Application notes for Amino Acid Analysis

In the following you will find applications that have been developed on our own initiative or in the context of customer inquiries and/or cooperation with various institutes and facilities. If you also have an inquiry, please send us a message to sales@membrapure.de. We are always interested in the development of new applications.

Amino Acid Analysis

For a diverse range of applications, amino acid analysis is indispensable in comprehending components, optimizing products, ensuring safety, and preventing fraud. Hence, the utilization of the appropriate amino acid analysis system holds significant importance. Amino acid analysis plays a pivotal role across various realms of research, health, and industry, necessitating adherence to essential standards and capabilities. Researchers, laboratories, and quality control entities must identify amino acids even at minute levels, accurately gauge alterations, and replicate those findings. Nevertheless, this process is not devoid of challenges.

Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) can be employed, but often proves cost-prohibitive due to regular maintenance and the requirement for skilled personnel to operate it. Depending on the sample and analysis conducted, certain methods may lack precision, particularly when detecting low levels of amino acids.

MembraPure’s ARACUS amino acid analyzer is crafted to conduct necessary analyses without associated drawbacks. The system itself is user-friendly, requiring no specialized training, offered at an attractive cost level, and demanding minimal maintenance. Most importantly, the ARACUS amino acid analyzer can assist in numerous applications within your research endeavors, encompassing food analysis, clinical diagnostics, and laboratory research.

 

Suitable use of the amino acid analyzer in quality control

In quality control, high reproducibility of analytical methods is crucial in order to be able to make reliable statements about the results obtained. The following example of the analysis of three pure substances shows that the ARACUS amino acid analyzer is suitable for use in quality control due to its very low standard deviation of less than 0.85 %. In this way, it makes an important contribution to ensuring defined quality requirements.

Quality assurance of the composition of amino acid containing therapeutics

It is known that there are 20 types of amino acids that make up human protein. Human protein consists of. According to the nutritional perspective, the amino acids that can be synthesized in the human body are called non-essential amino acids; the amino acids that cannot be synthesized in the synthesized in the human body or whose rate of synthesis rate is much lower than the rate at which they are consumption, must be supplied by dietary proteins, are referred to as essential amino acids.

Impurities in pure amino acids – Quality Control with post column derivatization and ninhydrin

High-purity organic compounds are the material basis for the production of standard materials and the synthesis of new materials: in the stoichiometric value chain, pure substances are an important basis for stoichiometry.
If the purity of the substance used or the impurities it contains are not precisely determined, the resulting characteristic value of the highest national standard material can be falsified.

Quality control of proteins – basis for special medical food – by post-column derivatization with ninhydrin

Formula food for special medical purposes, referred to as “Special Medical Food”, is a specially prepared formula designed to meet the specific nutritional or dietary needs of people with eating restrictions, dyspepsia, metabolic disorders or certain medical conditions.

When the target population is unable to meet their nutritional needs with regular or daily food, Special Medical Food can play a supportive role as a dietary supplement.

 

Amino acids and protein content in cosmetics as possible quality parameters

Amino acids in cosmetics: The L-type amino acids used in cosmetics on the market mainly include L-glutamic acid, L-proline, L-arginine and L-serine. Glutamic acid is present in large quantities in the human epidermis. Glutamic acid can be converted into 2-pyrrolidone-5-carboxylic acid (PCA), which has an excellent moisturizing effect. It is an important component of the skin’s natural moisturizing factor and natural skin metabolites, which are safe and efficient.

Food analysis

In the realm of food analysis, understanding the precise composition of food is crucial, and amino acid analysis stands as a pivotal element in quality control. ARACUS offers reliable and reproducible chemical analysis, which is paramount for safeguarding consumers, ensuring food safety, and fostering the innovation of new food products. Its application not only guarantees accurate food labeling but also acts as a deterrent against fraudulent practices.

