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The quantitative determination of individual amino acids requires precisely coordinated separation and detection methods that deliver reproducible results even with complex samples.
Our ARACUS series amino acid analyzers operate according to the proven and established gold standard principle of ion exchange chromatography with post-column derivatization using ninhydrin. Whether for clinical diagnostics, food analysis, or research, the ARACUS product series offers you a solution that integrates seamlessly into your analytical processes.
according to ISO 9001, ISO 14001 und ISO 13485
The absence of phenol and citrate-containing components makes the reagents more environmentally friendly and also increases the longevity of the fluidics and pumps.
Since 2007, membraPure has been an integral part of the amino acid analyzer market, with development and manufacturing in Germany.
Durable components and low maintenance requirements reduce your overall costs in the long term.
Intuitive software combined with a service-friendly design and direct access to all system components.
Application-specific configuration of column, method, and chemistry with adjustments possible at any time for maximum flexibility.
The amino acid analyzer is similar in design to a classic HPLC system. It is specifically optimized for amino acid analysis in order to determine individual amino acids qualitatively and quantitatively.
The method is based on ion exchange chromatography followed by ninhydrin derivatization and photometric detection.
Amino acid analyses place special demands on analytical techniques. Individual amino acids differ significantly in their chemical structure, polarity, charge, and reactivity. These differences have a direct impact on separation, derivatization, and detection, making precise, reproducible analysis technically challenging.
A dedicated amino acid analyzer is specially designed to reliably overcome these challenges. The chromatographic separation system, post-column derivatization using ninhydrin, and detection are precisely coordinated. This allows even structurally similar amino acids to be reliably separated and quantitatively determined.
The ARACUS amino acid analyzer is available in three basic versions: Lite, Classic, and Advanced. We work with you to select the right system and device configuration, chromatography column, and eluent kits based on a few key questions.
Fill out the questionnaire now and send it back to us. We will get back to you as soon as possible!
Experience that builds trust: Since 2007, amino acid analyzers have been part of membraPure’s portfolio alongside our ultrapure water systems and TOC analyzers. With continuous development and production in Germany, as well as valuable feedback from customers and partners, new applications in the field of amino acid analysis have been emerging ever since.
Consistently geared towards optimizing analytical processes: Three device variants, modular system components, and application-specific analysis methods ensure maximum flexibility in planning, practice, and price.
Globally networked, locally supported: With over 30 international partners, membraPure guarantees worldwide support – personally and very often in the local language.
Climate-neutral production: Since 2021, membraPure has been a climate-neutral company following emissions offsetting — a clear commitment to responsibility and sustainable business practices.
Amino acid analysis of protein hydrolysates, quality assurance
Amino acid analysis in plasma/serum, urine, and spinal fluid
Monitoring amino acids in fermentation processes
Quality control of active ingredients and excipients
Made in Germany – quality that lasts
We have been developing amino acid analyzers at membraPure since 2007 – always with the aim of combining precision, reliability, and user-friendliness. Developed and manufactured in Hennigsdorf near Berlin, our devices stand for German engineering, the highest quality, and long-term cost efficiency. Regular testing of our raw materials and development processes ensures consistently high product quality. This increases reliability and service life while reducing maintenance costs. For users, this means a long-term reduction in operating costs.
Did you know? Products manufactured in Germany have an average service life that is up to 35% longer.
Perfectly tailored to your analysis requirements.
Our amino acid analyzers are based on a modular concept and can be specifically adapted to your particular application. All three analyzer variants are suitable for analyzing a wide variety of sample matrices and are used in the pharmaceutical industry, food and feed analysis, and in research and development for specific analytical questions.
Technology for reproducible results
What sets our amino acid analyzers apart is not only their precise analysis results, but also their well-thought-out solutions in every detail. Since the introduction of the first ARACUS system in 2007, the amino acid analyzers have been continuously developed.
Starting with a proven basic model as a 1-pump system, the ARACUS series has developed into a modular platform with today’s classic, advanced, and IVD-compliant versions for clinical diagnostics.
