Amino Acid Analysis

ISO 17025 accredited analytical services specialising in amino acid analysis for food, drink and nutraceutical produce, proteins and peptides.

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Amino acid analysis with AltaBioscience

Amino acid analysis UKAS accredited

Amino acid analysis will enable you to determine the amino acid composition and total protein content of any samples containing proteins or amino acids.

At Altabioscience, we can quantify accurately all 20 natural amino acids as well as some non-standard amino acids in a wide range of sample types, including samples from GMP processes. We are UK-based and serve clients on a global basis.

ISO/IEC 17025:2017 ACCREDITED

With unrivalled expertise in amino acid analysis for more than 50 years and UKAS accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025:2017 for our methods, our scientific analysis laboratory gives you complete confidence in the results obtained.

Fast, reliable turnaround

We offer a fast turnaround, with an optional Express Service when results are required urgently. Results are provided in a clear and easy-to-understand format.

Direct contact with experts

Our highly skilled specialists can offer you professional assistance throughout the whole project. Our UK-based laboratory serves clients all over the world.

Gold standard methodology

Robust and superior post-column detection method suitable for a wide range of sample types, from purified peptides to products with unknown proteins in complex matrices such as raw materials, spent media and food and drink products.

Bespoke service

Professional assistance throughout the entire project, as well as possible method development to suit your specific requirements.

Expertise across many industries

We routinely work with individual and global food and feed manufacturers, fertiliser manufacturers, raw material suppliers, food testing laboratories, nutraceutical industries, specialist dietary providers, academic and biotech scientists.

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Hear what our customers say

The people I interacted with were helpful and patient. Any information I requested was received in half a day maximum which was excellent. The results received after the completion of testing were exactly what I needed and in a timely manner.

Development Scientist

Global life sciences and consumer care company

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The service is quick and reliable as always, and the customer service are helpful and always quick to respond.

Research Scientist

Global manufacturer for animal nutrition and crop science

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The team at Alta were incredible to work with – in dealing with them they were always pleasant, very efficient and continuously provided updates. Their services were speedy and of good quality, and the team included tons of useful information.

The Institute of Microbiology and Infection

University of Birmingham

Hear what our customers say

Dealing with Alta Bioscience was a pleasure. They did not provide something we could not do ourselves – but the speed, quality and price will make them a good option next time we are short of time – and that is basically ALL the time.

Senior Scientist

International Pharmaceutical Company

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I found the team at Alta very easy to talk to, knowledgeable and they were extremely flexible. They worked hard to get results back to us in tight timelines at very short notice.

Analytical Team Leader

Drug Development Company, (UK)

Amino acid analysis services

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us. Here at AltaBioscience, our scientific analysis laboratory offers two types of amino acid analysis, “total” and “free”. Our experts will collaborate with you and can advise on the most suitable analysis for your needs. We welcome non-disclosure agreements and can also develop methods to meet your specific requirements. Contact us to learn more or if you have any questions.

Total amino acid analysis

Quantifies amino acids bound within proteins along with those present as individual unbound units.

Quantification of 18 of the 20 proteinogenic amino acids

Quantification of hydroxyproline, cysteine and tryptophan in samples with additional techniques

Suitable for the analysis of protein content in food and drinks products

Analysis the protein content of specialist low protein dietary and nutritional products (for phenylketonuria)

Analyses amino acid ratios and percentage of net peptide content in purified peptides or proteins

Free amino acid analysis

Free amino acid analysis determines the amount of each amino acid that is not bound within a protein. This service is ideal for analysing amino acid content in a wide range of sample types, from physiological fluids to nutritional supplements.

Analysis of spent cell culture media to determine the changes in amino acid content as utilised by the cells

Quantification of amino acids in blood serum and other physiological fluids

Measurement of taurine in pet foods (e.g., ensuring sufficient taurine for cats) and sports nutritional supplements

Detection of ninhydrin-positive substances and ammonium, according to European Pharmacopoeia 2.2.56 monographs

More details about each method can be found here: total amino acid analysis and free amino acid analysis.

The following table lists the amino acids which are offered routinely as part of the Total and Free analysis methods. These lists are not exhaustive – we can perform custom analysis and method development to suit your requirements.

Analysis method

Our method of post-column detection, which measures individual amino acids, avoids the potential for overestimating protein reported with other analysis techniques. This technique also allows us to analyse the amino acid content of products and samples containing other non-protein compounds without interference from the sample matrix, unlike other methods, which require very pure protein samples to determine accurate protein content.

More details can be found on the amino acid sample information page or in our technical documentation, which you can request here.

Frequently asked questions about amino acid analysis

What service options do you have for amino acid analysis?
We offer three service options as follows:

Standard service: Ideal for routine testing, each sample is hydrolysed or precipitated once, followed by a single analytical separation and quantification. There are options to add duplicate sampling if required.