Instances of meat fraud, where meat products are mislabeled or contain undisclosed fillers, are unfortunately common. For instance, additives like gelatin and water might be included without proper disclosure. Anticipating the emergence of lab-grown or alternative meats, precise identification and quantification of amino acids become imperative. ARACUS holds a pending patent specifically targeting meat fraud DE102016010887B3

When developing novel or improved food items, comprehensive analysis and comprehension of constituent elements are indispensable for quality assurance, particularly in the production of specialized medical foods. These specialized foods cater to individuals who require specific nutrients due to medical conditions not fulfilled by regular diets. Therefore, a robust amino acid analysis becomes essential to guarantee quality control and verify that the intended nutritional value is delivered.

Animal foods are formulated to meet the dietary requirements of animals, particularly livestock, with an optimized balance of amino acids in their feed contributing to better growth. Innovations in animal feed involve synthesizing amino acids that can be added to achieve a balanced amino acid profile without altering the overall protein content. Here again, precise amino acid analysis plays a vital role in closely monitoring feed composition, ensuring quality control, developing optimal formulas, maintaining safety standards, and deterring fraudulent practices.

Insights into this kind of exemplary work are provided by the publications “Amino acids profile of three different Egyptian goat breeds” and “The effects of phytobiotic feed additives on physical and chemical and functional and technological properties of rabbit meat,” which can be found in our literature section.

Method for the determination of added gelatin in ham and cream cheese

The globalization of international trade, which also affects the food industry, has made reliable and repeatable methods of chemical analysis essential for consumer protection. Ham and fresh cheese products are still secretly pumped up with water and gelatine to increase their size and weight. Gelatine binds the water in the products.

It is a scam that the food industry makes millions of euros in profit from added water. In this application, the investigation for amino acids and their inference to the use of gelatine is shown.

 

Determining the amino acid profile of beer using post column derivatization with ninhydrin

The amino acids in beer are produced by the decomposition of the protein contained in the raw barley through the action of enzymes. They are very rich, are present in dissolved form and are essential for human nutrition. 17 types of amino acids were analyzed in beer. Of these, 7 types cannot be synthesized by the human body and are indispensable. If they are missing, many diseases can develop. Beer contains peptides and amino acids that balance the human diet.

Analysis of the amino acid profile of milk, an important supplier of essential amino acids

Lactoprotein is one of the main nutrients in milk and is made up of 20 different amino acids. Different ratios and arrangements of amino acids form different types of proteins. These proteins play an important role in maintaining the growth and renewal of body tissues, in participating in various chemical reactions and in providing heat energy for physiological activities. Lactoprotein is considered one of the proteins with the highest nutritional value. The main reason for this is that its amino acid content and the ratio of their composition essentially correspond to the amount and ratio required by the human body for synthesis.

Using of Amino Acid Analyzer makes the role of corn syrup in amino acid fermentation more clear

 

Analysis of the amino acid content of bone marrow of livestock and poultry

 
 

Analysis of soy sauce, rich in nutrients like amino acids

 

 

Determination of essential amino acids in soybeans with Amino Acid Analyzer

Using of Amino Acid Analyzer in research of feed formula to determine content of additives

Amino Acids in plants as essential nutrients for plant growth – A possible field of application for amino acid analysis

Analysis of theanine, glutamic acid, aspartic acid and arginine in tea – amino acids as quality markers

Analytical question to determine the amino acid variation for influencing the flavour of tobacco

Clinical diagnostics / metabolic diseases

Amino acid analysis stands as an indispensable tool in comprehending the internal workings of the human body, crucial for diagnosing and monitoring various conditions. It necessitates swift, reliable, and consistent results from diverse sample types, with blood plasma being a particularly prominent medium besides urine and Cerebrospinal fluid in which ARACUS excels. Besides serving as a fundamental diagnostic aid, membraPure’s ARACUS amino acid analyzer has showcased efficacy in pinpointing specific medical conditions.

For instance, in identifying concurrent myocardial infarction and type 2 diabetes, precise measurement of homocysteine levels is imperative. Even slight elevations in homocysteine levels can signal a change in the disease state, underscoring the necessity of an accurate analyzer to detect such variations. Additionally, by utilizing an amino acid analyzer, alterations in the amino acid metabolome have been identified specifically in type 2 diabetes, potentially aiding in diagnosis and management. More detailed information can be found in the application notes “Method for determining amino acids in myocardial infarction and type 2 diabetes” and „Plasma Amino Acids Metabo-lomics’ Important in Glucose Management in Type 2 Diabetes“.

