Storing Glutathione: Best Practices
Lyophilized Powder
Store at -20°C for optimal long-term stability, or at 2–8°C for routine storage. The dry powder form is relatively stable but must be kept in tightly sealed, opaque containers to protect from light and moisture. Glutathione is highly susceptible to oxidation in the presence of air and elevated humidity (water activity >0.3).
Reconstituted Solution
Dissolve in sterile water or PBS (Phosphate Buffered Saline). Aqueous GSH solutions oxidize rapidly to GSSG when exposed to air. Aliquot stock solutions immediately after preparation to minimize freeze-thaw cycles. Store aliquots at -20°C and use promptly after thawing. For short-term use, keep at 2–8°C and consume within 24 hours.
Quality & Handling
Supplied as a white crystalline powder. Purity: ≥98% by HPLC. Identity verified by HPLC, mass spectrometry (307.32 g/mol), and enzymatic recycling assay. Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents. In laboratory settings, prepared solutions should be temperature-controlled and protected from light until immediately before use. CAS: 70-18-8, PubChem CID: 124886.
References
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