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Making peptides · Part 9: Sterility and endotoxin

Endotoxin, the invisible contaminant

Lesson 4.9.2 · 6 min read · Advanced plan

What you'll learn

  • Endotoxins are lipopolysaccharides from gram-negative bacteria, released when the cells die.
  • Sterilizing filters and moist heat don't remove endotoxin, so a sterile product can still contain it.
  • Endotoxin is hard to destroy, so manufacturers must keep it out from the start.
  • Batches labeled pyrogen-free must be tested; the LAL test is the main method, and the older rabbit test still exists.

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