Carnitine is a quaternary ammonium compound biosynthesized from the amino acids lysine and methionine. It is required for transport of fatty acids into the mitochondrial matrix via the carnitine/acylcarnitine shuttle where B-oxidation occurs, acetate is generated and the acetate utilized in the TCA cycle for the generation of energy. L-Carnitine is often sold as antioxidant in nutritional supplements. Carnitine exists in two stereoisomers. Only L-carnitine is biologically active. The L-Carnitine BioAssay Kit is a simple convenient means of measuring free L-Carnitine in biological samples such as serum. The assay transfers an acetyl group from Ac-CoA to carnitine and the free CoA formed is further processed with subsequent oxidation of the Oxi-Red probe to give fluorescence (Ex/Em = 535/587 nm) and absorbance (Lmax = 570 nm). The detection sensitivity for fluorometric assay is ~1uM of L-Carnitine in various samples. Fluorometric assay is ~10X more sensitive than colorimetric assay.Kit Components:C1385-28A: Assay Buffer, 1x25mlC1385-28B: Probe (in DMSO), 1x200ulC1385-28C: Converting Enzyme, 1x1 vialC1385-28D: Substrate Mix, 1x400ulC1385-28E: Development Mix, 1x1 vialC1385-28F: Standard (10umol), 1x1 vialStorage and Stability:Store kit at -20°C. Protect from light. Allow Assay Buffer to warm to room temperature before use. Thaw Probe (in DMSO) in a 37°C water bath prior to use. Stable for 6 months. For maximum recovery of product, centrifuge the original vial after thawing and prior to removing the cap.
