This technical guide outlines the physical, chemical, and handling specifications for high-purity Semax research vials. Designed for laboratory research use only, this document details exact reconstitution mathematics, aliquot planning, and analytical verification protocols required for rigorous in vitro and preclinical experimental design.
This technical guide outlines the physical, chemical, and handling specifications for high-purity Semax research vials. Designed for laboratory research use only, this document details exact reconstitution mathematics, aliquot planning, and analytical verification protocols required for rigorous in vitro and preclinical experimental design.
Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide derived from the N-terminal fragment (4-10) of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), stabilized with a C-terminal Pro-Gly-Pro tripeptide sequence (Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro). In laboratory environments, a 20mg vial specification provides a high-density mass of lyophilized peptide cake suitable for high-throughput in vitro screening, cell culture assays, or multi-animal rodent studies requiring consistent stock concentration.
Principal investigators and laboratory managers select a 20mg unit size to prepare high-concentration master stock solutions without running out of material mid-assay. Please note: While PX1 Research regularly updates its inventory of specialized reference materials and all peptides catalog items, researchers seeking high-mass options should check our live system or consider the widely available Semax 30mg format if the 20mg variant is temporarily out of stock. All Semax preparations supplied by PX1 Research are intended strictly for laboratory research use and in vitro experimentation.
Semax possesses a molecular formula of C37H51N9O10S and a nominal molecular weight of approximately 813.92 g/mol. The sequence modification—specifically the addition of the Pro-Gly-Pro tripeptide to the C-terminus of ACTH(4-10)—significantly increases enzymatic stability against circulating carboxypeptidases and aminopeptidases in tissue homogenates compared to the native parent fragment.
In cell-free and cellular assay setups, Semax acts as a stable peptide derivative capable of interacting with neurotrophic cascades. Because of its sequence stabilization, researchers can study its binding kinetics, cellular signaling pathways, and peptidase degradation profiles over extended incubation periods without the rapid enzymatic cleavage observed in native neuropeptides.
Preclinical studies suggest that Semax influences gene expression profiles associated with brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its primary receptor, tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB). In vitro assays using primary neuronal cultures demonstrate that exposure to Semax upregulates BDNF transcription and promotes neurotrophic signaling cascades without binding directly to classical ACTH steroidogenic receptors.
Additionally, animal studies indicate that Semax modulates dopaminergic and serotonergic neurotransmitter turnover rates in mammalian brain tissue models. Researchers studying cerebral ischemia models have observed altered inflammatory cytokine expression (such as IL-6 and TNF-alpha) in rodent tissue exposed to Semax during acute metabolic stress. All theoretical mechanisms discussed in literature refer strictly to preclinical, non-human research setups.
Accurate reconstitution is vital to maintaining exact molar concentrations across laboratory trials. When working with a 20mg lyophilized vial of Semax, adding varying volumes of sterile diluent (such as Bacteriostatic Water or 0.9% Sodium Chloride) yields distinct stock concentrations. Researchers can easily compute these metrics using our online reconstitution calculator.
To achieve a concentration of 20 mg/mL (20 ug/uL), reconstitute the 20mg cake with exactly 1.0 mL of diluent. For a concentration of 10 mg/mL (10 ug/uL), add 2.0 mL of diluent. Adding 3.0 mL of diluent yields approximately 6.67 mg/mL (6.67 ug/uL). For precise molarity calculations in enzymatic assays, 20 mg of Semax (MW = 813.92 g/mol) dissolved in 1.0 mL of diluent produces a stock solution of approximately 24.57 mM.
Lyophilized Semax should be stored upon arrival at -20°C in a dry, dark environment to ensure long-term stability. Exposure to ambient moisture or repeated freeze-thaw cycles can accelerate peptide degradation and peptide bond cleavage.
Once reconstituted, stock solutions should immediately be aliquoted into single-use polypropylene microtubes to avoid repeated thermal cycling. Working aliquots stored at 4°C are generally stable for short-term benchtop protocols (up to 7 days), while aliquots stored at -80°C maintain chemical integrity for extended research timelines. Researchers must verify that polypropylene containers are low-binding to prevent hydrophobic adhesion of the peptide to tube walls.
PX1 Research enforces strict quality control standards for every manufacturing lot. Every fill batch of Semax undergoes High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) to verify chemical purity (>99%) and Mass Spectrometry (MS) to confirm exact molecular mass matching the target sequence.
