L-Alanine
One unit of:25kg/bag
Product Info
What is L-Alanine?
L-Alanine is a non-essential amino acid primarily used as a mild sweetener, flavor enhancer, and nutritional additive in the food and beverage industry.
How is L-Alanine made?
| Step No. | Production Stage | Key Action | Control Point & Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Raw Material Preparation | Dissolve the primary raw material, L-Aspartic Acid, in purified water to create a solution of a specific concentration. | The purity of the L-Aspartic Acid is crucial for the final product quality. The solution's pH and concentration are precisely adjusted to create optimal conditions for the enzyme. |
| 2 | Enzymatic Conversion | Introduce the biocatalyst, L-aspartate β-decarboxylase enzyme, to the solution. The enzyme converts L-Aspartic Acid into L-Alanine and carbon dioxide. | This is the core reaction step. Critical parameters are strictly controlled: Reaction Temperature (e.g., 30-50°C), pH level (e.g., 4.5-5.5), and Enzyme Activity. Conversion rate is monitored until completion. |
| 3 | Enzyme Inactivation & Decolorization | Heat the reaction mixture to denature and inactivate the enzyme. Add activated carbon to the solution to adsorb color and other impurities. | The heating temperature and duration must be sufficient to completely stop all enzymatic activity. The amount of activated carbon is carefully calculated to ensure effective purification without significant product loss. |
| 4 | Filtration | Filter the solution through a filter press or similar equipment to remove the inactivated enzyme protein, activated carbon, and any other solid matter. | The key objective is to obtain a clear, particle-free L-Alanine solution (filtrate). Filter integrity and clarity of the filtrate are monitored. |
| 5 | Crystallization | Concentrate the clear filtrate, typically under vacuum, and then cool it following a controlled temperature profile to induce the crystallization of L-Alanine. | The rate of cooling and the final temperature are critical factors that determine the crystal size, yield, and purity. Slow, controlled cooling promotes the growth of larger, purer crystals. |
| 6 | Centrifugation & Washing | Separate the L-Alanine crystals from the mother liquor using a centrifuge. The separated crystal cake is then washed with a small amount of purified water. | Efficient separation is key to maximizing yield. The wash step is vital for removing any remaining soluble impurities from the crystal surfaces. The purity of the wash water is essential. |
| 7 | Drying | Dry the washed, wet crystals in a vacuum or fluid bed dryer to remove all residual moisture. | Drying temperature must be kept low enough to prevent thermal degradation or discoloration of the L-Alanine. The process is complete when the final moisture content reaches the specification (e.g., <0.2%). |
| 8 | Sieving & Packaging | Sieve the dried L-Alanine to achieve a uniform particle size distribution. The final product is then packaged into clean, sealed, food-grade containers. | Packaging is performed in a controlled, clean environment to prevent microbial or cross-contamination. Final quality control analysis is conducted on the finished product to verify its purity, assay, and identity before release. |
Technical Specifications
| CAS Number | 56-41-7 |
| Chemical Formula | C₃H₇NO₂ |
| Solubility | Soluble in water (~167 g/L at 25 °C); insoluble in ethanol, ether |
| Storage Conditions | Cool, dry, <30 °C, protect from light and moisture |
| Shelf Life | 24 Months |
Applications & Usage
Common Applications:
Mechanism of action:
| Parameter | L-Alanine |
|---|---|
| Functional Category | Flavor Enhancer; Nutrient; Sweetness Enhancer; Masking Agent |
| Key Ingredients | L-Alanine (non-essential amino acid) |
| Mechanism of Action | Binds to T1R2/T1R3 sweet taste receptors on the tongue, contributing a mild, clean sweetness. Acts synergistically with umami compounds (MSG, nucleotides) to enhance and round out savory flavors. Can mask or reduce undesirable bitter or metallic off-notes from other ingredients like artificial sweeteners or potassium chloride. Participates as a precursor in Maillard reactions during heating to develop desirable browned flavors and aromas. |
| Application Effect in Product | Improves the palatability and overall flavor profile of processed foods, beverages, and seasonings. Provides a subtle sweetness to balance and enhance savory systems like soups, sauces, and broths. Reduces the perception of bitterness in low-sodium products or those containing high-intensity sweeteners. Contributes to flavor development in baked goods and fermented products. Used in nutritional supplements and sports drinks as a protein source. |
Comparison:
| Product Name | Category/Type | Key Features | Strengths (vs peers) | Weaknesses (vs peers) | Best Use Cases | Why Choose |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| L-Alanine | Non-Essential Amino Acid | Participates in the glucose-alanine cycle for energy; building block for protein. | Directly contributes to gluconeogenesis, providing a fuel source during exercise. | Less potent for specific performance goals like endurance or peak power compared to specialized alternatives. | Supporting energy metabolism during prolonged activity; supplementing general amino acid pools. | For direct support of glucose production from protein during endurance events or when other energy sources are low. |
| Beta-Alanine | Non-Essential Amino Acid | Precursor to carnosine, which buffers acid in muscles. | Significantly increases muscular endurance and delays fatigue in high-intensity efforts (1-4 minutes). | Can cause a temporary tingling sensation (paresthesia); does not directly build muscle mass. | High-intensity exercise like interval training, weightlifting (higher reps), and sprinting. | To specifically fight muscle burn and extend performance in short-to-moderate duration, high-intensity activities. |
| L-Glutamine | Conditionally Essential Amino Acid | Supports muscle recovery, immune function, and gut health. | Excellent for reducing muscle soreness and supporting the immune system post-exercise. | Minimal direct impact on performance metrics like strength or endurance during a workout. | Post-workout recovery; periods of intense training stress; supporting gut integrity. | When the primary goal is enhanced recovery, reduced soreness, and immune support, not intra-workout performance. |
| BCAAs (Leucine, Isoleucine, Valine) | Essential Amino Acids | Leucine stimulates Muscle Protein Synthesis (MPS); can be used as an intra-workout energy source. | Directly signals muscle building pathways; can reduce central fatigue and prevent muscle breakdown. | Less effective if overall dietary protein intake is already optimal; provides incomplete protein profile. | Fasted training; intra-workout fuel for long sessions; kick-starting recovery. | To prevent muscle catabolism and stimulate muscle repair, especially when training in a fasted state or during long workouts. |
| L-Citrulline | Non-Essential Amino Acid | Increases nitric oxide production, improving blood flow and nutrient delivery. | Enhances muscle pumps, improves endurance, and aids in clearing metabolic waste like ammonia. | Indirectly supports performance; does not directly fuel muscle cells or build protein. | Pre-workout for enhanced blood flow, endurance, and reduced fatigue in resistance and aerobic exercise. | To improve muscular endurance and get better "pumps" by increasing blood flow and nutrient delivery to muscles. |
| Creatine Monohydrate | Amino Acid Derivative | Increases phosphocreatine stores for rapid ATP (energy) regeneration. | Extensively proven to increase maximal strength, power output, and lean muscle mass. Very cost-effective. | Requires consistent daily intake to be effective; can cause initial water weight gain. | Strength sports, powerlifting, sprinting, and any activity requiring short bursts of maximal effort. | For a reliable and significant boost in strength, power, and muscle growth. It is the gold standard for performance. |
Technical Documents
Available Documentation
COA, MSDS, technical dossier
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
Provided
Certificate of Analysis (COA)
Quality assurance documentation
Technical Data Sheet
Detailed technical specifications