Melanotan 2 10mg — Vial Spec, Reconstitution Math & COA
Melanotan 2 (MT-II) is a synthetic, non-selective melanocortin receptor agonist evaluated in preclinical research models studying melanocortin activity related to skin pigmentation responses and central signaling pathways. A standard 10mg vial provides high-density peptide material suited for high-throughput in vitro screening, assay series, and extended animal model protocols. This document provides precise reconstitution calculations, handling parameters, aliquoting strategies, and quality assurance benchmarks for laboratory evaluation.
Quick answer
Melanotan 2 (MT-II) is a synthetic, non-selective melanocortin receptor agonist evaluated in preclinical research models studying melanocortin activity related to skin pigmentation responses and central signaling pathways. A standard 10mg vial provides high-density peptide material suited for high-throughput in vitro screening, assay series, and extended animal model protocols. This document provides precise reconstitution calculations, handling parameters, aliquoting strategies, and quality assurance benchmarks for laboratory evaluation.
Key takeaways
- A standard 10mg vial of [Melanotan 2 10mg](/product/mtii-melanotan2-10mg) contains a highly purified, lyophilized cake composed of the synthetic cyclic heptapeptide Ac-Nle-cyclo[Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH2 along with trace excipients added for cake stability.
- [Melanotan](/research-peptides/melanotan-2) 2 (CAS RN 121062-08-6) is a structural analogue of endogenous alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH).
- Reconstitution requires converting a 10mg solid lyophilized mass into a known liquid concentration (mg/mL or µg/µL).
- Once a 10mg [Melanotan](/research-peptides/melanotan-2) 2 vial is reconstituted, repeated opening of the primary container introduces risk of contamination and atmospheric moisture exposure.
Overview of Melanotan 2 10mg Research Vials
A standard 10mg vial of Melanotan 2 10mg contains a highly purified, lyophilized cake composed of the synthetic cyclic heptapeptide Ac-Nle-cyclo[Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH2 along with trace excipients added for cake stability. This 10mg mass format is primarily selected by institutional research facilities, academic laboratories, and contract research organizations (CROs) requiring sufficient compound volume for multi-well plate assays or repeated administration schedules across rodent cohorts without frequent batch switching.
When browsing our catalog of all peptides, investigators select the 10mg specification to balance volumetric efficiency and inventory longevity. Utilizing a uniform 10mg vial standardizes working solution stock preparation across multiple assay runs, eliminating lot-to-lot variance within a single experimental series. All PX1 Research vials are sealed under an inert argon atmosphere to protect the peptide backbone from oxidative degradation during cold storage prior to reconstitution.
Chemical Structure, Molecular Profile, and Receptor Targets
Melanotan 2 (CAS RN 121062-08-6) is a structural analogue of endogenous alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). It features a lactam bridge between the Asp2 and Lys7 side chains, conferring a constrained cyclic structure that enhances enzymatic stability relative to linear MSH peptides. Preclinical studies suggest that this structural rigidity significantly prolongs its active half-life in physiological buffered solutions and cell culture media.
In vitro binding assays demonstrate that MT-II acts as a potent agonist across multiple central and peripheral melanocortin receptor subtypes, including MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R. The compound is widely researched for melanocortin activity related to skin pigmentation responses mediated primarily through MC1R signaling in melanocytes. Additionally, its activation of central MC3R and MC4R pathways makes it a key tool compound in neuroendocrine research evaluating energy homeostasis, feeding behavior, and autonomic pathways.
Reconstitution Math: 1mL, 2mL, and 3mL Diluent Protocols
Reconstitution requires converting a 10mg solid lyophilized mass into a known liquid concentration (mg/mL or µg/µL). To achieve precise dosing calculations, researchers must adjust the volume of bacteriostatic water or sterile 0.9% sodium chloride diluent added to the vial. The basic calculation formula is: Concentration = Total Peptide Mass (10mg) / Total Diluent Volume (mL).
