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.
← Two ways to make a sterile product · All lessons in Making peptides · When contamination reaches people →