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Aspartic acid is an important α-amino acid, which is mainly involved in various metabolic processes in the form of L-isomer. As a component of protein, aspartic acid plays a fundamental role in protein synthesis and promotes nitrogen metabolism through transamination. In addition, aspartic acid is a key precursor in the tricarboxylic acid cycle and contributes to energy production. Aspartic acid derivatives are widely used in biological and chemical fields, such as in the synthesis of antibiotics and anticancer drugs, which can improve the selectivity and efficacy of drugs. In addition, these derivatives have important value in food and industrial fields as sweeteners and chelating agents.
Aspartic acid, also known as as aspartic acid salt, is a non-essential acidic amino acid that is essential for many biological functions. It is one of the 20 standard amino acids encoded by the genetic code and plays a vital role in protein synthesis, cell metabolism and signal transduction. There are two stereoisomers of aspartic acid: L-aspartic acid and D-aspartic acid. L-aspartic acid is commonly found in proteins and participates in various biochemical reactions, while D-aspartic acid is known for its regulatory role in the brain, especially in hormone regulation and neurotransmission. This amino acid is also a key component of the urea cycle and gluconeogenesis, contributing to nitrogen metabolism and energy production. In addition, it is the precursor of other amino acids such as lysine, methionine, threonine and isoleucine, highlighting its multiple roles in cell function.
Aspartic acid is not limited to its natural biological form. Scientists have developed various non-natural derivatives of aspartic acid, which extend its range of uses beyond metabolic pathways. These derivatives are often designed to enhance stability, modify functionality, or improve pharmacokinetics for industrial and pharmaceutical applications. Modifying aspartic acid's structure can improve the properties of drugs, especially peptides. For example, conjugating aspartic acid derivatives to drugs can enhance their solubility, stability, and delivery efficiency. In the context of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), aspartic acid-based linkers are used to control the release of toxic payloads at the tumor site, maximizing therapeutic efficacy while minimizing systemic toxicity.
| Name | CAS | Catalog | Price |
| Fmoc-D-aspartic acid | 136083-57-3 | BAT-003631 | Inquiry |
| Fmoc-L-aspartic acid | 119062-05-4 | BAT-003732 | Inquiry |
| Boc-L-aspartic acid | 13726-67-5 | BAT-002752 | Inquiry |
| Boc-D-aspartic acid | 62396-48-9 | BAT-002705 | Inquiry |
| Z-L-aspartic acid | 1152-61-0 | BAT-003324 | Inquiry |
| Z-D-aspartic acid | 78663-07-7 | BAT-003281 | Inquiry |
Aspartic acid is classified as α-amino acid, and its molecular formula is C₄H₇NO₄. The structure of aspartic acid is composed of a central α-carbon and four different groups: a hydrogen atom, an amino group (-NH₂), a carboxyl group (-COOH) and a side chain containing a second carboxyl group (-CH₂COOH ). This extra carboxyl group makes aspartic acid an acidic amino acid, allowing it to donate protons at physiological pH and provide it with a net negative charge in most biological systems. This unique structure helps aspartic acid to play a role in enzyme catalysis and protein active sites. The second carboxyl group can participate in the interaction with other molecules, making aspartic acid an important residue in enzyme binding and catalytic activity. In addition, the ability to interact with metal ions, such as magnesium and zinc, further enhances its functional diversity in cellular responses.
Fig. 1. Structure of aspartic acid.
Aspartic acid plays a vital role in humans and plants. First, it is essential for metabolic processes, participates in energy production and supports the tricarboxylic acid cycle, thereby improving endurance and body performance. Secondly, aspartic acid contributes to the biosynthesis of other amino acids and biomolecules (such as DNA and RNA), promoting cell growth and repair. In addition, it has a positive effect on neurotransmission, improving cognitive function and emotional stability. Studies have also shown that aspartic acid plays a vital role in removing excess ammonia, detoxifying and maintaining liver function in the body, and generally enhances immune system function.
