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Protein Analysis Services

Protein Analysis Services

Protein Analysis Services

NJ Labs offers several methods for testing protein content or potency, each with their own advantages and suitability depending upon your testing requirements. We can also perform microbiology and metals testing for proteins depending upon the characteristics of the sample being tested. Here are the methods we use for protein analysis testing:

  1. Modified Dumas vs. The Kjeldahl Method: The Modified Dumas method is a faster and more modern approach to determine nitrogen content in a protein sample. This method replaces the traditional Kjeldahl method, a classical wet chemistry technique involving multiple steps that make it more cumbersome to perform and a less reliable to use. The primary purpose of the Modified Dumas method is to quantify the nitrogen content within a protein sample. Since proteins contain a relatively consistent percentage of nitrogen (approximately 16%), measuring nitrogen content allows for the calculation of a protein concentration in each sample. The nitrogen content is then used to calculate protein content using a conversion factor. This method is based on the principle that nitrogen in organic compounds is converted to nitrogen gas (N2) during high-temperature combustion. The nitrogen content in the sample is calculated using the ideal gas law (PV = nRT), where P is pressure, V is volume, n is the number of moles of nitrogen, R is the ideal gas constant, and T is the absolute temperature. The volume of nitrogen gas produced is then measured, allowing for the calculation of the nitrogen content in the sample, which can be used to determine the protein content using a conversion factor specific to the type of protein being analyzed. At NJ Labs, we perform Modified Dumas Method testing utilizing a Thermo Scientific Flash 2000 Elemental Analyzer. This instrument automates the entire process and provides a rapid and accurate determination of protein content in various samples, making it a valuable tool in nutritional analysis, food quality control, and biological research. It is known for its accuracy and precision in protein analysis.
  2. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC): High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) is a powerful analytical technique used for the separation, identification, and quantification of individual components in a mixture. It is widely used in various fields, including chemistry, biochemistry, pharmaceuticals, and food science. HPLC is an advancement of traditional liquid chromatography, offering improved performance, speed, and sensitivity. We perform HPLC using post column derivatization to improve sensitivity and selectivity in the detection of specific compounds. Common examples of post-column derivatization include the derivatization of amino acids, carbohydrates, and other functional groups. By converting the analytes into derivatives with improved detectability, you can achieve better quantification and identification of compounds in complex samples. HPLC utilizing post column derivatization is valuable in various applications, such as drug development, quality control of pharmaceuticals, food testing, biochemical research, but is often used to analyze and quantify specific proteins or peptides in pharmaceuticals. It offers high sensitivity and specificity, making it suitable for protein analysis in complex mixtures.
  3. Mass Spectrometry (MS): MS is a versatile analytical technique used for the identification and quantification of various compounds including proteins. It works by separating ions based on their mass-to-charge ratio (m/z) and measuring their abundance. Overall, mass spectrometry is a versatile tool for protein analysis, enabling identification, quantification, and characterization of proteins in complex mixtures, such as biological samples or purified protein samples.
  4. Amino Acids Analysis: : Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, but they are not considered complete proteins themselves. Proteins are large, complex molecules made up of long chains of amino acids linked together by peptide bonds. Each protein is composed of a specific sequence of amino acids arranged in a particular way, which determines its unique structure and function. When amino acids are linked together through peptide bonds in a specific sequence, they form a polypeptide chain, which is a precursor to a protein. The polypeptide chain can fold and interact with other chains to form a functional protein with a specific three-dimensional structure and function. Since there are 20 standard amino acids commonly found in proteins, NJ Labs is also highly skilled in amino acids analysis. You can learn more about our Amino Acids testing capabilities here

Whey Protein Analysis

NJ Labs also specializes in performing whey protein finished product testing for the Supplements Industry. Several types of analyses can be performed (from the methods described above) to assess the quality and characteristics of your whey protein sample, with the choice of testing methods dependent upon the specific parameters you would like to evaluate. Parameters could include the product’s intended use, quality standards, and regulatory requirements. For whey protein intended for nutritional supplements or food products, it’s essential to ensure protein content and safety.

Contact us to learn more