What separates them
Sterile water is water that has been sterilised and nothing more. Bacteriostatic water contains a low concentration of benzyl alcohol, which inhibits bacterial growth after the stopper has been pierced.
Why it matters at the bench
Sterile water is single-access. Once the seal is broken, there is nothing preventing microbial growth. Bacteriostatic water allows a vial to be accessed multiple times over a working period without the same contamination risk.
Compatibility
Most peptide research materials are compatible with bacteriostatic water. A minority of sequences are sensitive to benzyl alcohol, and a small number require acidified diluent for solubility — check the solubility note on the certificate before choosing.
Research use only
All materials referenced here are supplied by Aura Peptide Co. strictly for in-vitro laboratory and research use. Nothing on this page is guidance for human or animal use.