Unlocking the Secrets of Red Algae: Precision Porphyran Characterization
Porphyran is a sulfated polysaccharide composed of sugar units such as galactose, 3,6-anhydrogalactose, and sulfate, mainly derived from red algae. It is known for its various bioactive properties such as antioxidant, antitumor, and anticoagulant activities, and is a valuable compound for applications in the food and pharmaceutical fields. Accurate characterization of porphyran is essential for understanding its structure-function relationship, optimizing its extraction and processing methods, developing porphyran downstream products, and ensuring the quality and efficacy of the final product. At CD BioGlyco, we provide our clients with comprehensive porphyran characterization services, including structural analysis, compositional analysis, impurity and contaminant analysis, and biological activity tests.
Porphyran Structural Analysis
We use a variety of sophisticated techniques to elucidate the complex structure of porphyran. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is used to identify the sequence and arrangement of sugar residues within the polysaccharide chain. Mass spectrometry (MS), including matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) and electrospray ionization (ESI), provides detailed molecular weight and sequence information. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) is used to identify characteristic functional groups and bonding patterns. X-ray diffraction (XRD) is used to understand the crystal structure and molecular conformation of porphyran.
Compositional Analysis
- Monosaccharide composition: Monosaccharide composition is analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or gas chromatography-MS (GC-MS) to determine the types and ratios of monosaccharides present.
- Degree of sulfation: Use colorimetry or MS to determine the degree and pattern of sulfate distribution, which affects porphyrin bioactivity.
Impurity and Contaminant Analysis
- Heavy metal detection: Heavy metals such as lead and arsenic are usually identified and quantified using techniques such as inductively coupled plasma-MS (ICP-MS) or atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS).
- Microbial contamination detection: Evaluate the presence of pathogens and microorganisms that may affect product safety, such as bacteria, molds, and yeasts.
- Protein and phenol content: Colorimetric analysis or spectrophotometry is used to measure the content of residual protein or phenolic compounds that may affect the purity and application of porphyran.
Biological Activity Test
Antioxidant activity: We measure the ability of porphyran to neutralize free radicals or reduce oxidative stress in model systems.
Antimicrobial activity: We test the efficacy of porphyran against various bacterial and fungal strains using commonly used methods such as minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) assays.
Cytotoxicity: 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) is used to evaluate the cytotoxicity of porphyran against various cell lines.
Publication
Technology: Antioxidant activity test
Journal: Coatings
IF: 2.9
Published: 2022
Results: The authors have developed a new method to extract porphyrins from available, and renewable raw materials. The method uses a small amount of green solvent hot water, has high yields and is easy to scale up. The semi-refined porphyrins obtained have good antioxidant properties such as hydrogen peroxide scavenging assay (HPSA), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). These porphyrins are used to develop biodegradable films for dry food packaging with high lipid content.
Fig.1 Scanning electron microscopy(SEM) images of the produced films. (Teles, et al., 2022)
Applications
- Pharmaceutical research and development: Porphyran is used in novel drug delivery systems and has shown potential as an excipient or bioactive compound.
- Functional food development: Detailed characterization and bioactivity studies aid in the development of porphyrans for functional foods with enhanced health benefits.
- Biomaterial development: Detailed characterization informs the development of biocompatible scaffolds for tissue regeneration using porphyran.
- Skin care formulation studies: Characterization of the moisturizing and antioxidant properties of porphyran to develop effective skin care formulations.
Advantages of Us
- We provide accurate and comprehensive porphyran characterization services such as molecular weight distribution and monosaccharide composition using cutting-edge instrumentation and methods to help clients understand the structure and properties of porphyrins in detail.
- Our team of highly trained professionals has deep expertise and experience in porphyrins and their unique properties, ensuring comprehensive and integrated insights for our clients.
- Strict quality control measures ensure the accuracy, reliability, and reproducibility of porphyran characterization data.
- Our services are flexible and adaptable, from basic characterization to in-depth research and downstream product development, ensuring that they meet your unique project requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I handle impure or mixed samples?
Yes, we handle impure or mixed samples. With advanced analytical techniques and an experienced team, we extract or pre-treat impure or mixed samples to obtain purified components to run the appropriate analysis, ensuring the accuracy and credibility of the test results.
What information will I receive in the final report?
The final report will include detailed analytical methods, instrument parameters, standard data, test results, spectra, etc. We also provide an explanation of the results and potential applications or impacts.
At CD BioGlyco, we perform comprehensive analysis and characterization of porphyrans using advanced technologies, ensuring high accuracy in structural, compositional, and impurity assessments. Please feel free to contact us for specific information on porphyran characterization.
References
- Teles, M.; et al. Development and characterization of films for food application incorporating porphyran extracted from Porphyra dioica. Coatings. 2022, 12: 148.
- From Wikipedia: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/7a/Gracilaria2.JPG.