With optimized and application-specific hardware options, ARACUS systems offer the right equipment for every analytical requirement. Different chromatography columns and eluent kits tailored to standardized or customer-optimized method programs enable efficient routine analysis. An intuitive software interface, optional connection to a LIMS, and service-oriented functions contribute to simplifying everyday laboratory work.
Support that does more
An analysis system is only as good as the support behind it. membraPure supports users worldwide with personal service, customized training, and comprehensive resources—either directly or through certified specialist partners.
We offer three model variants tailored to different requirements for the analysis of free and bound amino acids:
Simplified configuration of the ARACUS „classic“ for a reduced number of samples and smaller budget
Standard configuration of the series, allows the continous analysis of 96 samples in a cooled autosampler
Extended configuration by an additional second pump drive. Allows the independent operation of two fluidic lines
In the field of clinical diagnostics, in-vitro diagnostics are subject to strict legal requirements. With the entry into force of the IVDR (EU) 2017/746 in May 2022, the previous IVDD Directive 98/79/EC was gradually replaced, and the regulatory requirements for IVD products within the European Union were significantly tightened.
The amino acid analyzer ARACUS IVD classic and ARACUS IVD advanced are classified as Class A products under the IVDR and have been approved under the IVDR since August 2022. The system therefore meets the current regulatory requirements for use in diagnostic settings.
For clinical applications, specially defined IVD eluent and reagent kits are used.
These are designed for the qualitative and quantitative detection of free amino acids, including the determination of homocysteine, as well as the generation of amino acid profiles in human blood.
The classification of the eluent kits is carried out in accordance with the applicable IVD regulations (IVDD 98/79/EC) and takes into account the clearly defined medical purpose.
Certain applications, such as the detection of phenylketonuria (PKU), are explicitly excluded from the approved use. This restriction will remain in place, as it would require a different regulatory classification with expanded detection and documentation requirements.
Using the kit facilitates a comprehensive understanding of amino acid concentrations and distributions, supporting diagnostic processes and providing valuable insights for medical assessments and treatments.
This method effectively complements liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/LC-MS/MS), which is also used in this field.
Each kit is equipped with consumables sufficient for at least 500 runs. These runs are performed using standard programs integrated into the ARACUS system. These standard runs can be customized to customer specifications, ensuring that consumption is precisely tailored to the desired separation.
Regarding the shelf life of the eluents and reagents, this currently extends to 12 months from the production date, which includes the period before opening and activating these components. This duration ensures the reliability and effectiveness of the materials within the specified timeframe and preserves their integrity and performance for analytical purposes. Precise coordination and corresponding planning of production and ordering allow for maximum utilization of the shelf life.
All ARACUS amino acid analyzers offer maximum flexibility in the selection of eluents and chromatography columns. The application-specific combination of column, method, and chemistry is defined initially but can be adapted to new analytical questions at any time.
Depending on the analyzer model selected and customer requirements, hardware options such as inert gas connection & compressor, fill level control, purge and vent valves, manual injection, or autosampler can be added. If required, software with 21CFR Part 11 compliance can also be selected. Validation documents for IQ/OQ and PQ are available and support qualified commissioning and compliant operation in the laboratory.
This results in an individual solution for each laboratory that is optimally tailored to its requirements and offers a balanced cost-benefit ratio.
