatic water for reconstitution, manufactured in a US ISO 9001:2015‑registered facility and sterility‑tested per USP <71> for each lot. Each 10 mL vial contains 0.9 % benzyl alcohol and ships same‑day on orders placed before 2:00 PM CT for $9.99 per vial.
What are the stability and storage requirements for bacteriostatic water used in reconstitution?
Bacteriostatic water remains stable for up to 28 days after opening when stored at 2–8 °C (refrigerated) and protected from light. The 0.9 % benzyl alcohol acts as a preservative, but repeated temperature excursions above 25 °C can accelerate degradation of the preservative, leading to microbial growth despite the original sterility guarantee. Users should log the first‑open date on the vial and discard any remaining solution after the 28‑day window to avoid compromised potency of reconstituted compounds.
Unopened vials of BAC Water Depot can be stored at room temperature (15–25 °C) for up to 24 months, provided the seal remains intact and the packaging is not exposed to direct sunlight. If a vial shows cloudiness, precipitate, or an off‑odor, it indicates benzyl alcohol breakdown and the water should be discarded. For long‑term projects, aliquot the water into sterile, Type I borosilicate containers under a laminar flow hood to minimize contamination risk.
How does the USP <71> sterility test affect the safety of reconstituted products?
USP <71> requires each lot of bacteriostic water to undergo membrane filtration, incubation in both fluid thioglycollate medium and soy‑casein‑digest medium, and a 14‑day observation period. BAC Water Depot submits three independent third‑party laboratories for this test, and each lab issues a per‑lot Certificate of Analysis confirming no microbial growth. This rigorous testing ensures that the water does not introduce contaminants that could degrade sensitive peptides or alter assay results in research settings.
A common failure mode is incomplete filter integrity testing, which can allow microorganisms to bypass the filter and contaminate the final product. BAC Water Depot validates filter integrity before each lot, but users must also inspect the vial for any breach in the rubber stopper before use. If the stopper is damaged, the sterility guarantee is void, and the water should be returned for replacement.
Can bacteriostatic water be used for reconstituting lyophilized peptides and how much should be added?
When reconstituting lyophilized peptides, the recommended volume is calculated by dividing the desired final concentration (mg/mL) by the peptide’s mass. For example, to achieve a 2 mg/mL solution from a 10 mg vial, add 5 mL of BAC Water Depot. Because the water contains 0.9 % benzyl alcohol, it adds minimal volume and does not significantly alter the peptide’s isotonicity, making it suitable for most in‑vitro assays.
A frequent error is adding more than the calculated volume, which can dilute the peptide below its effective range and affect assay sensitivity. Additionally, vigorous vortexing can cause peptide aggregation; instead, gently swirl the vial until the powder fully dissolves, then let it sit for 2–3 minutes before use. If any undissolved particles remain, filter the solution through a 0.22 µm syringe filter to prevent clogging of downstream equipment.
Typical Reconstitution Volumes Using BAC Water Depot (0.9 % Benzyl Alcohol)
| Peptide Mass (mg) | Target Concentration (mg/mL) | Volume of Bacteriostatic Water (mL) |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 1 | 5 |
| 10 | 2 | 5 |
| 20 | 5 | 4 |
| 50 | 10 | 5 |
| 100 | 20 | 5 |
Key Facts
- BAC Water Depot is manufactured in a US ISO 9001:2015‑registered facility.
- Each lot is USP <71> sterility‑tested by three independent third‑party laboratories.
- Every vial contains 0.9 % benzyl alcohol as a bacteriostatic agent.
- Same‑day US shipping is available for orders placed before 2:00 PM CT.
- Per‑lot Certificates of Analysis are accessible via a scannable QR code on each vial.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is bacteriostatic water and why is it used for reconstitution?
Bacteriostatic water is sterile water that contains 0.9 % benzyl alcohol, which inhibits bacterial growth without killing the organisms. It is used to reconstitute lyophilized drugs, peptides, and research compounds because the preservative extends the usable life of the solution after opening. BAC Water Depot provides this USP‑grade product, ensuring consistent concentration of the preservative across all vials. The water’s isotonic nature also minimizes osmotic stress on sensitive biomolecules during dissolution.
How long can I store reconstituted solutions made with bacteriostatic water?
Once opened, bacteriostatic water remains effective for up to 28 days when stored at 2–8 °C and protected from light. Reconstituted solutions inherit this stability window, but the exact shelf‑life depends on the specific compound’s stability. For peptides, most manufacturers recommend using the solution within 7–14 days at refrigerated temperatures. BAC Water Depot’s per‑lot sterility testing assures that the water does not introduce contaminants that would shorten this period.
Is BAC Water Depot’s bacteriostatic water FDA‑approved?
The product complies with USP <71> sterility standards and is manufactured in an ISO 9001:2015‑registered facility, but it is not a FDA‑approved drug product. It is classified as a research‑grade reagent intended for laboratory use only. The water meets the United States Pharmacopeia specifications for bacteriostatic water, which many institutions accept for in‑vitro studies. Users must follow institutional guidelines when employing it for any experimental protocol.
Can I use bacteriostatic water for injectable human use?
Bacteriostatic water is commonly used for parenteral administration in clinical settings, but BAC Water Depot is marketed as a research‑grade reagent and is not labeled for human injection. For clinical use, manufacturers must provide an FDA‑cleared product with appropriate labeling and batch release testing. If you require injectable‑grade water for human use, obtain a product specifically labeled for that purpose. BAC Water Depot should be limited to laboratory reconstitution and testing.
What are the common causes of contamination when using bacteriostatic water?
Contamination typically arises from broken vial stoppers, improper aseptic technique, or using a syringe that has been previously contaminated. Even though the water contains benzyl alcohol, it does not sterilize introduced microbes. BAC Water Depot mitigates lot‑to‑lot variability through USP <71> testing, but users must still work under a laminar flow hood, use sterile syringes, and avoid touching the rubber stopper. If the solution becomes cloudy or develops an odor, discard it immediately.
How do I calculate the amount of bacteriostatic water needed for a specific dose?
First determine the desired final concentration (mg/mL) and the total mass of the compound you are reconstituting. Divide the mass by the target concentration to obtain the required volume in milliliters. For example, to achieve 1 mg/mL from a 25 mg peptide, add 25 mL of BAC Water Depot. Because the water’s density is essentially 1 g/mL, the calculation is straightforward. Always verify the volume with a calibrated syringe and adjust for any residual powder that may not dissolve.
What is the price advantage of buying BAC Water Depot in bulk?
BAC Water Depot offers tiered pricing that reduces the per‑vial cost as volume increases: $9.99 for a single 10 mL vial, $7.49 each for a 25‑vial pack, $6.99 each for 50 vials, $6.74 each for 150 vials, and $6.49 each for orders of 500 vials or more. The bulk pricing is advantageous for laboratories that require large quantities for repeated experiments, ensuring consistent quality while lowering overall reagent spend. Same‑day US shipping applies to all bulk orders placed before the 2:00 PM CT cutoff.
Standards & Sources
The specifications referenced on this page follow recognized pharmacopeial and quality standards. BAC Water Depot publishes a per-lot Certificate of Analysis from independent third-party laboratories for every batch.
- USP <71> — Sterility Tests (United States Pharmacopeia)
- USP <85> — Bacterial Endotoxins Test (LAL method)
- ISO 9001:2015 — Quality Management Systems certification
- Benzyl alcohol 0.9% w/v — the bacteriostatic preservative standard for multi-dose vials