Research compendium
Bacteriostatic Water: research reference
Bacteriostatic water is sterile water containing 0.9 % benzyl alcohol as a bacteriostatic agent. Benzyl alcohol is used as a preservative in vials intended for multiple punctures, according to laboratory practice described in the literature. It is used as a diluent in procedures for reconstituting lyophilized compounds in the laboratory.
Supply specification and compatibility
A supply reference does not replace the laboratory procedure. Record its conditions of use and avoid assuming equivalence from appearance.
- What is the supply’s declared composition or specification?
- Is it compatible with the procedure’s materials and measurement?
- Which batch and opening details need to be retained?
Mechanism described in the literature
Benzyl alcohol is a technical-grade preservative whose mechanism described in the literature is alteration of bacterial cell membrane permeability. Asciende makes no claim about antimicrobial performance in the reconstituted vial: that performance depends on the user's preparation. It is not part of the reconstituted chemical entity.
Declared technical information
| Field | Declared value |
|---|---|
| Chemical name | Sterile water with 0.9 % benzyl alcohol |
| Sequence | Not applicable |
| Molecular formula | Not applicable |
| Molecular weight | Not applicable |
| CAS number | Not applicable |
| Physical form | Sterile liquid solution |
| Appearance | Clear, colorless liquid |
| Purity specification | Not applicable |
| Identity | Not applicable |
| Solubility | Miscible with water |
| Storage | Controlled room temperature, 15–25 °C, protected from light |
| Stability after reconstitution | Not applicable |
Catalog names and search terms
These names help identify the catalog entry. A descriptive label is not evidence of efficacy, and structural identity still requires appropriate documentation.
- Water with 0.9% benzyl alcohol
- Bacteriostatic water
- Laboratory diluent
Catalog classification
Laboratory diluent
Laboratory handling
Reconstitution: Laboratory procedure: disinfect the septum before each puncture and withdraw the volume with sterile, single-use equipment.
Storage: Store the closed vial at controlled room temperature, protected from light.
Personal protective equipment: Handle with nitrile gloves and eye protection in a clean work area.
Questions and answers
What is bacteriostatic water used for in the laboratory?
It is used as a diluent in procedures for reconstituting lyophilized compounds when the laboratory protocol calls for multiple punctures of the same vial.
How is it stored once opened?
The vial is kept at controlled room temperature, protected from light, and its period of use is defined in the laboratory's internal procedure.
Sources
- Antimicrobial preservative use in parenteral products: past and present. — J Pharm Sci (2007); PMID 17722087; DOI 10.1002/jps.20976
- Antimicrobial preservative use in parenteral products: past and present. — J Pharm Sci (2007); PMID 17722087; DOI 10.1002/jps.20976
- Critical Aspects of pH Measurement for Bacteriostatic Water for Injection. — J Pharm Sci (2023); PMID 36870668; DOI 10.1016/j.xphs.2023.02.023
- Critical Aspects of pH Measurement for Bacteriostatic Water for Injection. — J Pharm Sci (2023); PMID 36870668; DOI 10.1016/j.xphs.2023.02.023
- Role of benzyl alcohol in the unfolding and aggregation of interferon α-2a. — J Pharm Sci (2015); PMID 25100180; DOI 10.1002/jps.24105
- Role of benzyl alcohol in the unfolding and aggregation of interferon α-2a. — J Pharm Sci (2015); PMID 25100180; DOI 10.1002/jps.24105
- Effects of antimicrobial preservatives on protein folding stability and subvisible particle formation in monoclonal antibody trastuzumab. — Eur J Pharm Biopharm (2025); PMID 40754203; DOI 10.1016/j.ejpb.2025.114835
- Effects of antimicrobial preservatives on protein folding stability and subvisible particle formation in monoclonal antibody trastuzumab. — Eur J Pharm Biopharm (2025); PMID 40754203; DOI 10.1016/j.ejpb.2025.114835