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What is Xylose?
Xylose, a pentose sugar, plays a fundamental role in numerous biological systems, serving as a precursor for essential biomolecules such as nucleotides and glycoproteins. Understanding the dynamics of xylose metabolism and quantifying its presence in various biological samples are imperative tasks in both basic research and applied sciences. Xylose analysis encompasses a range of techniques aimed at detecting, quantifying, and characterizing this crucial biomolecule with precision and accuracy.
Xylose Analysis Services in Creative Proteomics
Qualitative and quantitative analysis: Utilizing state-of-the-art technologies such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), we provide accurate, comprehensive, and reliable identification and quantification of xylose in various samples.
Xylose metabolism study: Our expert team offers a detailed xylose metabolism pathway analysis that includes the examination of the metabolites associated with xylose metabolism.
Xylose-related biomarker discovery: We assist in the identification of xylose-related biomarkers, which can be essential for disease diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic response prediction.
Xylose interaction analysis: Using advanced biochemical and biophysical techniques, we analyze interactions between xylose and other biological molecules.
Customized experiments and consulting: We also arrange customized experiments as per customer’s requirements and offer consulting services for study design, experimental troubleshooting, data analysis, and interpretation.
Technical Platforms for Xylose Analysis
Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS): GC-MS combines the separation capabilities of gas chromatography with the sensitive detection and structural elucidation capabilities of mass spectrometry. This powerful technique allows for the accurate identification and quantification of xylose and its derivatives in complex sample matrices. It is particularly suitable for volatile and thermally stable compounds, making it an ideal choice for analyzing xylose in biological samples.
Hydrophilic Interaction Liquid Chromatography (HILIC) coupled with Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS): HILIC/UHPLC-MS/MS offers superior resolution and sensitivity for analyzing polar compounds such as xylose. This platform enables precise quantification and structural characterization of xylose in biological samples. It is recommended when high sensitivity and fast analysis times are required, making it suitable for high-throughput analyses.
Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS): LC-MS/MS is a versatile technique for the analysis of xylose and its metabolites. This platform provides high sensitivity and selectivity, allowing for the accurate quantification of xylose in various sample types with minimal sample preparation. It is suitable for complex sample matrices and offers excellent sensitivity for trace-level analysis.
High-Performance Anion-Exchange Chromatography with Pulsed Amperometric Detection (HPAEC–PAD): HPAEC–PAD is a specialized technique for the analysis of carbohydrates such as xylose. This platform offers excellent sensitivity and specificity for the detection and quantification of xylose in complex biological samples. It is recommended when analyzing carbohydrates with high precision and accuracy, particularly in samples containing other interfering compounds.
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectroscopy: NMR spectroscopy is a powerful tool for the structural elucidation and characterization of xylose and its derivatives. This non-destructive technique provides detailed information about the chemical environment and molecular structure of xylose, complementing other analytical methods. It is particularly useful for confirming structural assignments and identifying unknown compounds in complex mixtures.
Sample Requirements for Xylose Analysis
| Sample Type | Sample Volume |
|---|---|
| Serum/Plasma | 100-200 µL |
| Urine | 0.5-1 mL |
| Tissue Homogenate | 20-50 mg |
| Cell Culture Supernatant | 0.5-1 mL |
| Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) | 100-200 µL |
| Saliva | 0.5-1 mL |
| Feces | 50-100 mg |
| Plant Extracts | 50-100 mg |
| Food Samples | 1-2 grams |
| Environmental Samples | 1-5 mL (liquid) or 1-2 grams (solid) |
Deliverables for Xylose Analysis
- Quantitative Results: Precise quantification of xylose concentrations in the provided samples.
- Structural Characterization Reports: Detailed reports elucidating the structural features of xylose and any associated modifications.
- Metabolic Profiling Data: Profiling data outlining the metabolic fate of xylose in the studied biological systems.
- Quality Control Documentation: Documentation ensuring the reliability and accuracy of the analytical results.
Metabolic analysis of glucose, xylose, and xylulose for biohydrogen production in Klebsiella sp. WL1316 (Li et al., 2022)
Applications of Xylose Analysis
Biofuel Production: Monitoring xylose content in lignocellulosic biomass for efficient biofuel production.
Glycobiology: Investigating xylose residues in glycoproteins and their roles in cellular processes.
Nutritional Science: Assessing xylose levels in food products and dietary supplements for nutritional analysis.
Diagnostic Biomarker Discovery: Exploring aberrations in xylose metabolism as potential biomarkers for diseases such as diabetes and cancer.
Pharmacology: Studying xylose metabolism in drug development and pharmacokinetic studies.
Reference
- Li, Yanbin, et al. "Genome mining discovery of hydrogen production pathway of Klebsiella sp. WL1316 fermenting cotton stalk hydrolysate." International Microbiology 25.3 (2022): 503-513.
What is xylose used for?
Food Industry:
Sweetener: Xylose serves as a low-calorie sweetener, providing sweetness without the caloric load associated with sucrose and other sugars. It is utilized in sugar-free and reduced-calorie food products such as candies, chewing gum, beverages, and baked goods.