Aspartic acid is accessible from a variety of natural, dietary, and industrial sources, ensuring its widespread application for both biological and commercial purposes. While the body can synthesize this non-essential amino acid internally, it is also plentiful in many protein-rich foods. Furthermore, contemporary industrial methods facilitate the production of aspartic acid via chemical synthesis and microbial fermentation, which caters to the needs of industries like pharmaceuticals, food, and materials science. The diverse availability of aspartic acid underscores its importance in numerous fields, emphasizing its vital role in human physiology and commercial applications.
Aspartic acid's chemical structure and biological properties make it a highly versatile molecule, contributing to a wide range of industrial, pharmaceutical, and research applications. Whether as a component in biodegradable polymers, an essential amino acid in peptide synthesis, or a key ingredient in food additives like aspartame, the uses of aspartic acid are vast and impactful. Its ability to enhance the effectiveness of drug delivery systems and contribute to environmentally friendly materials underscores its growing importance in innovation. Aspartic acid also serves a vital role in fields such as neuroscience, cosmetics, and agriculture, illustrating its adaptability and utility across industries.
One of the most significant industrial applications of aspartic acid is its use in the production of poly(aspartic acid) (PAA), a biodegradable polymer with a wide range of environmentally friendly applications. PAA serves as an alternative to petroleum-based plastics, offering a sustainable solution for industries looking to reduce their ecological footprint. Due to its biodegradability and water-soluble nature, PAA is employed in water treatment systems to prevent scale formation and corrosion. In agriculture, poly(aspartic acid) is used to improve the efficiency of fertilizers by enhancing nutrient absorption in plants, thereby reducing fertilizer waste and minimizing environmental pollution. Its eco-friendly nature and functional versatility make PAA a crucial material in green technology initiatives.
In the pharmaceutical industry, aspartic acid plays a pivotal role in drug development and delivery systems. As a precursor in the synthesis of various therapeutic peptides and proteins, aspartic acid is integral to the production of biologics, which are increasingly important in treating diseases such as cancer, autoimmune disorders, and diabetes. In addition, L-aspartic acid can be used as raw material to produce refined pharmaceutical grade D-aspartic acid and DL-aspartic acid, and can be used to produce pharmaceutical products such as DL-aspartic acid potassium magnesium salt, N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA), apoxicillin, and D-aspartic acid-β-hydroxyamine (DAH). Another crucial application in pharmaceuticals is the use of aspartic acid-based linkers in ADCs. These linkers help in controlling the release of cytotoxic drugs specifically at the tumor site, increasing the efficacy of cancer treatments while minimizing side effects on healthy cells. The inclusion of aspartic acid in drug formulations can also improve the solubility and stability of therapeutic compounds, enhancing their pharmacokinetic profiles and bioavailability.
Aspartic acid has a well-established role in the food industry, particularly in the production of aspartame, a widely used artificial sweetener. Aspartame, derived from aspartic acid and phenylalanine, provides a sweet taste without the caloric content of sugar, making it a popular additive in sugar-free or low-calorie foods and beverages. This sweetener is found in a range of consumer products, including soft drinks, chewing gum, sugar-free desserts, and dietary supplements. The demand for low-calorie, diabetes-friendly, and weight management products has led to the continued use of aspartame as a safe and effective sugar substitute. In addition to its role in sweeteners, aspartic acid is also used as a flavor enhancer in processed foods. Its acidic properties can enhance the savory taste of food products, making it a key ingredient in flavoring agents.
D-aspartic acid plays a vital role in neuroscience, where it is involved in hormone regulation and neurotransmitter release. It has been studied for its effects on boosting testosterone production, particularly in men with hormonal imbalances, and enhancing athletic performance. D-aspartic acid also modulates neurotransmission in the brain and is implicated in learning and memory processes, making it an important molecule in cognitive research. In experimental settings, synthetic derivatives such as NMDA are used to stimulate NMDA receptors in the brain, helping scientists understand mechanisms of neuroplasticity and conditions like Alzheimer's disease.
