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What is Propanoic Acid?
Propanoic acid, commonly known as propionic acid, is a three-carbon carboxylic acid with the chemical formula CH₃CH₂COOH. It is known for its clear liquid form and strong, pungent odor. Propanoic acid naturally occurs in some metabolic processes and is particularly valuable in industrial applications. Its salts and esters, known as propionates or propanoates, are widely used for their antimicrobial properties, which make them excellent preservatives for animal feed and human food, where they help prevent spoilage and extend shelf life.
The propanoic acid structure is simple yet functional, with a carboxyl group (COOH) attached to an ethyl group (CH₃CH₂). This structure allows for easy modification and binding in various biochemical reactions, making it essential in the synthesis of polymers, organic compounds, and more. Propanoic acid also plays an essential role in metabolic pathways, particularly as an intermediate in carboxylic acid metabolism.
Propanoic Acid Analysis Offered by Creative Proteomics
Our propanoic acid analysis services at Creative Proteomics are tailored to meet the complex needs of industries including biochemistry, food preservation, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture. We utilize advanced technologies to provide comprehensive analysis, ensuring high sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy across multiple sample types. Below are the core services we offer:
Quantitative Propanoic Acid Testing: Precise quantification of propanoic acid in various samples such as tissues, plant extracts, and bacterial cultures.
Structural and Elemental Analysis of Propanoic Acid: Using elemental analysis to verify the chemical structure and composition, ensuring alignment with expected standards.
Propanoic Acid Purity Testing: Ensures high purity of propanoic acid samples, especially for research and industrial applications requiring consistent quality.
Propanoic Acid in Metabolic Studies: Analysis tailored to monitor propanoic acid levels in metabolic and microbiological research.
Brochures
Metabolomics Services
We provide unbiased non-targeted metabolomics and precise targeted metabolomics services to unravel the secrets of biological processes.
Our untargeted approach identifies and screens for differential metabolites, which are confirmed by standard methods. Follow-up targeted metabolomics studies validate important findings and support biomarker development.
Download our brochure to learn more about our solutions.
List of Propanoic Acid We Can Detect
| Type of Propanoic Acid Compound | Description | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Pure Propanoic Acid (CH₃CH₂COOH) | Standard form of propanoic acid, a clear, pungent liquid | Food preservative, feed additive |
| Propanoate Salts (e.g., Sodium Propanoate, Potassium Propanoate) | Salts formed by neutralizing propanoic acid | Used in mold inhibition for food and feed |
| Propanoate Esters (e.g., Methyl Propanoate, Ethyl Propanoate) | Esters of propanoic acid formed by reaction with alcohols | Flavoring agents, industrial solvents |
| Propionyl-CoA | Coenzyme A conjugate, an intermediate in metabolic pathways | Biochemical research, metabolic studies |
| Ammonium Propanoate | Ammonium salt of propanoic acid, common in animal feed additives | Enhances feed conversion efficiency |
| Polymer Intermediates | Propanoic acid derivatives used in polymer synthesis | Plastic manufacturing, chemical synthesis |
| Propionic Acid Derivatives in Bacteria (e.g., Propionibacteria) | Naturally occurring propionic acid in microbial cultures | Microbiome studies, skin research |
Technology Platforms for Propanoic Acid Analysis
Gas Chromatography (GC)
- Instrument: Agilent 7890B GC System
- Detection Method: Mass spectrometry
- Advantages: High performance and reliability for precise separation and analysis of volatile compounds, including propanoic acid.
High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)
- Instrument: Waters ACQUITY Arc System
- Detection Method: UV detection (specific wavelength varies based on application)
- Advantages: Versatile system designed for efficient separation and analysis of various compounds, ensuring high sensitivity and reproducibility.
Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
- Instrument: Thermo Scientific Q Exactive™ Hybrid Quadrupole-Orbitrap™
- Detection Method: High-resolution mass spectrometry
- Advantages: Offers exceptional resolution and accurate mass capabilities for precise identification of propanoic acid in complex mixtures.
Sample Requirements for Propanoic Acid Analysis
| Sample Type | Untargeted Metabolomics | Targeted Metabolomics | Lipidomics | Metabolic Flux |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Animal Tissue | 100-200 mg | 100-200 mg | 100-200 mg | |
| Plant Tissue | 100-200 mg | 100-200 mg | 100-200 mg | |
| Plasma/Serum | >100 μL | >100 μL | >100 μL | |
| Urine | 200-500 μL | 200-500 μL | 200-500 μL | |
| Saliva, Amniotic fluid, Bile, Tears, etc. | >200 μL | >200 μL | >200 μL | |
| Cells | >1*107 | >1*107 | >1*107 | >1*107 |
| Culture Supernatant | >2 mL | >2 mL | >2 mL | |
| Wastewater/Culture Medium | >2 mL | >2 mL | >2 mL | |
| Microbial Culture | >2 mL | >2 mL | >2 mL | |
| Feces/Intestinal Contents | 100-200 mg | 100-200 mg | 100-200 mg | |
| Soil Sample | >1 g | >1 g | >1 g | |
| Swab | 2 | 2 |
PCA chart
PLS-DA point cloud diagram
Plot of multiplicative change volcanoes
Metabolite variation box plot
Pearson correlation heat map
GC-MS Analysis of Esterified Fatty Acids Obtained from Leaves of Wild and Cultivated Specimens of Leonotis nepetifolia
Journal: Journal of Medicinal Plants Research
Published: 2015
Background
Leonotis nepetifolia, a member of the Lamiaceae family, is an African plant traditionally used in folk medicine for various health conditions. Known in Brazil as "cordão de São Francisco" or "cordão de frade," it has recognized applications for its potential antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, and insecticidal properties. This study represents the first investigation into the fixed oils extracted from the plant's leaves in both wild and cultivated environments. The research aims to analyze the differences in chemical composition due to environmental factors using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS), identifying a variety of esterified fatty acids and compounds. The study underscores how environmental conditions impact the metabolic profile of the plant's fixed oils, which are of interest for their therapeutic and bioactive properties.
