N-Terminal Amino Acid Sequencer
The N-terminal amino acid sequencer, also known as an amino acid sequence analyzer, is a device designed to determine the sequence of amino acids in proteins or peptides. This technology employs the Edman degradation method, which involves a series of chemical reactions to sequentially identify each amino acid from the N-terminal (amino terminus) of a protein or peptide.
The operational foundation of the N-terminal amino acid sequencer lies in Edman degradation. This technique uses specific chemical reagents, such as phenylisothiocyanate, to selectively detach N-terminal amino acids from a protein chain. During each cycle, the protein's free amino terminus reacts with the Edman reagent to form a stable derivative. This derivative is then cleaved under controlled acidic conditions and subsequently analyzed and quantified through high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).
Equipment Structure
A typical N-terminal amino acid sequencer comprises several key components:
1. Reaction Chamber
This chamber facilitates the Edman degradation reactions and contains the vessel where protein samples are immobilized.
2. Elution System
This system cleans the reaction chamber after each degradation cycle to remove any unreacted reagents and cleaved amino acid derivatives.
3. Analytical System
An HPLC system is generally used to separate and quantify the cleaved amino acid derivatives.
Applications
N-terminal amino acid sequencers are extensively applied in biological sciences and biotechnology, notably in protein chemistry, molecular biology, drug discovery and development, and biomarker research. By determining the amino acid sequence of proteins or peptides, insights into their structure and function can be gained, providing crucial information for biological research and drug development. While operating and maintaining these devices demands specialized expertise, their application potential in the fields of biological science and biotechnology remains significant.
MtoZ Biolabs, an integrated chromatography and mass spectrometry (MS) services provider.
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