Adding 1.0 mL of diluent yields a highly concentrated stock solution of 10.0 mg/mL (10.0 µg/µL). This high concentration is ideal for micro-aliquoting into master stock tubes or running high-dose cellular assays where diluent volume must be minimized. Adding 2.0 mL of diluent produces a 5.0 mg/mL (5.0 µg/µL) concentration, providing an ideal mid-range stock for standard pipetting volumes. Adding 3.0 mL of diluent yields a concentration of 3.33 mg/mL (3.33 µg/µL), which is often preferred when preparing working solutions for low-volume automated liquid handling systems. To streamline stock calculations across varying diluent volumes, utilize our interactive reconstitution calculator.
Laboratory Aliquoting and Volumetric Precision Protocols
Once a 10mg Melanotan 2 vial is reconstituted, repeated opening of the primary container introduces risk of contamination and atmospheric moisture exposure. Furthermore, subjecting reconstituted peptide solutions to multiple freeze-thaw cycles leads to ice crystal formation, physical shear stress, and aggregation, which compromise compound integrity and assay reproducibility.
To preserve peptide potency, research teams should aliquot the primary stock solution immediately after initial dissolution. Utilizing sterile, polypropylene low-binding microcentrifuge tubes, divide the stock solution into single-use volumetric fractions (e.g., 50 µL or 100 µL aliquots). Label each aliquot with the compound identifier, lot number, concentration, and date of reconstitution before flash-freezing in liquid nitrogen or deep-freeze storage at -80°C. Individual aliquots can then be thawed once per assay run and discarded after use.
Storage, Stability, and Temperature Control Guidelines
Lyophilized Melanotan 2 10mg powder exhibits excellent long-term chemical stability when stored in a temperature-controlled environment away from direct light. Unopened vials stored at -20°C maintain structural integrity for up to 24 months, while long-term storage at -80°C extends stability further. Exposure to room temperature during transit does not alter peptide purity, provided the product is returned to sub-zero storage upon arrival.
After reconstitution, peptide stability decreases due to hydrolysis risks inherent to aqueous environments. Reconstituted stock solutions stored in 0.9% benzyl alcohol bacteriostatic water remain stable at 2°C to 8°C for approximately 28 days. For extended storage beyond 30 days, aliquoted solutions must be maintained at -20°C or -80°C. Avoid frost-free freezers, as their automated temperature cycling causes repeated micro-thawing events that accelerate peptide hydrolysis.
Lot-Matched COA Verification and Quality Control
Every production lot of Melanotan 2 manufactured for PX1 Research undergoes rigorous third-party analytical testing to confirm compound identity, purity, and safety profiles. Quality control documentation is publicly accessible through our dedicated COA lookup portal, ensuring full transparency for purchasing departments and regulatory compliance officers.
Primary identity and purity are verified using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) coupled with Mass Spectrometry (MS). Our minimum analytical specification requires an HPLC purity rating of ≥99.0%, with MS confirming the correct molecular mass of 1024.2 g/mol. Additionally, every batch undergoes chromogenic Limulus Amebocyte Lysate (LAL) testing to confirm bacterial endotoxin levels remain strictly below <0.05 EU/mg, minimizing background inflammatory signaling in sensitive cell-based or in vivo research protocols.
Comparative Analysis: Melanotan 2 vs. Related Melanocortin Compounds
Melanotan 2 belongs to a broader family of melanocortin receptor ligands derived from the native α-MSH sequence. Understanding the structural and pharmacodynamic differences between these analogues allows principal investigators to select the most appropriate compound for their specific investigative framework.
When comparing Melanotan 2 against related research compounds, distinct binding profiles emerge. For instance, PT-141 10mg (Bremelanotide) is a metabolite of Melanotan 2 featuring a hydroxylated C-terminus; while MT-II exhibits strong binding affinity across MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R, PT-141 exhibits preferential activity toward central MC3R and MC4R receptors with reduced MC1R-mediated melanogenesis. Conversely, linear α-MSH analogues like Melanotan 1 display high selectivity for MC1R over MC4R. Researchers studying systemic melanocortin signaling often cross-reference data from these variants within our expanded research hub.