Materials & Methods
Plant Collection:
L. nepetifolia leaves were gathered from wild and cultivated sites in Petrolina, Pernambuco, Brazil, and identified at HVASF.
Extraction:
Dried leaves (25.04 g wild, 4.30 g cultivated) were processed with petroleum ether using a Soxhlet apparatus. Yielded 0.96 g (cultivated) and 0.29 g (wild).
Saponification and Methylation:
Oils were saponified with KOH in methanol, acidified, and esterified with methanol/HCl, followed by extraction with petroleum ether and hexane, then dried.
GC-MS Analysis:
GC-MS was run on a Shimadzu QP-2010 with a ZB-5MS column, using helium as carrier gas. Compound identification was based on library matching (Wiley 7, Nist 08).
Results
GC-MS analysis revealed significant differences in the metabolomic profiles of fixed oils from wild and cultivated L. nepetifolia samples. Wild plants exhibited 16 compounds, with methyl linoleate (46.98%) as the predominant esterified fatty acid. Other notable compounds included palmitic acid esters (13.92%) and tarric acid (6.49%), a fatty acid linked to antifungal properties against Candida albicans, Cryptococcus neoformans, Aspergillus spp., and Trichophyton spp..
In contrast, 21 compounds were detected in the cultivated specimens, with major components being isomers of propanoic acid derivatives—2-methyl-3-hydroxy-2,4,4-trimethylpentyl ester (31.97%) and 2-methyl-2,2-dimethyl-1-(2-hydroxy-1-methylethyl)-propyl ester (22.78%)—reported for the first time in this species. These compounds, previously identified in Solanum tuberosum and Oryza sativa L., are indicative of the plant's responsive metabolic shifts due to cultivation environments. Additionally, both plant samples contained squalene, a compound of considerable interest due to its dermatological applications and metabolic relevance.
The findings underscore environmental influence on the metabolomic composition of L. nepetifolia, with implications for the plant's potential biological and pharmacological properties. The diversity of compounds in the cultivated specimen may reflect adaptation to environmental conditions, warranting further investigation into the potential bioactivities and environmental responses in these fixed oils.
TIC of chemical constituents of the fixed oil from the leaves of wild L. nepetifolia.
TIC of chemical constituents of the fixed oil from the leaves of cultivated L. nepetifolia.
Reference
- de Oliveira, Ana Paula, et al. "GC-MS analysis of esterified fatty acids obtained from leaves of wild and cultivated specimens of Leonotis nepetifolia." Journal of Medicinal Plants Research 9.16 (2015): 525-530.
What sample types are suitable for propanoic acid analysis?
Propanoic acid analysis can be conducted on a variety of sample types, including biological tissues (animal and plant), microbial cultures, food products, and wastewater. For accurate quantification, it is essential to collect samples in clean containers to prevent contamination. Each sample type may require specific handling and storage conditions; for instance, biological samples should be frozen immediately after collection to preserve their integrity.
How do you ensure the accuracy and reliability of propanoic acid measurements?
At Creative Proteomics, we utilize validated analytical methods, such as HPLC and GC-MS, which undergo rigorous calibration and quality control procedures. Each batch of samples is analyzed against known standards to ensure precision. Our labs adhere to strict protocols to minimize variability, and we perform replicate analyses for statistical validation, providing confidence in the reported results.
What is the detection limit for propanoic acid in different sample matrices?
The detection limit for propanoic acid varies depending on the analytical technique and sample matrix. For example, HPLC can achieve a detection limit of around 0.1 mg/L in aqueous samples, while GC-MS may detect levels as low as 0.01 mg/L in volatile organic compounds. The choice of method and sample preparation techniques can significantly influence the sensitivity of the analysis.
How is propanoic acid extracted from complex matrices for analysis?
The extraction of propanoic acid from complex matrices often involves liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) or solid-phase extraction (SPE). For biological samples, we typically use a combination of acidification and organic solvent extraction to separate propanoic acid from proteins and other cellular components. This step is crucial to eliminate potential interferences that could affect the accuracy of the measurement.
What role does propanoic acid play in metabolic studies?
In metabolic studies, propanoic acid serves as a key intermediate in the metabolism of various carboxylic acids. It is involved in energy production and is a critical substrate for propionyl-CoA synthesis, which further participates in biosynthetic pathways. Understanding its levels can provide insights into metabolic disorders, microbiome interactions, and the overall metabolic state of an organism.
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