Xylitol Production: Xylose is a precursor in the production of xylitol, a sugar alcohol with sweetness similar to sucrose but with fewer calories. Xylitol is extensively used in sugar-free chewing gums, candies, and oral care products due to its dental health benefits, including cavity prevention and remineralization of tooth enamel.
Pharmaceuticals:
Medications: Xylose is utilized in pharmaceutical formulations for its properties in enhancing drug delivery. It is often incorporated into controlled-release formulations, where its slow metabolism allows for sustained drug release over an extended period, improving therapeutic efficacy and patient compliance.
Biofuel Production:
Ethanol Production: Xylose serves as a feedstock for the production of biofuels, particularly ethanol. Certain microorganisms, such as yeast and bacteria, can ferment xylose into ethanol through metabolic pathways distinct from those utilized for glucose fermentation. This capability makes xylose a valuable substrate for the production of renewable biofuels, contributing to efforts to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and mitigate environmental impact.
Chemical Synthesis:
Intermediate in Chemical Synthesis: Xylose and its derivatives serve as important intermediates in organic synthesis, enabling the production of various chemicals and pharmaceutical compounds. Xylose-derived compounds find applications in industries such as pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, flavors, fragrances, and polymers. These compounds are synthesized through chemical transformations of xylose, exploiting its unique chemical reactivity and functional groups.
Other Applications:
Research and Biotechnology: Xylose is used in research laboratories and biotechnological applications as a substrate for studying microbial metabolism, enzyme kinetics, and genetic engineering. It serves as a model substrate for investigating pentose utilization pathways and optimizing microbial strains for bioprocesses such as biofuel production and bioremediation.
What is the difference between glucose and xylose?
| Feature | Glucose | Xylose |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Structure | Hexose sugar (C6H12O6) | Pentose sugar alcohol (C5H10O5) |
| Sweetness | Moderately sweet, comparable to sucrose | Less sweet than glucose |
| Metabolic Pathways | Readily metabolized through glycolysis | Requires specific enzymes for metabolism |
| Sources | Found in fruits, vegetables, grains, sweetened products | Predominantly present in plant fibers, some fruits and vegetables |
| Industrial Applications | Widely used in food, beverage, pharmaceutical industries | Utilized as a low-calorie sweetener, xylitol production, biofuel feedstock, chemical synthesis |
How is xylose metabolized?
Uptake and Transport
Xylose first needs to be transported into cells to undergo metabolism. In mammals, including humans, xylose is absorbed in the small intestine through specific transport proteins located in the intestinal epithelial cells. These transporters facilitate the uptake of xylose from the intestinal lumen into the cells, where it can then be metabolized.
Conversion to Xylulose
Once inside the cell, xylose is converted into xylulose through enzymatic reactions. Two main enzymes catalyze this conversion:
- Xylose Isomerase: In some microorganisms and plants, xylose isomerase catalyzes the isomerization of xylose into xylulose directly. This enzyme rearranges the carbon skeleton of xylose, converting it into the ketose sugar xylulose.
- Xylose Reductase: In organisms lacking xylose isomerase, such as certain fungi and bacteria, xylose is reduced to xylitol by xylose reductase. Xylitol is then further metabolized into xylulose by xylitol dehydrogenase.
Entry into Metabolic Pathways
Xylulose, the product of xylose metabolism, enters various metabolic pathways depending on the organism and cellular context. In mammals, xylulose typically enters the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP), a metabolic pathway crucial for the generation of reducing equivalents (NADPH) and ribose-5-phosphate for nucleotide synthesis.
Pentose Phosphate Pathway (PPP)
Within the PPP, xylulose is phosphorylated and metabolized to produce ribulose-5-phosphate, which can be converted into other intermediates of the pathway, such as ribose-5-phosphate. These intermediates serve as precursors for nucleotide synthesis and contribute to cellular redox balance through the generation of NADPH.
Energy Production and Biosynthesis
Xylose metabolism ultimately yields various intermediates that can be used for energy production or biosynthetic processes. While xylose itself is not a major energy source for most organisms, its metabolism generates important metabolites necessary for cellular functions, including ATP production, nucleotide synthesis, and maintenance of cellular redox balance.
Regulation and Coordination
Xylose metabolism is tightly regulated to ensure efficient utilization of this sugar alcohol. Enzymes involved in xylose metabolism are often regulated at transcriptional, translational, and post-translational levels in response to cellular conditions, substrate availability, and metabolic demands.
Is Xylose a Reducing Monosaccharide?
Yes, xylose is a reducing monosaccharide. It possesses a free aldehyde group (-CHO) on its carbon-1 atom, allowing it to undergo oxidation-reduction reactions. This property enables xylose to act as a reducing agent in various chemical reactions.
Is Xylose an Organic Compound?
Yes, xylose is an organic compound. Organic compounds are compounds primarily composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms, along with other elements such as nitrogen, sulfur, and phosphorus in some cases. Xylose fits this definition as it consists of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms arranged in a specific molecular structure characteristic of sugars.
Is Xylose Hydrophobic?
No, xylose is not hydrophobic. Hydrophobic substances repel or do not mix well with water. Xylose, being a sugar alcohol, contains hydroxyl (-OH) groups, which impart hydrophilic (water-attracting) properties to the molecule. Consequently, xylose is soluble in water and exhibits hydrophilic characteristics rather than hydrophobic ones.