Peptidoglycan Analysis Service

MtoZ Biolabs offers comprehensive Peptidoglycan Analysis Service that supports bacterial physiology research, antibiotic development, and host-pathogen interaction studies. By combining advanced chromatographic separation, high-resolution LC-MS/MS platforms, and specialized bioinformatics workflows, our service provides accurate and detailed characterization of bacterial peptidoglycan. This integrated approach allows MtoZ Biolabs to deliver high-quality structural and compositional data, helping researchers uncover antibiotic resistance mechanisms and explore molecular determinants of bacterial virulence.

 

What is Peptidoglycan?

Peptidoglycan is a unique structural polymer that forms the main scaffold of bacterial cell walls. It consists of linear glycan chains cross-linked by short peptide bridges, conferring rigidity, elasticity, and protection against osmotic stress. Beyond its structural role, peptidoglycan participates in essential biological processes such as cell division, growth, and signaling.



Figure 1. Peptidoglycan

 

Comprehensive analysis of peptidoglycan composition, cross-linking, and modifications provides critical insight into bacterial morphology, adaptation, and resistance to antibiotics. Understanding these molecular features not only advances fundamental microbiology but also facilitates the discovery of novel therapeutic targets and vaccine candidates.

 

Services at MtoZ Biolabs

MtoZ Biolabs provides end-to-end Peptidoglycan Analysis Service for structural elucidation and compositional profiling across a broad range of bacterial species. Our platform integrates chromatography, mass spectrometry, and complementary spectroscopic techniques to ensure precise and reproducible results.

Our main service offerings include:

Peptidoglycan Composition Analysis: Identification and quantification of amino sugars and peptide subunits using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) equipped with UV or fluorescence detectors.

Structural Elucidation: High-resolution determination of glycan-peptide linkages, cross-linking density, and molecular architecture using ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) coupled with Orbitrap or timsTOF mass spectrometry.

Modification Profiling: Characterization of acetylation, amidation, and glycosylation using LC-MS/MS and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy for validation.

Quantitative Muropeptide Profiling: Absolute and relative quantification of peptidoglycan fragments with isotope-labeled internal standards.

Comparative Functional Studies: Evaluation of peptidoglycan remodeling under antibiotic treatment, genetic alteration, or environmental stress, optionally supported by fluorescence microscopy for visualization.

 

Analysis Workflow

1. Sample Preparation: Bacterial cultures are processed to isolate purified peptidoglycan while removing proteins and nucleic acids.

2. Enzymatic Digestion: Lytic enzymes such as mutanolysin or lysozyme are used to generate soluble muropeptides.

3. Derivatization: Chemical reduction or fluorescent labeling enhances chromatographic resolution and detection sensitivity.

4. Chromatographic Separation: HPLC or UPLC systems equipped with UV or fluorescence detectors ensure precise separation of muropeptide components.

5. Mass Spectrometry Analysis: High-resolution instruments including Orbitrap Fusion Lumos, Q Exactive HF, or timsTOF are employed for structural elucidation and accurate mass detection.

6. Spectroscopic and Imaging Validation: Optional NMR or fluorescence microscopy provides additional confirmation of three-dimensional structure and spatial distribution.

7. Data Processing and Interpretation: Customized software performs quantitative analysis and generates comprehensive visual and statistical summaries.

 



Anderson. E. M. et al. JoVE. 2020.

Figure 2. Workflow of Peptidoglycan Analysis by LC–MS/MS

 

Sample Submission Suggestions

Sample Type: Whole bacterial pellets, purified peptidoglycan, or isolated cell wall extracts.

Amount Required: At least 1 mg or 1 mL wet cell pellet or equivalent.

Purity Requirements: Samples must be free of detergents, salts, and stabilizers that may interfere with analysis.

Storage and Shipping: Store samples at –80°C and ship on dry ice.

 

Our technical specialists offer consultation on experimental design and sample compatibility with chromatographic and spectrometric workflows.

 

Applications

Our Peptidoglycan Analysis Service supports a wide range of research and development applications, including:

·  Antibiotic mechanism studies: Revealing how beta-lactams, glycopeptides, and other antibiotics affect cell wall biosynthesis.

·  Resistance mechanism discovery: Identifying structural changes linked to antibiotic tolerance or resistance.

·  Host-pathogen interaction analysis: Understanding how bacterial peptidoglycan composition influences immune recognition.

·  Vaccine and adjuvant research: Characterizing peptidoglycan fragments that function as pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs).

·  Comparative microbiology: Exploring species-specific variations in peptidoglycan structure and function.

 

Why Choose MtoZ Biolabs?

1. Advanced Analytical Platform

Equipped with Orbitrap, timsTOF, and QTOF mass spectrometers, as well as automated HPLC, UPLC, NMR, and fluorescence microscopy systems, MtoZ Biolabs ensures precise and efficient peptidoglycan analysis.

 

2. Reliable Data Quality

All analyses follow strict quality control to ensure accurate, reproducible, and publication-ready results.

 

3. Broad Sample Compatibility

Our platform supports diverse bacterial species and sample types, including Gram-positive, Gram-negative, and mycobacterial samples, as well as purified peptidoglycan.

 

4. Customized Solutions

Projects are tailored to specific research goals, with flexible experimental design and personalized data analysis.

 

5. Transparent Pricing

We offer clear, one-time-charge pricing with no hidden costs, ensuring cost-effective analytical support.

 

MtoZ Biolabs delivers dependable and data-driven Peptidoglycan Analysis Service that helps researchers uncover the structural and functional complexity of bacterial cell walls. Our team ensures each project is completed with precision, clarity, and efficiency, providing results that advance microbial and antibiotic research. Contact MtoZ Biolabs to learn how our expertise can support your scientific goals.

 

Related Services