Scientific Glossary

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Bacteriostatic water differs from sterile water in that benzyl alcohol (0.9%) acts as a preservative, inhibiting bacterial growth. This allows a single vial to be used multiple times over several weeks once opened (typically up to 28 days when refrigerated), unlike regular sterile water which should be used immediately after opening. The benzyl alcohol also has mild local anesthetic properties. Critical consideration: benzyl alcohol may degrade certain sensitive peptides — some researchers prefer sterile water or sodium chloride for specific compounds.