Biochemicals, amino acids and peptides

Biochemicals are produced by fermentation, enzymatic processes, extraction from plants, animals or microbes, and chemical synthesis. The route affects the impurity profile, the stereochemistry and the claims a buyer can make, such as natural, vegan or non-GMO. For example, amino acids made by fermentation are naturally the L-form, while synthetic routes may give mixtures that need resolution.

When you request quotes, name the exact form, including stereochemistry, salt and hydrate, for example L-lysine monohydrochloride or adenosine 5'-triphosphate disodium salt. State the grade (research, food, feed, cosmetic, pharmaceutical or cell culture), the purity method (HPLC, titration or enzymatic assay) and any requirements on endotoxin, heavy metals, residual solvents or animal origin. Research quantities are often sold by the milligram or gram, while fermentation products such as amino acids and some nucleotides are traded by the tonne.