Stable Isotopes

Applications for Stable Isotopes

The use of our stable isotope-labeled compounds in metabolic and nutritional studies provides a means to dissect biochemical pathways. The availability of isotopically labeled compounds for basic scientific research permits the examination of the role of metabolic pathways in maintaining physiological states. In vivo studies using stable isotope labeled metabolites reveal important aspects of metabolism, including pathways and flux.

An important tool for high-resolution structure determination by NMR spectroscopy is the use of stable isotope-labeled biomolecules. By either selectively or uniformly incorporating stable isotopes into proteins, investigators can reduce the complexity of their spectra significantly. ¹³C, ¹⁵N, and deuterium are the most common isotopes incorporated into proteins through microbial expression systems, peptide synthesis, or with cell-free extracts.

The use of stable isotope compounds in medical imaging, in conjunction with ¹³C-MRS in vivo techniques, provides a method to explore fluxes through energy-related metabolic pathways for early diagnosis and treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders, cancer, and other diseases.

For these and many other applications, we offer a comprehensive portfolio of isotope labeled carbohydrates, amino acids, protected amino acids, metabolites, fatty acids, vitamins, steroids, other biologically-active compounds, and cell culture media and components. We also provide isotopically-labeled synthetic building blocks for researchers who prefer to make their own compounds. With our expertise in isotope synthesis, we stand ready to provide custom compounds for all of your specific needs.