ARACUS exhibits proficiency in analyzing amino acids as biomarkers for metabolic disorders. Precisely measuring phenylalanine and tyrosine levels in blood can detect the harmful condition phenylketonuria (PKU) in children. Moreover, ARACUS holds a pending patent (DE102018108312A1) for the comprehensive amino acid analysis of inborn errors of metabolism in newborns. This holds particular significance for developing countries, offering the promise of reducing mortality rates in newborns and improving their overall health.

Method for the determination of the amino acids for myocardial infarction and diabetes type 2

The aim of the study was to develop and validate a method for determining the amino acids homocysteine, valine, methionine, isoleucine, leucine, tyrosine and phenylalanine in human blood plasma. Cardiovascular diseases are the main cause of mortality worldwide. Studies over the last 10 to 20 years have shown that elevated homocysteine levels are a risk marker for cardiovascular disease. Homocysteine is an amino acid that is measured in plasma, and normal levels are in the range of 5 – 15 nmol/ml blood plasma.

Determination of the amino acids as biomarkes for metabolic disorders

The aim of the study was to develop and validate a method to determine the amino acids homocysteine, valine, methionine, allo-isoleucine, isoleucine, leucine, tyrosine and phenylalanine in human blood plasma in a single run. Maple syrup disease (MSUD) is an autosomal recessive metabolic disorder that affects the amino acids valine, allo-isoleucine, isoleucine and leucine. Elevated homocysteine levels are associated with homocystinuria, another metabolic disorder. Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a rare hereditary disease in which the body cannot metabolize the amino acid phenylalanine. Normally it is metabolized and converted into the amino acid tyrosine. High phenylalanine levels are harmful to the brain.

Amino acids Tyrosine and Phenyl alanineas biomarkers for metabolic disorders

 Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a genetic metabolic disorder. It is caused by a reduced activity of phenylalanine hydroxylase in the body or a deficiency of its coenzyme tetrahydrobiopterin, which leads to a disturbed metabolism of phenylalanine to tyrosine, an increase in the concentration of phenylalanine in the blood and tissues and a significant increase in phenylpyruvate, phenylacetic acid and phenyllactic acid in the urine.

Determination of the amino acid profile in blood plasma samples using post-column derivatization and ninhydrin

In the form of amino acids, the protein ingested daily is absorbed by the digestive system and transported throughout the body via the blood. Defects in related proteins and enzymes involved in amino acid metabolism in the human body or various pathological conditions can lead to abnormal amino acid metabolism and changes in blood amino acid levels. Therefore, it is of great importance to analyze the level of amino acids in the blood. To date, there are more than 20 types of amino acids involved in protein synthesis. They occur in two forms: in the free state in plasma or urine and in the bound state as peptides and proteins. The role of amino acids in plasma is therefore particularly important.

Development of Therapeutics

The development of pharmaceuticals to combat diseases can significantly benefit from amino acid analysis. It aids in identifying treatment targets during the screening of molecules and in clinical trials to ascertain effectiveness. Throughout the phases of biotherapeutics development, ARACUS stands capable of providing cost-effective, high-quality amino acid analysis, thereby lending crucial support to therapeutic development endeavors.

Support of Research

The need for an optimal environment and stringent quality control isn’t confined to final products or clinical settings alone. In laboratory-based research, amino acid analysis holds critical importance for nurturing and advancing biological samples. Even a slight imbalance in amino acid composition or an undetected introduction of contaminants can have detrimental effects on entire research projects and cell lines.

MembraPure has demonstrated the efficacy of its ARACUS amino acid analyzer in reliably and accurately determining amino acid levels in cell culture media. Additionally, ARACUS proves instrumental in assessing the amino acid balance in growth media and fermentation broth used for cultivating cells and microorganisms. This functionality ensures that deficiencies don’t compromise yield or product quality. Positive client feedback attests to various successful applications of ARACUS, further reinforcing its reliability and effectiveness.