Standard Operating Procedures for Reconstitution in the Lab
Reconstitution of a 10mg Melanotan 2 vial should be conducted within a certified Class II Biosafety Cabinet or laminar flow hood to maintain aseptic conditions. Allow the vacuum-sealed vial and the chosen diluent to equilibrate to room temperature before initiating liquid transfer to prevent condensation within the vial.
Sanitize the rubber septum of the vial using a 70% isopropyl alcohol swab. Using a sterile syringe, draw the exact desired volume of diluent (e.g., 2.0 mL). Insert the needle through the center of the stopper at a 45-degree angle, allowing the natural vacuum to draw the diluent into the vial. Direct the stream against the glass wall rather than directly onto the lyophilized pellet to prevent protein denaturation. Gently swirl the vial in a circular motion until the cake completely dissolves into a clear, colorless liquid. Never vortex the vial vigorously.
Selecting the Optimal Vial Mass and Bulk Procurement Options
Choosing between a 10mg format and alternative fill sizes depends entirely on experimental scale and assay throughput requirements. A 10mg vial is optimal for high-volume studies requiring uniform concentration across dozens of microtiter plates or larger animal cohorts. For smaller exploratory pilot assays where compound usage is minimal, smaller fill sizes may reduce unnecessary reagent wastage post-reconstitution.
For high-volume academic laboratories, pharmaceutical screening programs, and institutional facilities, PX1 Research provides scalable sourcing options through our dedicated wholesale program. Sourcing large single-lot orders guarantees lot-matched consistency across long-term research projects, backed by full analytical documentation, HPLC mass spectra, and dedicated account support.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the exact chemical mass and formula of Melanotan 2 in the 10mg vial?
Melanotan 2 has a molecular formula of C50H69N15O9 and a molecular mass of 1024.2 g/mol. The 10mg vial contains 10 milligrams of net peptide powder verified via HPLC mass spectroscopy.
How do I calculate a 100 µg concentration from a 10mg Melanotan 2 vial?
If you reconstitute 10mg of peptide with 2.0 mL of diluent, the working stock concentration is 5.0 mg/mL (or 5,000 µg/mL). A 100 µg dose equivalent corresponds to 0.02 mL (20 µL) of this stock solution.
What diluent should be used for reconstituting Melanotan 2 for laboratory experiments?
Bacteriostatic 0.9% sodium chloride or bacteriostatic water containing 0.9% benzyl alcohol is recommended for multi-use laboratory bench stock to prevent microbial growth over a 28-day period at 2–8°C.
What are the endotoxin specifications for PX1 Melanotan 2 10mg vials?
PX1 Research enforces a strict endotoxin specification of <0.05 EU/mg for all Melanotan 2 lots, verified via LAL assay testing to prevent background inflammatory activation in cell cultures.
How does Melanotan 2 receptor binding differ from PT-141?
Melanotan 2 is a non-selective agonist activating MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R. PT-141 (Bremelanotide) demonstrates selectivity toward central MC3R and MC4R targets with lower relative affinity for peripheral MC1R.
Can reconstituted Melanotan 2 stock solutions be frozen?
Yes, reconstituted solutions can be aliquoted into single-use polypropylene tubes and frozen at -20°C or -80°C. Repeated freeze-thaw cycles must be avoided to prevent peptide degradation.
How can I access the lot-matched Certificate of Analysis for my 10mg vial?
Enter the lot number printed on your vial label into the PX1 COA search page at /coa to view HPLC chromatograms and Mass Spectrometry reports.
Is Melanotan 2 10mg supplied as a powder or a liquid?
Melanotan 2 10mg is supplied exclusively as a sterile, lyophilized (freeze-dried) solid cake packaged in a vacuum-sealed glass vial under inert gas.
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