High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) is the analytical method most widely used to verify the purity of research peptides before distribution. Understanding how it works helps researchers evaluate the quality of compounds they receive and interpret Certificate of Analysis (COA) documentation accurately.
How HPLC Works
HPLC separates the components of a compound mixture by passing it through a column packed with absorbent material under high pressure. Each component travels through the column at a different rate depending on its chemical properties. The result is a chromatogram — a graph showing peaks that correspond to individual components.
For a research peptide, the primary peak should represent the target compound. The area under that peak, expressed as a percentage of the total, gives the purity figure. A high-purity research peptide will typically show a dominant peak with minimal surrounding peaks from impurities or degradation products.
What HPLC Tells You
- Purity percentage — the proportion of the sample that is the intended compound
- Presence of impurities — any byproducts, unreacted starting materials, or degradation products
- Structural consistency — combined with mass spectrometry, confirms the compound matches its expected molecular profile
Why Mass Spectrometry is Used Alongside HPLC
While HPLC confirms purity, mass spectrometry (MS) confirms identity. MS measures the molecular weight of the compound, verifying it matches the expected molecular mass of the peptide. Together, HPLC and MS provide both a purity figure and structural confirmation — the two data points included in a proper COA.
Reading a COA at Alluvi Peptides
Every COA issued with Alluvi Peptides products includes HPLC purity data and mass spectrometry confirmation. Researchers can request batch-specific COAs by contacting info@alluvipeptide.com or using the COA request button on any product page.