In agriculture, aspartic acid derivatives, particularly poly(aspartic acid), are used to improve soil quality and enhance crop yields. Poly(aspartic acid) acts as a biodegradable superabsorbent material that retains moisture in soil, helping plants grow more efficiently by reducing water loss. This property makes it valuable in drought-prone regions, where water conservation is critical. Additionally, it is used as a fertilizer additive that helps plants absorb nutrients more effectively, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers and minimizing environmental runoff, which can lead to soil and water contamination.
In the cosmetics industry, aspartic acid is prized for its hydrating properties and ability to promote collagen production, which is essential for maintaining skin elasticity and reducing the appearance of wrinkles. Aspartic acid is commonly found in anti-aging creams, moisturizers, and serums, where it helps improve skin texture and hydration. Its role in collagen synthesis makes it a key ingredient in products aimed at revitalizing and repairing skin. Furthermore, aspartic acid derivatives are used in hair care products to strengthen and condition hair, enhancing shine and manageability.
Aspartic acid and its derivatives, such as NMDA, are essential tools in biochemical and medical research. They are used in laboratory studies to explore enzyme function, metabolic pathways, and cell signaling mechanisms. Aspartic acid is frequently employed in studies of protein structure and function, where it serves as a model amino acid in experiments involving protein folding, enzyme catalysis, and binding site interactions. Additionally, it plays a role in metabolomics studies, helping researchers understand the complex interactions of metabolites in biological systems.
Asparagine and aspartic acid are two amino acids with important biological functions. Both are components of proteins, but there are some key differences in chemical structure and biological function. From a chemical structure point of view, asparagine is an amide derivative of aspartic acid. The side chain group of asparagine is an amide (-CONH2), while the side chain of aspartic acid is a carboxyl group (-COOH). This difference affects their properties and behaviors in proteins. In terms of physiological function, aspartic acid, as a non-essential amino acid, participates in protein synthesis and amino acid metabolism, and often acts as an excitatory neurotransmitter in nerve conduction. Asparagine is also a non-essential amino acid, mainly involved in the synthesis of collagen and other proteins, and plays a role in nitrogen metabolism and intercellular signaling. Both are essential for maintaining normal biochemical processes in organisms.
| Feature | Asparagine | Aspartic Acid |
| Chemical Structure | Contains an amide group (-CONH2) | Contains a carboxyl group (-COOH) |
| Molecular Formula | C4H8N2O3 | C4H7NO4 |
| IUPAC Name | 2-Amino-3-carbamoylpropanoic acid | 2-Aminobutanedioic acid |
| Polarity | Polar, uncharged | Polar, negatively charged at physiological pH |
| Biosynthesis | Synthesized from aspartic acid by asparagine synthetase | Synthesized from oxaloacetate via transamination |
| Function in Proteins | Involved in glycosylation, acts as a nitrogen donor | Involved in the citric acid cycle, neurotransmission |
| Metabolic Pathways | Converts to aspartic acid via deamidation | Participates in energy production and urea cycle |
| Dietary Sources | Found in dairy, beef, eggs, poultry, seafood | Found in legumes, soy, asparagus, meats |
| Applications | Used in pharmaceuticals, supplements | Used in biodegradable polymers, food additives, and drug delivery systems |
| Role in Nervous System | Does not act as a neurotransmitter | Precursor to excitatory neurotransmitters (e.g., NMDA) |
| Charge at pH 7.4 | Neutral | Negative (-1) |
| Side Chain Type | Amide (uncharged) | Carboxylate (acidic) |
| Hydrogen Bonding | Capable of forming hydrogen bonds with water and other molecules | Capable of donating and accepting hydrogen bonds due to carboxyl group |
| Hydrophilicity | Hydrophilic | More hydrophilic due to extra carboxyl group |
Aspartic acid is a vital amino acid with significant biological and industrial importance. Its role in metabolism, protein synthesis, and energy production underscores its essentiality in various physiological processes. Moreover, its non-natural derivatives offer promising applications in pharmaceuticals, biodegradable materials, and other fields, making aspartic acid a valuable molecule in both natural and synthetic contexts.
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