The hardware options with different functions can be found directly in the respective product sections for the amino acid analyzers.
| Hardware/Software/Zubehör | ARACUS lite | ARACUS classic | ARACUS advanced |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ion Exchange Chromatography Li⁺/Na⁺/K⁺ | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Diagnostics, food, feed, R&D | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| pump configuration | 1- Pump | 1- Pump | 2- Pumps |
| manual Injection | Yes | optional | optional |
| Autosampler with 96 Positions (1.5 mL) | optional | Yes | Yes |
| external eluent rack | - | Yes | Yes |
| inert gas supply | optional | optional | optional |
| level control | - | optional | optional |
| purge valves | optional | optional | optional |
| photometric detection at 570/440 nm | 500 nm | Yes | Yes |
| detection method with Ninhydrin | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Detection limit (LOD) | Asp < 2 pmol, His <1 pmol, Andere < 3 pmol | Asp < 2 pmol, His <1 pmol, Andere < 3 pmol | Asp < 2 pmol, His <1 pmol, Andere < 3 pmol |
| Fluorescence detection with OPA | - | - | Ja |
| 21 CFR part 11 Software compliance | optional | optional | optional |
| IVD compliance | - | optional | optional |
| IQOQPQ documents % Validation | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| configuration High Speed | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| configuration High Resolution | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| configuration Advanced | - | Yes | Yes |
You can find more detailed information about the individual systems on the corresponding product pages.
Our literature list provides an overview of all links to numerous publications
in which our ARACUS amino acid analyzer has been used: from clinical diagnostics to food and feed analysis to environmental, cell culture, and biotechnology studies.
In addition to scientifically published papers, we present selected application examples that were developed in our own laboratory or in collaboration with customers and partners from industry and research. The focus is on practical issues and real samples.
They demonstrate how flexibly the ARACUS amino acid analyzer can be adapted to different sample matrices, requirements, and analytical objectives.
On the overview page, you will find a thematically structured selection of the individual applications, which you can view in detail and download directly if required.
Chromatography systems with support
An amino acid analyzer is only as good as the support behind it. Our analyzers are characterized in particular by low operating costs and minimal maintenance requirements due to fewer components. The latter can be carried out by the customer themselves.
We support our customers in Europe and other international markets with commissioning and comprehensive training as a service, optionally including validation (IQ/OQ/PQ) at the customer’s request.
membraPure supports users worldwide with personal service and customized training, provided by our own service team and qualified local partners. Installations and service calls are carried out internationally and have already been implemented in Europe, the USA, and Korea, among other places.
We are happy to assist you in choosing the right amino acid analyzer
and will work with you to clarify any questions you may have about your required configuration.
An amino acid analyzer is an analysis system optimized for amino acids, which is based on the principle of ion exchange chromatography.
A dedicated AAA is consistently designed for amino acids as a complete system (separation, reaction, detection). This reduces the effort required for method development/sources of error, especially for structurally similar amino acids and demanding matrices.
With established ninhydrin derivatization, detection typically occurs at 570 nm for primary amino acids and 440 nm for secondary amino acids. This method is considered particularly selective, stable, and proven for routine analysis. For special applications with very low detection limits, fluorescence detection can be used as an alternative. In this case, derivatization is performed, for example, with OPA reagent in combination with a fluorescence detector. This approach is particularly suitable for applications where maximum sensitivity is paramount and the analytical focus is less on classic routine analysis.
Yes, dedicated amino acid analyzers are designed for continuous routine use. Automated processes, stable reagent management, and standardized methods ensure a high level of process reliability in everyday laboratory work.
Amino acid analyzers are used in industry, research, and clinical applications. Typical areas of application include food and feed analysis, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, environmental analysis, and medical and biochemical research.
The system configuration has a modular design and can be adapted to different requirements, e.g., in terms of the range of methods, degree of automation, or detection options. The selection is made jointly on the basis of a few application-specific key questions, which we clarify with you in advance.
The selection of the appropriate method profile depends on the sample type, target analytes, desired throughput, and analytical requirements.
Depending on the method and application, all proteinogenic amino acids as well as other non-proteinogenic and physiologically relevant amino acids can be reliably determined.
The specific range of amino acids that can be detected is defined by the selected method profile and adapted to the analytical question.
Chromatography columns of various dimensions with the corresponding method profiles are available for this purpose. We distinguish between “high speed” and “high resolution” for time-optimized routine methods with shortened run times of a few minutes to over 2 hours, and “advanced” with high-resolution separations for complex sample matrices. While fast methods are particularly suitable for standardized routine analyses, high-resolution profiles offer improved separation sharpness for demanding samples, such as those required by normative specifications in accordance with Ph. Eur. 2.2.56.