In addition to identity and purity verification, every lot is subjected to Chromogenic Limulus Amebocyte Lysate (LAL) testing to confirm endotoxin levels remain below stringent laboratory thresholds (<0.05 EU/mg). Investigators can review, download, and archive the lot-matched certificate of analysis directly from our platform prior to initiating experimental procedures.
Selecting the appropriate vial mass depends on experimental scale and assay throughput. A 20mg unit mass is optimal for laboratories running high-volume cell culture plates or multi-arm rodent studies where consistent baseline stock is required to minimize lot-to-lot variance.
For small-scale pilot studies, micro-dose binding screening, or preliminary solubility testing, a smaller fill size may reduce potential product waste. Conversely, labs running continuous, high-throughput automated platforms often opt for higher-capacity formats like Semax 30mg to streamline master mix preparation. Investigating bulk procurement options via our wholesale program allows institutional labs to standardize reagents across multi-phase projects.
In neurochemical and neuroprotective research, Semax is frequently evaluated alongside other synthetic regulatory peptides to map comparative receptor signaling pathways. Investigating compounds within the same functional family provides critical baseline metrics for laboratory models.
For example, researchers often compare Semax against Selank (a heptapeptide derivative of Tuftsin) when investigating immunomodulatory and neurotrophic cross-talk in glial cell lines. Other comparative studies analyze synthetic fragments such as Noopept or metabolic neuropeptides to evaluate differential expression of BDNF, NGF, and associated downstream transcription factors in preclinical models.
When preparing Semax for in vitro applications, aseptic technique must be maintained. Allow the lyophilized vial to equilibrate to room temperature before removing the flip-off seal to prevent atmospheric condensation from entering the vial upon stopple penetration.
Sanitize the rubber septum with 70% isopropyl alcohol. Using a sterile laboratory syringe, slowly inject the measured volume of diluent against the glass wall of the vial rather than directly onto the lyophilized cake. Gently swirl the vial until the cake is fully dissolved. Avoid vigorous shaking, as mechanical agitation can induce protein denaturation or foaming.
PX1 Research operates out of GMP-compliant facilities in the United States (shipping from CA and AZ), ensuring rapid fulfillment and rigorous analytical documentation for institutional account holders. All products supplied, including Semax 20mg and related reference materials, are strictly intended for laboratory research use only.
PX1 Research explicitly prohibits the purchase of its research compounds for human use, clinical trials, therapeutic administration, or veterinary applications. Compliance with local regulatory frameworks and standard laboratory safety practices (GLP) is the sole responsibility of the purchasing investigator and institution. Explore our complete research hub for technical whitepapers and chemical safety data sheets.
What is the purity level of Semax supplied by PX1 Research?
PX1 Research supplies Semax verified at >=99% purity by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Mass Spectrometry (MS).
How do I calculate the concentration of a reconstituted 20mg Semax vial?
Dividing the 20mg mass by the liquid volume in mL provides the concentration. For instance, dissolving 20mg in 2mL of diluent yields 10mg/mL (10 ug/uL). You can also use our [reconstitution calculator](/reconstitution-calculator) for exact calculations.
Where can I access the COA for my specific batch of Semax?
You can view and download the lot-matched [certificate of analysis](/coa) by entering your lot number on the PX1 COA lookup page.
What diluent should be used for reconstituting Semax for cell culture assays?
Sterile Bacteriostatic Water or sterile 0.9% Sodium Chloride (saline) is commonly used depending on the osmotic tolerance of the specific cell lines or assays being performed.
What is the recommended storage temperature for reconstituted Semax stock?
Reconstituted stock aliquots should be stored at -20°C or -80°C to maintain long-term peptide stability. Short-term working solutions (under 7 days) can be kept at 4°C.
Is Semax available in other unit sizes besides 20mg?
Yes, PX1 Research offers multiple mass configurations, including [Semax 30mg](/product/semax-30mg), to accommodate varying experimental requirements.
What are the endotoxin limits for PX1 Research peptides?
All research peptides undergo LAL testing to ensure endotoxin levels remain below 0.05 EU/mg, preventing unwanted immune activation in cell cultures.
Can Semax be used in human clinical research?
No. All products sold by PX1 Research are for in vitro and laboratory research use only and are strictly not for human or veterinary use.
All products are sold strictly for laboratory and research use only. Not for human or veterinary use, diagnosis, treatment or consumption. Statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.