Amino Acid Analysis Services

Amino acids are a group of organic compounds that contain both an amino group and a carboxyl group. They are the structural units that make up proteins. Amino acids have broad applications in various fields, including food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and industry. Quantitative composition analysis of amino acids is one of the most basic contents in the chemistry of polypeptides. By analyzing the amino acid composition, one can preliminarily understand the chemical structural characteristics of peptides and proteins, as well as the distribution of certain key active amino acids. This provides scientific information for the study of peptide and protein structure and function.

 

Amino acid analysis services are used to determine the amino acid content in samples containing amino acids, peptides, and proteins. Commonly used methods for detecting amino acid composition include High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and amino acid automatic analyzers.

 

High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) primarily works by hydrolyzing proteins or peptides to release amino acids, which are then derivatized before the column. Common pre-column derivatization methods include phenylisothiocyanate (PITC), 6-aminoquinoline N-hydroxy-succinimide ester (AQC), o-phthalaldehyde (OPA), 9-fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl chloride (FMOC), 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene (FDNB), and dansyl chloride post-column derivatization. Pre-column derivatization enhances the detection signal of amino acids, eliminates other interferences, and improves the separation of amino acids. UV or fluorescence detection is then performed, and by comparing the retention times of amino acids in the sample with those of known standard amino acids, the types of amino acids in proteins can be identified. The peak area or peak height is proportional to the concentration of the amino acid, which can be used for quantitative analysis of the amino acid content. The advantages of using HPLC to detect amino acid composition include: (1) high sensitivity, (2) high resolution, (3) good reproducibility, (4) fast analysis speed, and (5) wide applicability.

 

The principle of the amino acid analyzer is based on the different structures, acid-base properties, polarity, and molecular sizes of the various amino acid components in the sample. These components are separated on a cation exchange column. Amino acid components are eluted sequentially using buffer solutions with different pH values and ion concentrations. They are then mixed with ninhydrin reagent in another flow path, and together they flow into a spiral reaction tube, where a color reaction occurs at a specific temperature (typically 115–120°C). This forms a blue-violet product with a maximum absorption at 570nm. Hydroxyproline reacts with ninhydrin to produce a yellow product with maximum absorption at 440nm. The advantages of using the amino acid analyzer for detecting amino acid composition include: (1) high automation, (2) fast analysis speed, (3) good sensitivity, (4) good separation effect, and (5) no complex sample pretreatment.

 



Figure 1. Amino Acid Test Chromatogram (HPLC).

 

Services at MtoZ Biolabs

Based on high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) detection methods, MtoZ Biolabs has established an amino acid analysis services platform, offering services that include the detection of both free amino acids and the full spectrum of amino acids in proteins. Additionally, we provide direct amino acid composition analysis for biopharmaceuticals, as well as comprehensive methodology establishment, validation, and transfer services.

 

Service Advantages

1. Transparent Pricing

Our pricing is transparent, with no hidden or additional fees, providing high cost-effectiveness.

 

2. Short Service Cycle

MtoZ Biolabs has established an amino acid analysis services platform, ensuring fast and accurate service delivery, with the shortest complete cycle available in just 5 days.

 

3. High Data Quality

By utilizing more optimized experimental methods, we provide higher-quality omics data, followed by bioinformatics analysis to offer comprehensive data interpretation and complete English reports.

 

4. Customized Research Solutions

MtoZ Biolabs offers personalized services based on sample requirements, with one-on-one support from our professional pre-sales and post-sales teams.

 

Sample Submission Suggestions

1. Sample Types

We support a variety of sample types, including protein solutions, protein powders, and others.

 

2. Sample Amount

Sample quantity may vary depending on the sample type. For details, please contact us.

Note: If you have any special requirements or need assistance with sample preparation, please feel free to contact us.

 

Applications

1. Food Science and Nutrition

(1) Food Quality Control: By analyzing the composition and content of amino acids in food, we can evaluate the quality and nutritional value of the food.

 

(2) Nutrition Labeling: Amino acid analysis services can provide accurate nutritional content information for food packaging.

 

(3) Food Processing: Optimizing the processing steps to improve the taste and nutritional value of food.

 

2. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

(1) Protein Structure and Function Research: Through amino acid composition analysis, the structural characteristics of proteins can be understood, which helps in studying their functions.

 

(2) Enzyme Kinetics Research: Amino acid analysis services provide insights into the amino acid composition of enzymes, aiding in the understanding of their catalytic mechanisms.

 

3. Medicine and Clinical Medicine

(1) Disease Diagnosis: Certain diseases can lead to abnormal amino acid metabolism in the body. Analyzing amino acid composition can assist in diagnosis.

 

(2) Drug Development: In drug design and protein engineering, amino acid composition analysis helps understand the interactions between drugs and target proteins.

 

4. Agriculture and Animal Husbandry

(1) Feed Quality Assessment: Analyzing the amino acid composition in animal feed to optimize feeding formulations and improve the quality of animal products.

 

(2) Breed Improvement: By analyzing the amino acid composition in plant seeds, more nutritious crop varieties can be developed.

 

5. Forensic Science

(1) Identity Identification: By analyzing the amino acid composition in human tissues, amino acid analysis services can be used for forensic identity identification.

 

6. Environmental Science

(1) Ecosystem Research: Analyzing the amino acid composition in environmental samples can provide insights into the nutrient cycling and health status of ecosystems.

 

7. Industrial Production

(1) Fermentation Industry: In the fermentation process, amino acid composition analysis helps monitor and optimize production, improving product quality and yield.

 

Case Study

1. HPLC for Amino Acid Qualitative Analysis in Clinical Laboratories

This study primarily discusses the application of High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) technology in clinical laboratories for amino acid qualitative analysis. The article provides a detailed introduction to the operating principles of HPLC, method optimization, and its advantages in analyzing amino acid compositions in various samples, such as plasma, urine, and cerebrospinal fluid. HPLC-based amino acid analysis can be used for the diagnosis and research of metabolic diseases, nutritional imbalances, and related conditions. The article also discusses the performance of this technology in terms of sensitivity, accuracy, and analytical efficiency, emphasizing its significance in clinical diagnostics.

 



Rutledge, J C. et al. American Journal of Clinical Pathology, 1987.

Figure 2. HPLC Amino Acid Chromatogram.

 

Deliverables

1. Comprehensive Experimental Details

 

2. Materials, Instruments, and Methods

 

3. Data Analysis, Preprocessing, and Estimation

 

4. Bioinformatics Analysis

 

5. Raw Data Files

 

MtoZ Biolabs, an integrated Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry (MS) Services Provider, provides advanced proteomics, metabolomics, and biopharmaceutical analysis services to researchers in biochemistry, biotechnology, and biopharmaceutical fields. Our ultimate aim is to provide more rapid, high-throughput, and cost-effective analysis, with exceptional data quality and minimal sample consumption. Free project evaluation, welcome to learn more details!