| Field | Specification |
|---|---|
| Mfr No | |
| Assay Time | |
| Detection Method | |
| Product Type | |
| Sample Type(s) | Serum, urine etc |
| Shipping | |
| Species | |
| Storage |
Overview
For quantitative determination of L-phenylalanine and evaluation of drug effects on its metabolism. The assay uses FL530/595nm for signal readout. Compatible sample input includes Serum, urine etc. Typical stated assay timing is 30 min.
Key elements and design rationale
- Readout format: FL530/595nm supports plate-based signal acquisition and consistent comparison across matched samples.
- Sample compatibility: The stated sample scope includes Serum, urine etc, which is useful when aligning matrix type with calibration and control design.
- Analytical range context: The supplied specifications include a stated detection limit of 2 µM for interpreting low-signal samples.
- Feature emphasis: Safe. Non-radioactive assay.
Additional feature notes highlight Sensitive and accurate. Linear detection range of 2 – 300 µM L-phenylalanine; Convenient and high-throughput. Homogeneous “mix-incubate-measure” type assay. No wash and reagent transfer steps are involved. Can be readily automated on HTS liquid handling systems for processing thousands of samples per day. Available format information for this listing includes 100 Tests.
Biological background
This product is centered on measurement of phenylalanine within the matrices described for the assay. In practice, datasets from this type of format are typically interpreted by comparing relative signal, activity, or abundance across matched control and experimental groups rather than relying on a single value in isolation. Careful alignment of sample matrix, incubation window, and calibration strategy is important when comparing results across plates, operators, or study days.
More details
L-Phenylalanine is one of the twenty common amino acids and an important precursor for several key signal molecules such as dopamine, norepinephrine, epinephrine, and the skin pigment melanin. It is found naturally in the breast milk of mammals and used as a nutritional supplement in food and drink products. The genetic disorder phenylketonuria is the inability to metabolize phenylalanine. Individuals with this disorder are known as “phenylketonurics”. Individuals who cannot metabolize phenylalanine must monitor their intake of protein to control the buildup of phenylalanine. BioAssay Systems’ L-Phenylalanine Assay Kit provides a convenient fluorimetric means to measure L-phenylalanine in biological samples. In the assay, L-phenylalanine is oxidized by phenylalanine dehydrogenase, producing NADH, which reduces a fluorescent dye to a highly fluorescent product. The resulting fluorescence intensity (λex/em = 530/585 nm) is linear to the L-phenylalanine concentration in the sample.
Detection method
Fluorescent (FL 530/595 nm).
Detection limit and analytical sensitivity
Reported detection limit: 2 µM.
Procedures and timing
Stated procedure or timing information: 30 min.
Research relevance and current trends
- Plate-based quantification and side-by-side group comparison remain central use cases for this assay format.
- The product notes emphasize multi-sample throughput, making it relevant for screening-oriented and larger batch comparison studies.
- The description supports intervention-focused study designs in which researchers compare baseline and perturbed conditions.
Common research applications
- Quantify phenylalanine in serum, urine by FL530/595 nm readout.
- Compare treatment or phenotype groups using matched serum, urine handling.
- Monitor time-course or pre/post changes in serum, urine across study conditions.
Interpretation is usually strongest when signal changes are assessed alongside matrix-matched controls, replicate agreement, and the assay's stated analytical window.
Notes for experimental interpretation
- Matrix composition, background signal, and sample handling can influence apparent response; compare like-with-like whenever possible.
- Use appropriate blanks, controls, and replicate wells to distinguish biological differences from plate, reagent, or handling variability.
For laboratories requiring additional technical capacity, we provide scientific support services including assay execution, method guidance, product sourcing, and customization to align the assay with specific experimental objectives. If you need assistance selecting the appropriate kit configuration, adapting the workflow to your application, or identifying related research services, please click Talk to a Scientist, email support@biohippo.com, or review our Research Services; a member of our scientific team will follow up with recommendations tailored to your study.
MRNA therapy for phenylketonuria
DeRosa, F., Heartlein, M., & Dias, A. (2016). MRNA therapy for phenylketonuria. U.S. Patent No. 9,522,176. Assay: Phenylalanine in human serum.
