L-Isoleucine
One unit of:25kg/barrel
Product Info
What is L-Isoleucine?
L-Isoleucine is an essential branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) primarily used as a nutritional supplement to support muscle metabolism and as a flavoring agent in food and beverages.
How is L-Isoleucine made?
| Step No. | Production Stage | Key Action | Control Point & Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Medium Preparation | A fermentation medium is prepared by mixing a carbon source (e.g., glucose), nitrogen source (e.g., ammonia), mineral salts, and growth factors in purified water. | The entire medium must be sterilized (typically via heat treatment) to eliminate contaminating microbes. Nutrient concentrations and pH must be precisely controlled for optimal microbial growth. |
| 2 | Inoculum Development (Seed Culture) | A pure strain of a selected microorganism (e.g., Corynebacterium glutamicum) is cultivated in a series of progressively larger flasks and seed fermenters to produce a large, healthy cell population. | Aseptic technique is critical to prevent contamination. The culture must be in its active logarithmic growth phase before being transferred to the main fermenter. Monitor cell density and purity. |
| 3 | Fermentation | The prepared medium in the main fermenter is inoculated with the seed culture. Under controlled conditions, the microbes consume the nutrients and synthesize L-Isoleucine. | Critical parameters to control are Temperature, pH, Dissolved Oxygen (DO), and nutrient feeding rate. The process is monitored continuously to track L-Isoleucine concentration and biomass growth. |
| 4 | Broth Harvesting & Clarification | Once the fermentation is complete, the entire broth containing L-Isoleucine, microbial cells, and residual medium is harvested. The cells and other solids are removed. | Methods like centrifugation or microfiltration are used. The efficiency of cell removal is key to simplifying downstream purification. The clarified liquid (supernatant) is collected. |
| 5 | Purification | The clarified broth undergoes a series of purification steps to isolate the L-Isoleucine from other soluble impurities like salts, sugars, and other amino acids. | Ion-exchange chromatography is the primary method. Precise control of pH and flow rates is essential for efficient binding and elution. The resulting solution may be treated with activated carbon for decolorization. |
| 6 | Concentration & Crystallization | The purified L-Isoleucine solution is concentrated by removing water, typically using vacuum evaporation. The concentrated solution is then cooled and pH-adjusted to induce crystallization. | Concentration is done under vacuum to prevent heat degradation. The cooling rate and pH adjustment (to the isoelectric point) are critical for achieving high crystal yield and purity. |
| 7 | Drying & Sieving | The L-Isoleucine crystals are separated from the liquid (mother liquor) via filtration or centrifugation, washed, and then dried to a fine powder. | Drying is done under controlled low temperatures (e.g., in a vacuum or fluid bed dryer) to prevent degradation. The final moisture content must be below the specified limit. The product may be sieved for uniform particle size. |
| 8 | Quality Control & Packaging | The final powder is rigorously tested for purity, identity, heavy metals, microbial limits, and other specifications. It is then packaged into sealed, food-grade containers. | Analysis must conform to pharmacopeial standards (e.g., USP, EP, JP). HPLC analysis is key for assay and purity confirmation. Packaging is done in a controlled environment to prevent contamination. |
Technical Specifications
| CAS Number | 73-32-5 |
| Chemical Formula | C₆H₁₃NO₂ |
| Solubility | ☐ ~4% wt in water (~40 g/L at 25 °C); insoluble in ethanol/ether |
| Storage Conditions | Cool, dry, protected from light and moisture |
| Shelf Life | 24 Months |
Applications & Usage
Common Applications:
Mechanism of action:
| Parameter | L-Isoleucine |
|---|---|
| Functional Category | Nutrient (Essential Amino Acid); Flavoring Agent; Dough Conditioner |
| Key Ingredients | L-Isoleucine (C6H13NO2) |
| Mechanism of Action | As a nutrient, serves as an essential building block for protein synthesis in human metabolism. As a flavoring agent, it imparts a slightly bitter taste profile and acts as a precursor in Maillard reactions during thermal processing, contributing to the formation of characteristic savory and roasted aroma compounds. Can modify the overall taste profile by interacting with umami and salt receptors. |
| Application Effect in Product | Nutritional fortification of food products, especially in infant formula, sports nutrition, and plant-based protein alternatives. Enhances or balances the flavor profile in savory systems like soups, sauces, and seasonings. Contributes to color and aroma development in thermally processed foods (e.g., baked goods, roasted snacks). |
Comparison:
| Product Name | Category/Type | Key Features | Strengths (vs peers) | Weaknesses (vs peers) | Best Use Cases | Why Choose |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| L-Isoleucine | Branched-Chain Amino Acid (BCAA) | Metabolized in muscle; increases glucose uptake; aids hemoglobin formation. | More effective at promoting glucose uptake into muscle cells for energy than other BCAAs. | Less potent at stimulating muscle protein synthesis (MPS) compared to L-Leucine. Less effective alone than a complete blend. | Supporting muscle endurance during prolonged activity; aiding recovery with a focus on energy replenishment. | To specifically target muscle energy production and blood sugar regulation during exercise. |
| L-Leucine | Branched-Chain Amino Acid (BCAA) | Strongest activator of the mTOR pathway, which directly stimulates muscle protein synthesis. | The most anabolic BCAA; significantly superior for triggering muscle growth and repair. | High doses alone can deplete other BCAAs and may not be as effective for endurance as Isoleucine. | Maximizing muscle growth stimulus post-workout; preventing muscle breakdown during dieting. | When the primary goal is to initiate muscle protein synthesis after resistance training. |
| L-Valine | Branched-Chain Amino Acid (BCAA) | Supports muscle repair and energy; competes with tryptophan for entry into the brain. | May help reduce central fatigue during long workouts by limiting serotonin precursor uptake in the brain. | Least potent of the three BCAAs for directly stimulating muscle protein synthesis. | Reducing the perception of fatigue during endurance events or very long training sessions. | To potentially mitigate central nervous system fatigue during prolonged physical exertion. |
| BCAA Blend | Amino Acid Supplement | Provides L-Leucine, L-Isoleucine, and L-Valine, typically in a 2:1:1 ratio. | Offers a synergistic effect, preventing imbalances caused by supplementing a single BCAA. More effective for overall muscle support than one BCAA alone. | Incomplete for MPS as it lacks the other six essential amino acids found in EAA blends. | Intra-workout fuel to decrease muscle breakdown and fatigue; bridging the gap before a post-workout meal. | For a balanced approach to reducing muscle soreness and breakdown during a workout. |
| EAA Blend | Amino Acid Supplement | Contains all nine essential amino acids, including the three BCAAs. | Provides all the necessary building blocks for a robust muscle protein synthesis response; superior to BCAAs alone for building muscle. | More expensive than BCAA or single amino acid supplements; may have less of a specific BCAA than a targeted dose. | Comprehensive pre- or post-workout supplement to maximize muscle repair and growth; supporting low-protein diets. | For the most complete and effective amino acid support for muscle building and overall recovery. |
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