Utilizing the appropriate amino acid analyzer to ascertain the thriving conditions of essential research organisms provides peace of mind. Ensuring they thrive in the correct environment and optimal conditions is paramount.

Determination of the amino acids in Cell Culture Media

The aim of the study was to develop and validate a method for determining the amino acids homocysteine, valine, methionine, isoleucine, leucine, tyrosine and phenylalanine in human blood plasma. Cardiovascular diseases are the main cause of mortality worldwide. Studies over the last 10 to 20 years have shown that elevated homocysteine levels are a risk marker for cardiovascular disease. Homocysteine is an amino acid that is measured in plasma, and normal levels are in the range of 5 – 15 nmol/ml blood plasma

 

Analysis of the amino acid composition of cell culture media

Monitoring the content of each component as well as the change in component content in the culture medium during the cell culture process is of great importance for establishing an efficient cell culture process.

The composition of the cell culture medium is one of the most important factors for the success of cell culture in vitro. The cell culture medium must contain sufficient nutrients to meet the material and energy requirements for complete new cell synthesis, cell metabolism and other biochemical reactions.

 

Accurate amino acid analysis for process design in the cultivation of microorganisms

Cell culture media and fermentation broths are used in the production of biotherapeutics and other biological products. Characterizing the amino acid composition in fermentation broths is important because a lack of these nutrients can reduce the desired yield or alter the quality of the final product.
Fermentation broths are complex mixtures of nutrients, waste products, cell debris and biosynthetic intermediates. Interest in the characterization of amino acids and their metabolic by-products in fermentation broths is increasing, as these components influence the yield of the desired products. In addition to direct uptake for biosynthesis, certain amino acids can also be used for energy production under certain conditions.

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Suitable use of the amino acid analyzer in quality control

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Complete your name and email to receive the application note.

Quality assurance of the composition of amino acid containing therapeutics

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Complete your name and email to receive the application note.

Impurities in pure amino acids – Quality Control with post column derivatization and ninhydrin

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Complete your name and email to receive the application note.

Quality control of proteins – basis for special medical food – by post-column derivatization with ninhydrin

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Complete your name and email to receive the application note.

Amino acids and protein content in cosmetics as possible quality parameters

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Complete your name and email to receive the application note.

Method for the determination of added gelatin in ham and cream cheese

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Complete your name and email to receive the application note.

Determining the amino acid profile of beer using post column derivatization with ninhydrin

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Complete your name and email to receive the application note.

Analysis of the amino acid profile of milk, an important supplier of essential amino acids

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Complete your name and email to receive the application note.

Using of Amino Acid Analyzer makes the role of corn syrup in amino acid fermentation more clear

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Complete your name and email to receive the application note.

Analysis of the amino acid content of bone marrow of livestock and poultry

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Complete your name and email to receive the application note.

Analysis of soy sauce, rich in nutrients like amino acids

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Complete your name and email to receive the application note.

Determination of essential amino acids in soybeans with Amino Acid Analyzer

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Complete your name and email to receive the application note.

Using of Amino Acid Analyzer in research of feed formula to determine content of additives

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Complete your name and email to receive the application note.

Amino Acids in plants as essential nutrients for plant growth – A possible field of application for amino acid analysis

Get download link

Complete your name and email to receive the application note.

Analysis of theanine, glutamic acid, aspartic acid and arginine in tea – amino acids as quality markers

Get download link

Complete your name and email to receive the application note.

Analytical question to determine the amino acid variation for influencing the flavour of tobacco

Get download link

Complete your name and email to receive the application note.

Method for the determination of the amino acids for myocardial infarction and diabetes type 2

Get download link

Complete your name and email to receive the application note.

Determination of the amino acids as biomarkes for metabolic disorders

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Complete your name and email to receive the application note.

Amino acids Tyrosine and Phenyl alanineas biomarkers for metabolic disorders

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Complete your name and email to receive the application note.

Determination of the amino acid profile in blood plasma samples using post-column derivatization and ninhydrin

Get download link

Complete your name and email to receive the application note.

Analysis of the amino acid composition of cell culture media
Get download link

Complete your name and email to receive the application note.

Accurate amino acid analysis for process design in the cultivation of microorganisms

Get download link