L-tryptophan
Amino Acids
Nutritional Enhancers
73-22-3
C₁₁H₁₂N₂O₂
$11.66 ~ $17.49
USP32
Free sample from 100g(NF)
One unit of:25kg/barrel
One unit of:25kg/barrel
25kg/drum
Product Info
What is L-tryptophan?
L-Tryptophan is an essential amino acid used primarily as a dietary supplement and food fortifier for its role as a precursor to the neurotransmitters serotonin and melatonin, supporting healthy sleep and mood regulation.
How is L-tryptophan made?
| Step No. | Production Stage | Key Action | Control Point & Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fermentation | Cultivate a high-yield strain of microorganisms (e.g., engineered E. coli) in a nutrient-rich broth to produce L-Tryptophan. | Control of key fermentation parameters is critical: pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, and nutrient feed rate. Strain purity and sterility of the medium must be maintained to prevent contamination and ensure high yield. |
| 2 | Broth Clarification | Separate the microbial cells (biomass) from the fermentation broth containing the dissolved L-Tryptophan. | Typically achieved via centrifugation or microfiltration. Efficient removal of cells and solids is essential to prevent fouling and interference in subsequent purification steps. |
| 3 | Purification | Pass the clarified broth through one or more ion-exchange chromatography columns to selectively bind the L-Tryptophan and separate it from impurities like salts, sugars, and other organic acids. | Precise control of pH, flow rate, and eluent concentration is crucial for effective separation and achieving high purity. The condition and regeneration of the resin are monitored closely. |
| 4 | Concentration & Crystallization | Concentrate the purified L-Tryptophan solution using vacuum evaporation, followed by controlled cooling to induce crystallization. | Evaporation must be done under low temperature and high vacuum to prevent thermal degradation. A controlled cooling profile is vital for forming crystals of the desired size and purity. |
| 5 | Crystal Harvesting & Washing | Separate the L-Tryptophan crystals from the remaining liquid (mother liquor) via centrifugation and wash them with purified water. | Washing is performed with a minimal amount of cold, purified water to remove surface impurities without significantly dissolving the product crystals. |
| 6 | Drying | Dry the washed crystals to remove residual moisture and achieve the final product specification. | Drying is typically performed in a vacuum or fluid bed dryer at low temperatures to prevent product discoloration and degradation. The final moisture content is a critical quality parameter. |
| 7 | Sieving & Packaging | Sieve the dried powder to ensure a uniform particle size and then package it into sealed, protective containers. | Performed in a controlled clean room environment to prevent any microbial or foreign particle contamination. Package integrity is verified to protect the product from moisture, light, and oxygen. |
Technical Specifications
| CAS Number | 73-22-3 |
| Chemical Formula | C₁₁H₁₂N₂O₂ |
| Solubility | Soluble in water (≈11.4 g/L at 25 °C); soluble in hot alcohol, dilute acids/alkalies; insoluble in ether/chloroform |
| Storage Conditions | Cool, dry, dark; avoid strong light and heat |
| Shelf Life | 24 Months |
Applications & Usage
Common Applications:
Dietary supplements
nutritious foods
feed additive
pharmaceutical precursor (serotonin/melatonin)
biochemical research
Mechanism of action:
| Parameter | L-Tryptophan |
|---|---|
| Functional Category | Nutrient (Essential Amino Acid); Flavor Enhancer; Processing Aid |
| Key Ingredients | L-Tryptophan (C11H12N2O2) |
| Mechanism of Action | As a nutrient, serves as an essential amino acid for protein synthesis and a metabolic precursor for serotonin and niacin (Vitamin B3). As a flavor enhancer, it participates in Maillard reactions during thermal processing, creating savory and complex flavor compounds. Can also be used to balance or mask bitter notes from other ingredients. |
| Application Effect in Product | Nutritional fortification of infant formulas, dietary supplements, and specialized foods. Enhances savory (umami) flavor profiles in soups, sauces, and seasonings. Improves the overall taste balance in complex food systems. Contributes to the development of desirable brown color and roasted aromas in baked or heated products. |
Comparison:
| Product Name | Category/Type | Key Features | Strengths (vs peers) | Weaknesses (vs peers) | Best Use Cases | Why Choose |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| L-Tryptophan | Essential Amino Acid | Natural precursor to serotonin, melatonin, and niacin (Vitamin B3). | Gentler, more physiological action as the body regulates conversion; less risk of overstimulation. Provides building blocks for multiple pathways. | Slower acting and less direct than 5-HTP or melatonin. Must compete with other amino acids to cross the blood-brain barrier. | Long-term mood support, improving sleep quality over time, for those sensitive to more direct supplements. | For a holistic, body-regulated approach to improving both mood and sleep, allowing natural conversion based on physiological need. |
| 5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) | Amino Acid Derivative | A direct precursor to serotonin, one step closer than L-tryptophan. | More potent and faster-acting for raising serotonin levels as it bypasses the rate-limiting conversion step from tryptophan. | Higher risk of gastrointestinal side effects (nausea); can bypass the body's natural regulation, potentially leading to excess serotonin. | Targeted mood enhancement, appetite suppression, and sleep support when a stronger, more direct effect is desired. | When a faster and more direct increase in serotonin is the primary goal. |
| Melatonin | Hormone | Directly regulates the sleep-wake cycle (circadian rhythm). | Extremely effective and fast-acting specifically for inducing sleep and regulating the circadian rhythm. | Does not directly support mood or serotonin production. Can cause next-day grogginess or disrupt natural hormone production with long-term use. | Jet lag, shift work sleep disorder, short-term insomnia, or resetting an irregular sleep schedule. | For direct and immediate sleep cycle regulation, not mood support. |
| GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid) | Inhibitory Neurotransmitter | Acts to calm the nervous system, reducing neuronal excitability. | Promotes a direct feeling of relaxation and calm, effectively reducing anxiety and stress. | Effectiveness is debated due to questions about its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier when taken orally. | Reducing acute feelings of stress and anxiety; promoting relaxation before sleep. | For managing anxiety and stress through a calming mechanism, independent of the serotonin pathway. |
| L-Theanine | Amino Acid | Found in tea leaves; promotes a state of "calm alertness" without drowsiness. | Reduces anxiety and stress while improving focus; non-sedating and has very few side effects. | Not a primary sleep aid or sedative; its effects on sleep are secondary to its calming properties. | Daytime anxiety management, improving focus under pressure, reducing caffeine jitters, promoting mental relaxation before bed. | For non-drowsy relaxation and improved mental clarity, especially during the day. |
| Valerian Root | Herbal Supplement | Traditional herbal remedy with mild sedative and anxiolytic properties. | Well-established history of use for insomnia; works through a different mechanism (GABA receptor interaction). | Effectiveness and dosage can be inconsistent between products. Has a strong, often unpleasant odor. Can cause morning grogginess for some. | Mild to moderate insomnia, nervous tension, and anxiety where a natural herbal sedative is preferred. | For a traditional, herbal approach to sedation and sleep improvement. |
Technical Documents
Available Documentation
COA, MSDS, technical dossier, certificate of analysis
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
Provided
Certificate of Analysis (COA)
Quality assurance documentation
Technical Data Sheet
Detailed technical specifications