In practice, the high-resolution configuration often represents the optimal middle ground. It offers very good separation sharpness combined with reasonable analysis throughput and is therefore sufficient for most applications. For this reason, it is considered the recommended standard configuration for a wide range of applications.
Yes. The combination of column, method, and eluent/reagent kit is initially defined for a specific application and can be adapted for new questions.
Liquid and solid samples from a wide variety of matrices can be analyzed. Solids are usually converted into solution using suitable extraction or hydrolysis methods. Sample preparation is tailored to the individual application. Depending on the sample preparation, both free and protein-bound amino acids can be analyzed.
For clinical diagnostic use, IVD-compliant system variants from the ARACUS IVD classic and ARACUS IVD advanced series are available that meet the requirements of the IVDR (EU 2017/746). These are specially designed for regulated environments and clinical applications and are operated with certified eluent kits in accordance with IVDD 8/79/EC.
Software compliant with 21 CFR Part 11 is available as an option; IQ/OQ/PQ documents and validation support for appropriately regulated environments can also be provided.
The ARACUS amino acid analyzer is available in three basic configurations: Lite, Classic, and Advanced. The variants differ in terms of functionality, sample throughput, and fluidic flexibility.
The ARACUS Lite is a simplified configuration of the ARACUS Classic and is designed for applications with a smaller number of samples and projects with a limited budget. This variant is delivered without an autosampler as standard and is particularly suitable for manual measurement series or smaller routines.
The ARACUS Classic is the standard configuration of the series and is designed for continuous routine operation. It enables the automated analysis of up to 96 samples in a cooled autosampler, thus offering high reproducibility and planning reliability in everyday laboratory work.
The ARACUS Advanced expands the Classic configuration with an additional second pump drive. This enables the independent operation of two fluidic lines, offering additional flexibility in methods, chemistries, or parallel applications. This variant is also equipped with an autosampler as standard.
This provides each user with a customized solution that optimally meets their requirements while offering a balanced cost-benefit ratio.
A detailed overview of the available functions, differences, and possible restrictions between the individual configurations can be found in the comparison table at the top of this page.
The systems are designed for quick and structured commissioning. Nevertheless, amino acid analyzers are analytically sophisticated systems for which professional installation is crucial for reliable and reproducible operation.
For this reason, we generally recommend installation by membraPure or an authorized local partner.
In addition, we support our customers with online support, explanatory videos, and comprehensive user documentation. This makes it possible to install and commission the system independently and with the guidance of the user manual, provided that the user has the relevant analytical experience.
Thanks to durable components, amino acid analyzers require little maintenance. The systems operate at comparatively low operating pressures, which minimizes mechanical stress on the pumps and contributes to a long service life for the pump components.
During longer periods of downtime, the system should be flushed properly and then switched off. Complex maintenance routines or frequent manual intervention are generally not necessary.
Yes, we offer this option as a matter of course. With a maintenance contract, you will be reminded of upcoming maintenance work in good time and will receive preferential appointment allocation compared to customers without a contract. You will also benefit from more attractive terms and conditions and predictable service quality. We offer service contracts at different levels with different terms and conditions.
Consumables such as eluents are manufactured in Germany and are generally available on a permanent basis. The same applies to common standards, which can usually be supplied from stock within 48 hours.
Chromatography columns are sometimes subject to longer delivery times. However, these can be significantly reduced if requirements are coordinated at an early stage and a delivery date is agreed in advance. Appropriate planning is easily possible.
After a detailed fault diagnosis, the necessary hardware components can usually be provided within a few days in the event of a defect.
In this case, you can contact our service department by phone or email. If we are unable to help you via remote diagnosis, we will try to send a service technician to your location as soon as possible, provided you are in a German-speaking country. Outside Germany, our local partners will be happy to assist you.