L-Carnitine is a vital molecule in intermediary metabolism, primarily involved in the transport of long-chain fatty acids into the mitochondria for β-oxidation. It acts as a carrier by forming acyl-carnitine esters that shuttle fatty acids across the mitochondrial membrane, enabling their breakdown to generate acetyl-CoA, which subsequently enters the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle for energy production. Only the L-isomer of carnitine is biologically active, and its levels in biological samples such as serum, plasma, urine, and tissue are important indicators of metabolic and mitochondrial function.

Features and Specifications

• Sample Types: Compatible with serum, plasma, urine, cell lysates, tissue homogenates, and food products.
• Detection Range: Assays typically detect L-carnitine concentrations in the micromolar range, with fluorometric methods reaching sensitivities and colorimetric methods.
• Assay Time: Rapid protocols usually require about 30 minutes to complete.
• Assay Format: Homogeneous "mix-incubate-measure" format suitable for microplate readers, enabling high-throughput screening.
• Storage: Reagents are shipped on ice and stored at -20°C to maintain stability.
• Kit Components: Commonly include assay buffer, enzyme mix, substrate mix, development reagents, and L-carnitine standards.

Biological and Research Applications

• Metabolic Studies: Quantification of L-carnitine levels helps assess fatty acid metabolism efficiency and mitochondrial function.
• Clinical Research: Monitoring L-carnitine in serum or plasma supports studies on metabolic disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and conditions involving impaired fatty acid oxidation.
• Nutritional Studies: Evaluation of L-carnitine supplementation effects in health and disease.
• Pharmacological Screening: Testing compounds that influence carnitine metabolism or mitochondrial fatty acid transport.
• Food and Environmental Analysis: Measurement of L-carnitine content in food products such as milk.

L-Carnitine assay kits are essential tools for accurately measuring free L-carnitine in biological and environmental samples. By providing sensitive, rapid, and convenient detection methods based on enzymatic colorimetric or fluorometric reactions, these kits facilitate research into intermediary metabolism, mitochondrial function, and related health conditions.