Premium service: Ideal for samples from GMP processes or where rigorous QA monitoring and additional testing is required. Sample weights and hydrolysis/extraction are carried out in duplicate, followed by duplicate analysis of each hydrolysate/precipitation, a total of four separations in all. This data is calibrated against tithe average of two standards specific to your sample batch. Rigorous QA checks are applied throughout the process. A complete validation study with application report can be performed on request.

Method specific testing: Ideal for analysis following European Pharmacopoeia methods: samples are analysed in duplicate using a test and reference sample and includes comparison of ammonium content as required.
How long does amino acid analysis take?
How do I request a quotation?
How will I receive my results?
How much sample should I send?
Dry samples

For peptides at least 5mg of material is required if the sample is to be weighed in house, although we can process pre weighed peptides if required. Please inform us if you are aware of any of the following:

Any known solubility issues

Any lle-lle, lle-Val or Val-Val bonds as these are abnormally stable to the hydrolysis process and we will need to perform additional validation

We will also require the following information for peptides:

The salt form of the peptide, e.g. TFA or HCI salt

The theoretical ratios of the amino acids

Information regarding any modifications e.g. acetylated or modified amino acids

For other sample types including food at least 1g is typically required, unless the sample needs to be homogenised prior to analysis (please contact us for further information)

Solutions

For peptides and proteins, we can calculate accurate minimum sample volumes if the sequence is known. For other sample types including drink products 2mL is typically required.
Free amino acid analysis

Dry samples

For most sample types we require at least 1g of material but can work with less depending on the sample type. If the sample needs to be homogenised prior to analysis more than 1g may be required, please contact us for further information.

Solutions

For most sample types including drink products 2mL is typically required. For physiological samples including cell culture media and plasma, 200uL is typically required but please contact us if you are unable to supply this.
What paperwork do I need to include with my sample?
How should I ship my samples?
Do I need to do anything additional when sending samples from outside the UK?

Yes, when sending samples from outside the UK, ensure that all necessary customs documentation is completed and attached to avoid delays. Clearly label the package as “scientific samples” and indicate that they are for analysis purposes only, with no commercial value.
When can AltaBioscience accept sample deliveries?
What do I need to consider when submitting a sample?
Analyses can be performed on amino acids and proteins coming from a wide range of sources. However, to obtain maximum accuracy, some points should be noted when supplying samples for analysis.

If samples are hygroscopic, it may not be possible to obtain a steady weighing and hence an accurate value for amino acid content.

Samples containing Glycerol, Acrylamide and Mannitol cannot be processed due to risk of explosion when hydrolysed.

PEG can react with some amino acids during hydrolysis, affecting recovery, and should therefore be avoided.

Samples with a high salt content can affect the ion exchange column. Ammonium salts should also be avoided in the last stage of purification as large amounts of ammonia will cause the analysis reagent to precipitate out in the reaction coil.

Glycine buffers should never be used during the work up of proteins that have to be amino acid analysed. Glycine is very difficult to remove afterwards, with obvious effect on the accuracy of the measurement of glycine.

Proteins adsorbed on nitrocellulose membranes cannot be analysed (use PVDF filters instead).
Does my sample need to be pure?
Can I send a sample in solution?
What storage conditions are available at AltaBioscience?

We can store samples under ambient (15 to 25), refrigerated (2-8) and frozen (-15 to -25) conditions. Please specify the conditions you require on your sample submission form. If no conditions are indicated on your form, we will store your samples under the condition in which they are received.
What are the detection limits of your analysis?
What quality control measures are in place for amino acid analysis?
Which method do you use for amino acid analysis?
How do you ensure that the results are accurate?

Useful links

Amino acid analysis technical document
Amino acid sample information
Analysis of tryptophan, cysteine and cystine
Measuring phenylalanine content
Total amino acid analysis and free amino acid analysis

Case study: Method development for the amino acid analysis of a complex material.

29 November 2022

Amino Acid Analysis

Amino acid analysis with AltaBioscience

ISO/IEC 17025:2017 ACCREDITED

Fast, reliable turnaround

Direct contact with experts

Gold standard methodology

Bespoke service

Expertise across many industries

Hear what our customers say

Hear what our customers say

Hear what our customers say

Hear what our customers say

Hear what our customers say

Amino acid analysis services

Analysis method

Frequently asked questions about amino acid analysis

Ask our chemists a question

Related articles

Case study: Method development for the amino acid analysis of a complex material.

Amino acid analysis methods review: Post column detection method compared to Kjeldahl and Dumas methods

Dr Siobhan Daniels joins AltaBioscience as Non-Executive Director

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AltaBioscience Ltd