Sesquiterpene Lactone Analysis Service

What is Sesquiterpene Lactone?

Sesquiterpene lactones, often found in various plant species, are a subgroup of terpenoids. What sets them apart is their distinctive 15-carbon backbone, known as a sesquiterpene, which is coupled with a lactone ring. This combination of structural elements confers upon sesquiterpene lactones their unique chemical and biological properties.

One of the remarkable features of sesquiterpene lactones is their chemical diversity. These compounds exist in a multitude of structural variants, each characterized by variations in the lactone ring and the sesquiterpene moiety. This diversity results in a wide range of bioactivities, making sesquiterpene lactones a treasure trove for researchers in search of novel therapeutic agents.

Within the plant kingdom, sesquiterpene lactones serve as a formidable line of defense. When herbivores or pathogens threaten a plant, these compounds are often the first line of protection. Their bitterness deters herbivores from consuming the plant, while their antimicrobial properties help combat invading pathogens. Additionally, the characteristic odor associated with some sesquiterpene lactones can repel potential threats.

The study of sesquiterpene lactones goes far beyond their role in plant defense. Researchers are increasingly drawn to these compounds due to their potential in various fields, including medicine, agriculture, and ecology. Understanding sesquiterpene lactones at a molecular level can unlock their therapeutic potential, shed light on plant interactions with the environment, and offer new avenues for crop protection.

Chemical structures of selected sesquiterpene lactones

Sesquiterpene Lactone Analysis Project in Creative Proteomics

Creative Proteomics offers a comprehensive sesquiterpene lactone analysis service that includes the following specific projects:

Sesquiterpene Lactone Identification: Accurate identification of sesquiterpene lactones present in a given sample.

Quantitative Analysis: Precise quantification of sesquiterpene lactone levels in samples.

Metabolite Profiling: Profiling of sesquiterpene lactone metabolites to understand their distribution in biological systems.

Structural Elucidation: Determination of the chemical structure of sesquiterpene lactones using advanced spectroscopic techniques.

Bioactivity Assessment: Evaluation of the biological activities of sesquiterpene lactones, such as their anti-inflammatory or anti-cancer properties.

Sesquiterpene Lactone Assay Platforms

High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HRMS)

HRMS is a cornerstone technique in our sesquiterpene lactone analysis. The Orbitrap Fusion™ Tribrid™ Mass Spectrometer stands at the forefront of HRMS technology. This instrument offers exceptional resolving power and mass accuracy, enabling the precise determination of the molecular weight of sesquiterpene lactones.

HRMS is particularly advantageous when dealing with complex samples, as it can resolve closely eluting compounds, minimizing the risk of false positives or negatives in the analysis.

Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS)

The Agilent 1290 Infinity II LC System, in conjunction with the Agilent 6545 Q-TOF Mass Spectrometer, forms a powerful combination for the separation and quantification of sesquiterpene lactones.

This LC-MS system excels in providing high sensitivity, resolution, and mass accuracy. It enables us to separate sesquiterpene lactones from complex matrices and precisely quantify their concentrations, even in trace amounts. Moreover, the Q-TOF (Quadrupole Time-of-Flight) technology enhances the accuracy of mass measurements, facilitating the identification of sesquiterpene lactones in samples.

Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS)

For the analysis of volatile sesquiterpene lactones, we employ GC-MS using the Agilent 7890B Gas Chromatograph and Agilent 5977B Mass Spectrometer. This combination excels in separating and detecting volatile compounds with precision.

GC-MS is particularly useful when studying sesquiterpene lactones that exhibit low boiling points or are prone to vaporization. The GC-MS system ensures accurate and reproducible results in such cases, contributing to the comprehensiveness of our analysis.

Sample Requirements for Sesquiterpene Lactone Assay

Applications of Sesquiterpene Lactone Analysis

Drug Discovery: Sesquiterpene lactones, with their complex chemical structures and diverse biological activities, offer promise as potential drug candidates. Our analysis aids in identifying novel compounds for pharmaceutical research.

Agriculture and Crop Protection: Understanding sesquiterpene lactones is crucial in developing eco-friendly strategies for pest control and crop protection, reducing reliance on chemical pesticides.

Phytochemical Research: Our analysis contributes to a deeper understanding of plant biochemistry and ecological interactions, shedding light on plant adaptation, evolution, and ecological relationships.

Food and Flavor Industry: Certain sesquiterpene lactones are responsible for the characteristic bitterness and aroma of foods and beverages. Our analysis aids in food product development and flavor enhancement.

Environmental Monitoring: Sesquiterpene lactone analysis can be employed in environmental studies to assess plant health and the impact of environmental stressors, providing valuable insights into ecosystem dynamics.

Data Analysis for Sesquiterpene Lactone Assay

Reference

1. Salapovic, Helena, Johannes Geier, and Gottfried Reznicek. "Quantification of sesquiterpene lactones in asteraceae plant extracts: Evaluation of their allergenic potential." Scientia Pharmaceutica 81.3 (2013): 807-818.