Agar Analysis Perfected: Choose CD BioGlyco for Reliable Results
CD BioGlyco is a leading biotechnology company that offers numerous Pharmaceutical Excipient Analysis Services, including agar analysis. Agar is a mixture that consists of agaropectin and agarose and is mainly derived from marine algae. The structure of agarose is shown in the picture below. It is composed of D-galactose and (3,6)-anhydro-L-galactose and exhibits varying structures and properties. It is a primary component of agar and is highly gel-forming due to its α-(1,3) and β-(1,4) linkages, independent of cations. As agar is soluble in neutral or alkaline conditions and maintains a neutral surface charge in a variety of pH levels, it can be used in a variety of applications. Its applications include:
- Temperature-responsive microcapsules for cell delivery and controlled release facilitated by its stable surface charge
- The development of biodegradable amphiphilic co-network gels capable of pH-triggered drug release
![The structure of an agarose polymer. (CD BioGlyco)](https://www.bioglyco.com/wp-content/themes/glycobio/img/4-14-3-35-agar-analysis-service-1.jpg)
By leveraging state-of-the-art methodologies, we meticulously evaluate the multinomial parameters of agar to guarantee accurate results to our clients. According to the specific demands of clients, we provide tailor-made analysis solutions for clients.
- We will analyze multiple physical states of agar, including but not limited to linear agar, powdered agar, and block agar. These forms are used in a variety of medicinal and biotechnological applications. We use different methods to analyze samples of different forms.
- Linear agar appears to be thin strips, ranging from off-white to pale yellow; semitransparent, with wrinkled surfaces, slight glossiness, flexible, soft, brittle, and resistant to easy breaks. Upon complete drying, it is prone to breaking down and fragmentation.
- Powdered agar is a fine granular or flaky powder, colorless to pale yellow. When placed on a slide with cold water and photographed under a microscope, it appears to be colorless, irregular, polygonal mucilaginous particles.
- Multiple analytical methods will be utilized to ensure that our identification is unmistakable and accurate.
- We add the sample to water, boil it with continuous stirring until it dissolves, then add hot water to compensate for any evaporation. Cool the mixture and it will form a semi-transparent, elastic gel. If heated to a high temperature, it will turn back into a liquid.
- Immerse the sample in an iodine solution. After a few minutes, it stains brown-black. We will remove the sample from the solution and soak it in water, where it gradually turns purple.
- The sample will be added to water and heated until it dissolves. Then we add hydrochloric acid to the sample and heat it in a water bath. Subsequently, add sodium hydroxide solution and alkaline copper tartrate solution, and heat the mixture in a water bath, it should form a red precipitate.
- Water absorption: Mix the sample with water in a graduated cylinder and stand the mixture for several hours. Then we will filter the mixture into another graduated cylinder through moistened glass wool to calculate the water absorption of the sample.
- Starch: To check for the absence of starch, we will do the following. Firstly, dissolve a part of the sample in water by boiling. Then cool the solution and add the iodine solution. If the solution remains colorless (without turning blue), it indicates the absence of starch in the sample.
- Gel: The sample is stirred into water in a glassaker and melted with heat, then the solution is chilled to its desired temperature. We'll add a mixture of potassium dichromate solution with hydrochloric acid to one portion of the cooling solution, no yellow precipitate should appear.
- Water insoluble matter: The sample is weighed and placed in a beaker with water, boiled, and stirred until agar is completely dissolved. The solution is then filtered through a pre-weighed sintered glass crucible, with the beaker washed multiple times with hot water before filtering again. The residue is dried at a specific temperature until its weight stabilizes, and the residual residue will be calculated.
- Impurities: We'll take part of the sample, spread it out, and look at it in all its glory with our own eyes or a telescope. We aim to identify any impurities present, ensuring that they comply with the specific purity requirements. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) also will be used to identify and calculate the amount of impurities.
- Acid insoluble ash: Take the residue remaining under the ash content item and treat it with hydrochloric acid. After filtration and washing of the residue, we determine the residual acid-insoluble ash according to specified methods and criteria.
- Ash content: The ash content of a sample will be detected and it indicates the quantity of inorganic, non-combustible material it contains.
- Heavy metals: Various heavy metals, including arsenic, lead, mercury, cadmium, and chromium, will be tested in the samples. We will calculate the exact amount of each heavy metal to ensure the safety of the sample.
- Microbiological limits: We provide detection for the microbiological limits, including the content of total aerobic microbial, mold, yeast, and Escherichia coli.
![Our workflow. (CD BioGlyco)](https://www.bioglyco.com/wp-content/themes/glycobio/img/4-14-3-35-agar-analysis-service-2.jpg)
Publication Data
Technology: Co-precipitation synthesis method, Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images, Red fluorescence emission
Journal: Materials
IF: 3.4
Published: 2021
Results: In this article, authors utilized agar to encapsulate both drugs and ferromagnetic nanoparticles in one nanoparticle. They successfully encapsulated Fe3O4 and doxorubicin (DOX) to create DOX-Fe3O4@agar nanoparticles. The result showed that these nanoparticles had strong magnetization and efficient heating capacity. The results demonstrated that drugs encapsulated with agar can control the release, as they release DOX gradually under neutral pH. In the tests on human colon cancer cells, the cell viability was significantly reduced, particularly with hyperthermia induced by the electromagnetic field. In a word, this work shows that agar has potential applications in biopharmaceuticals and can be an effective carrier for multiple drugs.
Fig.1 Drug release profiles of DOX-Fe3O4@agar at pH 7. (Wang, et al., 2021)
Applications
- Our analysis service is used for the verification of agar quality to meet specific standards and ensure consistency in the production of drugs.
- Our analysis service can be used in developing new agar-based products or improving existing formulations through detailed analysis and data-driven insights.
- Our analysis service can be employed to evaluate the effectiveness of agar as a solidifying agent in culture media, facilitating drug development and testing.
CD BioGlyco carefully examines the quality of agar to deliver precise results. In addition, to meet the analytical needs of our clients in the pharmaceuticals and biotechnology sectors, we provide comprehensive Pharmaceutical and Biological Analysis Services. Should our services catch your eye, we welcome you to contact us.
Reference
- Wang, Y.J.; et al. Utilizing edible agar as a carrier for dual functional doxorubicin-Fe3O4 nanotherapy drugs. Mater. 2021, 14(8): 1824.
This service is for Research Use Only, not intended for any clinical use.