Description

Technical Parameters

Introduction

Epitalon2

musclepic 6

Products Description

1. Basic Concepts and Background

Epitalon was initially developed by a Russian research team while studying degenerative changes in the pineal gland. It was used to mimic the natural peptide Epithalamin extracted from animal pineal gland tissue. Due to the complex sources and unstable composition of natural extracts, synthetic peptides like Epitalon provide a reliable, standardized, and structurally well-defined alternative.

Its structure is very simple, consisting of only four amino acids. This minimal sequence gives it excellent stability, solubility, and ease of handling. As a short peptide research substance, Epitalon has reference value in molecular biology, the exploration of aging mechanisms, and research on cell signaling pathways.

2. Classification (Based on Application and Quality Standards)

Common Epitalon raw material powders on the market can be roughly divided into the following categories according to their application and quality grade:

1. Pharmaceutical Grade (High Purity Grade)

Typically, the purity is ≥ 98%, with strictly controlled impurities. Suitable for high-level experiments, in-depth molecular research, and formulation development.

Features:

Verified by multiple methods including HPLC, MS, and NMR

Good consistency in structure, solubility, and bioactivity

High batch stability

2. Research Grade

Purity approximately 95%–98%, used for general biochemical, cell, or animal mechanism experiments.

Features:

Lower cost

Meets most research needs

Good structural controllability

3. Industrial and Formulation Development Grade

Purity approximately 90%–95%, primarily used for early-stage formulation research, preliminary experiments, and proof-of-concept stages.

Features:

Lowest price

Suitable for basic experiments where purity is not critical

3. Physicochemical Properties

As a tetrapeptide, Epitalon possesses the typical stability characteristics of short peptides. Its physicochemical properties are as follows:

1. Molecular Formula and Molecular Weight

Molecular Formula: C₁₄H₂₂N₄O₉ (based on tetrapeptide structure)

Average Molecular Weight: 390.35 g/mol Its short peptide structure results in a small molecular weight and good diffusion ability.

2. Solubility

Easily soluble in water

Strongly soluble in diluted saline and buffer solutions

Poorly soluble in ethanol, acetone, and ethers

Its water solubility makes it suitable for most life science experimental systems.

3. Stability

Epitalon exhibits good stability in its lyophilized powder state:

Excellent long-term storage performance in low-temperature, dry environments

Tolerant of short-term exposure to room temperature

However, in solution state, it is susceptible to light and hydrolysis, requiring refrigeration for use.

4. pH Compatibility

High stability within the pH range of 4-8, a safe range for common biochemical systems.

4. Appearance and Color Characteristics

High-quality Epitalon raw material powder has the following characteristics:

1. Color

White to off-white powder

The closer the color is to pure white, the lower the impurity content generally is.

The presence of yellowish, grayish-white, or granular lumps usually indicates improper storage or the presence of oxidized impurities.

2. Appearance

Fine, uniform, and free of lumps

Dry to the touch, with a slightly slippery feel (typical characteristic of peptide powders)

Mostly in lyophilized powder form to maintain activity and stability

5. Advantages (from a research and raw material perspective)

1. Short structure, low synthesis difficulty

Composed of four amino acids, the peptide chain is short, resulting in high yield and strong batch-to-batch reproducibility, which is beneficial for standardized production.

2. Excellent stability, easy storage and transportation

Lyophilized powders can be stored for a long time in a cool, dry environment and are not easily degraded, a significant advantage in biopharmaceutical development.

3. Easily soluble in water, simple to handle

Its good water solubility makes it suitable for use in cell experiments, protein-protein interaction studies, and signaling pathway exploration.

4. High controllability, well-defined safety boundaries

The synthesized peptide structure is well-defined and free of animal tissue impurities, which helps ensure the stability of experimental variables.

6. Production Process (Brief Description)

Epitalon is primarily prepared using solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) technology, with the following flow:

Using resin as the solid-phase carrier

Gly, Asp, Glu, and Ala are sequentially added (Fmoc protection strategy)

Coupling agents are added at each step to promote peptide bond formation

After completion, the peptide chain is cleaved

Protecting groups are removed

Purification (usually using RP-HPLC)

Lyophilization into powder

This process is mature and reliable, enabling continuous industrial production.

7. Quality and Testing

High-quality Epitalon must be confirmed through the following testing methods:

HPLC: Purity detection

MS: Molecular weight confirmation

NMR: Structural consistency verification

Moisture content (Karl Fischer method)

Residual solvent (GC detection)

High-grade products generally provide a Certificate of Analysis (COA) and batch tracking data.

8. Storage, Stability, and Transportation Requirements

While Epitalon powder is stable, proper storage is required:

1. Storage Conditions

Long-term storage at -20°C

Medium-term storage at 2–8°C

Protect from light, moisture, and oxidation.

2. Solution State

Prepare for immediate use only.

If storage is necessary, store at -20°C and avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.

Highly sensitive in solution state; should be used for short periods.

3. Transportation

Lyophilized powder is suitable for international shipping; it can withstand short-term express delivery at normal temperatures.

9. Application Directions (Scientific Research Fields)

Epitalon is commonly used in the following research areas:

Biochemical experiments on protein-protein interactions

Models related to cell aging mechanisms

Studies on the structure-function relationship of peptides

Analysis of pineal gland-related signaling pathways

Exploration and technology validation of innovative formulations

Its simple structure and stable properties make it a classic model for short peptide research.

10. Conclusion

Epitalon, a short-chain, high-quality peptide composed of tetrapeptides, holds significant value in scientific research and biochemistry. Its stable physicochemical properties, good solubility, and easily standardized production processes make it a highly sought-after basic laboratory tool.

From appearance, color, and impurity control to synthetic routes, storage methods, and applications, Epitalon has developed a mature industrial chain.