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The Gold Standard in Protein Quantification: Amino Acid Analysis at the Proteomics Core
In the world of cutting-edge research and innovation, few analytical techniques hold the prestige and reliability of Amino Acid Analysis (AAA). At the heart of the Proteomics Core, the Hitachi amino acid analyzer LA8080 has become an indispensable tool, providing researchers worldwide with precise quantitative data for diverse applications.
A Strategic Acquisition
Securing this advanced instrument was a story of strategic collaboration and ingenuity. Brett and his team successfully obtained funding through UC Davis Research Core Facilities Program (RCFP) enabling the purchase of the Hitachi analyzer. The deal was particularly advantageous: the unit, previously owned by Otaka, a retired engineer renowned for his expertise in Japan, had been meticulously maintained. Before its acquisition, the instrument underwent extensive testing at the Proteomics Core, ensuring its optimal performance. This careful process resulted in a robust, well-calibrated system that quickly became a cornerstone of the core’s AAA operations.
How It Works
The Hitachi analyzer specializes in the analysis of hydrolysates, which are the result of breaking down proteins into their individual amino acids using hydrochloric acid at elevated temperature in vacuo. The hydrolysates are then vacuum dried and brought up in a precise volume of diluent, this careful step gives values needed later to determine the exact amino acid content of the sample during data analysis. The Hitachi system employs strong cation exchange chromatography, separating amino acids with a sodium-based buffer system. Detection is achieved through a post-column reaction with ninhydrin, a reagent that produces a colorimetric response unique to each amino acid. This classic technique remains unparalleled in its precision and reliability. This type of system is much more tolerant of contaminants than pre column AAA systems or LCMS (liquid chromatography mass spectrometry) . In addition, both precolumn based amino acid analyzers and mass spectrometry methods for AAA require derivatization which is both time consuming and prone to error. Ninhydrin based systems are extremely linear and not dependent on ionization specific issues which means that quantitation is straightforward, not expensive, extremely robust and is calibrated using NIST standards. This is why it's the Gold Standard and is why companies routinely have John check their commercial protein QC standards before they are sold.
Why Amino Acid Analysis Matters
Amino Acid Analysis is the gold standard for protein and amino acid quantification for several reasons. Unlike other methods, AAA provides absolute quantitation, allowing researchers to determine the precise concentration of each amino acid in a sample. This level of detail is crucial for a wide range of applications, including:
- Biopharmaceuticals: Ensuring the correct concentration of protein-based drugs.
- Food Science: Determining whether exotic foods or lab-grown meat contain a complete protein profile.
- Agricultural Research: Analyzing synthetic peptides and plant-derived proteins for nutritional and functional studies
- Brewing and wine making: Determining the exact concentration of crucial amino acids during each step of the fermentation process, Proline is not consumed by the yeast and the sulfur containing amino acids can result in an off flavor for examples.
The system’s versatility attracts a diverse clientele, with samples arriving from around the globe. From synthetic peptides to protein-based drugs and food products, the Hitachi analyzer handles a wide variety of sample types with precision and ease.
Looking Ahead
The Proteomics Core’s ability to provide accurate, reliable data has made it a trusted partner for researchers and industries worldwide. With the Hitachi analyzer, the core continues to support groundbreaking discoveries and innovations across fields.
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