L-Phenylalanine
Amino Acids
Nutritional Enhancers
Flavoring Agents
63-91-2
C₉H₁₁NO₂
$7.02 ~ $10.53
Food
Free sample from 100g(NF)
One unit of:Unknown
One unit of:Unknown
25kg/drum
Product Info
What is L-Phenylalanine?
L-Phenylalanine is an essential amino acid used as a nutritional supplement, a building block for proteins, and a flavor enhancer in the food industry.
How is L-Phenylalanine made?
| Step No. | Production Stage | Key Action | Control Point & Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Seed Culture Preparation | Cultivate a high-yielding, genetically modified microbial strain (e.g., E. coli) in a small-scale seed fermenter. | Strain purity is critical. Aseptic techniques must be rigorously maintained to prevent contamination. Monitor growth parameters like temperature and pH. |
| 2 | Main Fermentation | Transfer the seed culture to a large, sterile industrial fermenter containing a nutrient-rich medium (glucose, nitrogen source, etc.). | This is the core production step. Precise control of pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, and nutrient feed rate is essential to maximize L-Phenylalanine yield. |
| 3 | Biomass Removal | Harvest the fermentation broth and separate the microbial cells (biomass) from the L-Phenylalanine-rich liquid supernatant. | Typically achieved via centrifugation or microfiltration. Efficient separation is key to maximizing the recovery of the crude product solution. |
| 4 | Primary Purification | Pass the cell-free broth through an ion-exchange chromatography column to selectively capture the L-Phenylalanine. | The pH of the broth is adjusted to ensure L-Phenylalanine binds effectively to the resin. Activated carbon may be used first to remove color impurities. |
| 5 | Elution & Concentration | Wash the column and then release (elute) the bound L-Phenylalanine using an eluting solution (e.g., ammonia solution). Concentrate the resulting solution. | Concentration is performed using vacuum evaporation at low temperatures to prevent thermal degradation of the product. |
| 6 | Crystallization | Adjust the pH of the concentrated solution to the isoelectric point of L-Phenylalanine, causing it to precipitate out as crystals. Cool the solution slowly. | The final pH adjustment and cooling rate are critical control points that determine the purity, yield, and crystal size of the final product. |
| 7 | Crystal Separation & Drying | Separate the L-Phenylalanine crystals from the mother liquor via filtration or centrifugation, wash them, and then dry them under vacuum. | Final moisture content must be strictly controlled to meet specifications and ensure product stability. Low drying temperatures are used to avoid degradation. |
| 8 | Sieving & Packaging | Sieve the dried crystals to achieve a uniform particle size distribution. Package the final product into sealed, approved containers. | Final quality control checks for purity, heavy metals, and microbiological contaminants are performed. Packaging occurs in a clean environment to prevent contamination. |
Technical Specifications
| CAS Number | 63-91-2 |
| Chemical Formula | C₉H₁₁NO₂ |
| Solubility | Slightly soluble in water |
| Storage Conditions | Keep sealed, dry and cool storage |
| Shelf Life | 24 Months |
Applications & Usage
Common Applications:
Beverages
dietary supplements
pharmaceuticals
food formulations
Mechanism of action:
| Parameter | L-Phenylalanine |
|---|---|
| Functional Category | Flavoring Agent; Flavor Precursor; Nutrient Supplement. |
| Key Ingredients | (S)-2-Amino-3-phenylpropanoic acid (L-Phenylalanine). |
| Mechanism of Action | Acts as a primary precursor in the Maillard reaction when heated with reducing sugars, generating characteristic aroma compounds (e.g., phenylacetaldehyde) responsible for honey, floral, and cocoa notes. Also serves as an essential amino acid for protein synthesis, contributing to the nutritional profile of fortified foods. |
| Application Effect in Product | Develops browned color and complex roasted, floral, or honey-like aromas in baked goods, savory snacks, and reaction flavors. Enhances and modifies flavor profiles in chocolate and confectionery. Provides nutritional fortification in dietary supplements, infant formulas, and medical foods. |
Comparison:
| Product Name | Category/Type | Key Features | Strengths (vs peers) | Weaknesses (vs peers) | Best Use Cases | Why Choose |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| L-Phenylalanine | Essential Amino Acid / Nootropic Precursor | Direct precursor to L-Tyrosine, which then converts to dopamine and norepinephrine. | Acts as a reservoir, allowing the body to regulate its own L-Tyrosine production as needed. Foundational support. | Less direct for acute cognitive boosts than L-Tyrosine; conversion is a rate-limiting step. Must be avoided by individuals with PKU. | Long-term daily support for mood, alertness, and maintaining healthy neurotransmitter levels. | For a gentle, upstream approach to supporting the entire dopamine pathway, letting the body manage conversion. |
| DL-Phenylalanine (DLPA) | Amino Acid Mixture | A 50/50 mix of L-Phenylalanine (neurotransmitter precursor) and D-Phenylalanine (may inhibit endorphin breakdown). | Dual-action approach; supports both catecholamine production (L-form) and the endorphin system (D-form). | Less targeted for focus than pure L-forms or L-Tyrosine. The effects of the D-form can be subtle or vary between individuals. | Supporting mood and focus while also addressing physical discomfort or seeking an enhanced sense of well-being. | When seeking a combined effect on both the dopamine system for alertness and the endorphin system for comfort. |
| L-Tyrosine | Non-Essential Amino Acid / Nootropic | A direct precursor to L-DOPA, dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. Bypasses L-Phenylalanine conversion. | More direct and faster-acting for cognitive enhancement under stress. Considered more potent for acute focus needs. | Bypasses the body's natural regulation step, which may be less ideal for long-term, sustained support. | Improving cognitive performance, focus, and stress resilience during acute, demanding situations like sleep deprivation or deadlines. | For a more immediate and noticeable impact on focus and mental performance, especially when under stress. |
| N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine (NALT) | Acetylated Amino Acid / Nootropic | A modified form of L-Tyrosine with higher water solubility, purported to have better bioavailability. | Superior solubility makes it easy to dissolve in water. May cross the blood-brain barrier more easily for some users. | Evidence is mixed; some studies suggest it is less efficient than standard L-Tyrosine at raising brain tyrosine levels. | Users who prefer a supplement that mixes easily in liquids or who did not respond to standard L-Tyrosine. | To experiment with a different form of Tyrosine that may offer better absorption for your individual biochemistry. |
| L-Tryptophan | Essential Amino Acid / Mood Support | Precursor to 5-HTP, which converts to the neurotransmitter serotonin and the hormone melatonin. | Targets the serotonin pathway, promoting relaxation, positive mood, and sleep rather than stimulation. | Can cause drowsiness; not suitable for tasks requiring alertness. Competes with other amino acids for absorption. | Supporting a calm and stable mood, managing stress, and promoting healthy sleep patterns. | To address mood and sleep by supporting the serotonin system, which is distinct from the stimulating dopamine pathway. |
Technical Documents
Available Documentation
COA, TDS available
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
MSDS available
Certificate of Analysis (COA)
Quality assurance documentation
Technical Data Sheet
Detailed technical specifications