Bacteriostatic Water

Bacteriostatic Water Overview

Bacteriostatic Water is a sterile, non-pyrogenic water preparation that typically contains 0.9% benzyl alcohol as a preservative. In research settings, it is commonly used as a diluent for peptide and compound reconstitution when a preserved aqueous vehicle is preferred for controlled laboratory handling.

Mechanism of Action & Applications

Bacteriostatic Water is studied and used as a preserved reconstitution medium rather than as an active signaling compound. The presence of benzyl alcohol helps inhibit bacterial growth in the solution, making it useful in laboratory settings where researchers need a sterile aqueous vehicle for dissolving or diluting compatible compounds. It is commonly used in studies involving peptide reconstitution, solution preparation, volumetric handling, and general laboratory formulation workflows.

Research History

Bacteriostatic Water has long been used in laboratory and pharmaceutical environments as a preserved sterile water vehicle. Its role developed from the need for a reliable aqueous medium that could support repeated handling under controlled conditions while maintaining sterility standards through the inclusion of a bacteriostatic preservative.

Chemical Information (Water)

CAS Number

7732-18-5

Molecular Formula

H₂O

Molecular Weight

18.02 g/mol

PubChem ID

962

Chemical Information (Benzyl Alcohol, 0.9%)

CAS Number

100-51-6

Molecular Formula

C₇H₈O

Molecular Weight

108.14 g/mol

PubChem ID

244