KLOW Protocol
The KLOW protocol is a standardized procedure designed to maximize the functional activity of KPV peptide when used in vitro or in vivo. The acronym stands for Keep Low Oligomeric Water, which emphasizes the importance of preventing aggregation and maintaining optimal hydration during storage and handling. The key steps are:
- Prepare a concentrated stock solution by dissolving dry KPV powder in sterile water to achieve a 10 mM concentration. Use a vortex or gentle sonication for complete dissolution.
- Immediately dilute the stock into the experimental buffer at least tenfold, ensuring that the final peptide concentration remains below 100 µM to avoid self-association.
- Store aliquots of the diluted solution at −20 °C in single-use tubes; thaw only once before use to prevent freeze-thaw cycles that can promote aggregation.
- When applying KPV to cell cultures, add the peptide directly to the medium while gently swirling to achieve homogeneous distribution.
- Monitor the pH of the final preparation and adjust to 7.2–7.4 if necessary, as extreme acidity or alkalinity can reduce bioactivity.
Peptide Reconstitution Calculator
Reconstituting peptides accurately is critical for reproducibility, especially when working with small quantities such as KPV. The Peptide Reconstitution Calculator is a free online tool that assists researchers in determining the exact volumes needed to achieve target concentrations. Users input:
- Desired final concentration (e.g., 10 µM)
- Amount of peptide powder available (in mg)
- Molecular weight of the peptide (calculated from its sequence)
Quick Reference
• Sequence: Lys-Pro-Val
• Molecular weight: ~400 Daltons
• Solubility: Highly soluble in sterile water; stable up to 4 °C
• Typical working concentration: 1–10 µM for cell culture assays
• Storage: Aliquoted at −20 °C, protected from light
• Key activity: Inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6)
• Application areas: Skin wound healing, arthritis models, lung injury mitigation
• Handling tip: Use low-binding tubes to prevent peptide loss; avoid prolonged exposure to air
By following the KLOW protocol, utilizing the reconstitution calculator for precise dosing, and keeping the quick reference in hand, researchers can reliably employ KPV peptide in their studies and advance its potential as a therapeutic agent.