Inquiry Basket
Lysine, an essential α-amino acid, is crucial for various biological functions. Characterized by its α-amino group, α-carboxylic acid group, and a side chain lysyl ((CH2)4NH2), lysine is a basic, charged amino acid at physiological pH. It plays significant roles in protein synthesis, crosslinking of collagen peptides, and absorption of essential nutrients. In addition, lysine has become an indispensable raw material for industries such as cosmetics, nutraceuticals, and biotechnology due to its biochemical versatility.
Lysine is an essential α-amino acid critical for a wide range of biological functions and applications. As an essential amino acid, lysine cannot be synthesized by the human body and therefore must be obtained through dietary intake. This amino acid is found in various natural food sources including meats, dairy products, legumes, and grains. In addition to natural sources, lysine can be synthesized artificially through fermentation processes, which makes it available for use in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and dietary supplements.
In its natural form, lysine is abundant in high-protein foods such as beef, poultry, fish, and dairy products. Plant-based sources like legumes (e.g., beans and lentils) and quinoa also provide substantial amounts of lysine. In the synthetic realm, lysine is produced via microbial fermentation, a process that enables its large-scale production. This synthetic lysine is extensively used in the agriculture industry as a feed additive to improve the nutritional quality of animal feed, ensuring better growth and health in livestock. It is also incorporated into dietary supplements to meet the nutritional needs of individuals who may not consume adequate amounts through their diet. Moreover, synthetic lysine plays a role in pharmaceutical formulations, particularly in products designed to treat cold sores and other lysine-deficient conditions.
Lysine has a distinctive chemical structure that plays a crucial role in its biological and industrial functions. Its molecular formula is C₆H₁₄N₂O₂. The α-carbon in lysine is chiral, meaning it has four different substituents and can exist in two enantiomeric forms. In biological systems, the L-lysine form (with the α-carbon in the S configuration) is the active enantiomer, essential for various physiological processes. The distinct structure of lysine enables it to play a crucial role in protein synthesis and other biochemical pathways.
Fig. 1. Lysine amino acid structure.
Lysine provides a range of benefits that impact both biological systems and industrial applications. Its role in the body extends beyond basic amino acid functions, contributing to various physiological and metabolic processes.
Lysine is a critical α-amino acid involved in numerous biological processes and industrial applications. It is categorized into two main types based on its source: natural and synthetic. Each type has unique characteristics and functionalities, particularly when focusing on synthetic lysine and its chemical attributes.
Natural lysine is found in various dietary sources, particularly in animal proteins such as meats, dairy products, and eggs. Plant-based sources like legumes and quinoa also contain significant amounts of lysine, making it accessible through a diverse diet. Natural lysine is crucial for maintaining health and supporting growth, particularly in populations with specific dietary needs or restrictions.
Synthetic lysine is produced through microbial fermentation, which allows for large-scale production and cost-effective availability. This form of lysine is commonly used as a feed additive in the agriculture industry to enhance the nutritional value of animal feed. It is also incorporated into dietary supplements to address potential lysine deficiencies in human diets. Synthetic lysine's versatility makes it valuable in various industrial applications, including pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. Synthetic lysine is available in various forms and functional groups, such as lysine monohydrochloride (L-lysine HCl), lysine sulfate, and lysine acetate. Understanding these types and their chemical properties is essential to optimize their use in different fields.
| Name | CAS | Catalog | Price |
| SCO-L-Lysine | 1309581-49-4 | BAT-014384 | Inquiry |
| N6-Acetyl-L-lysine | 692-04-6 | BAT-014397 | Inquiry |
| Nε-Crotonyl-L-lysine | 1338823-35-0 | BAT-002133 | Inquiry |
| L-Lysine acetate salt | 57282-49-2 | BAT-007703 | Inquiry |
| L-Homolysine dihydrochloride | 146346-69-2 | BAT-006874 | Inquiry |
| L-Lysine hydrate | 39665-12-8 | BAT-007705 | Inquiry |
| D-Lysine hydrochloride | 7274-88-6 | BAT-003500 | Inquiry |
Lysine's biological characteristics and adaptability make it valuable in a variety of businesses. It is a valuable molecule with applications that go well beyond nutrition, found in industries including pharmaceuticals and agriculture. The main industrial applications of lysine are listed in detail below, separated into forms that are synthetic and natural.
Lysine is a vital component of many medicinal formulations in the pharmaceutical industry. Treating cold sores and herpes infections is one of its most well-known applications. Lysine supplements have shown effectiveness in lowering outbreak frequency and intensity by preventing the herpes simplex virus from replicating. Additionally, lysine improves the absorption of calcium, which supports bone health and is crucial in preventing osteoporosis. Synthetic lysine derivatives serve more purposes than only these; they are essential for drug discovery. Scientists take advantage of lysine's ability to interact with a variety of molecular targets and create peptide bonds in order to generate novel therapeutic medicines. Interestingly, lysine acetylation is a crucial alteration in the production of histone deacetylase inhibitors, which are frequently employed in the treatment of cancer.
Nutraceuticals and nutritional supplements frequently contain lysine, especially when it comes to enhancing general health and well-being. It is particularly well-liked by bodybuilders and athletes because of its function in protein synthesis and muscle repair. Lysine aids in the development, repair, and endurance of muscles by improving the absorption of amino acids. Additionally, because lysine is involved in the synthesis of antibodies, enzymes, and hormones that control immune defense, supplements containing the amino acid boost immunological function. Additionally, lysine is often included in formulas designed to promote the synthesis of collagen, which is essential for the integrity of connective tissue, strength of tendons, and health of the skin. Its benefit in supplements meant to improve bone and joint health is further expanded by its function in improving calcium absorption.
The agriculture industry uses lysine extensively, especially when it comes to synthetic versions like lysine sulfate or L-lysine HCl. For fish, pigs, and poultry in particular, lysine is an essential feed supplement since it increases feed efficiency and fosters growth. Since animals cannot produce enough lysine for protein synthesis, tissue repair, and general metabolic function, supplementation is necessary. Farmers can increase livestock production, enhance growth rates, and produce meat of higher quality by adding lysine to their feed. Regarding the environment, lysine is essential for encouraging agricultural sustainability. By lowering the overall protein content needed in animal diets, optimizing feed formulations with lysine lowers nitrogen waste and lessens the environmental effect of livestock farming.
The cosmetics industry also uses lysine, as it is a component of many skincare and haircare products. It works mainly by encouraging the manufacture of collagen, which is necessary to preserve the flexibility of the skin and lessen the appearance of wrinkles. Because it helps with skin restoration through protein synthesis, lysine is a common ingredient in moisturizers, anti-aging therapies, and lotions that heal wounds. Furthermore, lysine derivatives are used in haircare products to improve overall hair texture, lessen breakage, and strengthen hair follicles.
Lysine is an essential ingredient in the food business, especially for fortified foods and drinks. Lysine enhances the nutritional profile of many different goods by increasing the amount of important amino acids. Cereals, bread, and pasta are frequently fortified with it, especially in areas where lysine deficiency is endemic. Furthermore, lysine is an essential component of functional meals, where it promotes bone growth, muscle maintenance, and immunological health.
Because of its molecular makeup, lysine is an important tool in the field of biotechnology for study on protein engineering and biochemistry. It is essential as a basic building ingredient in the synthesis of proteins and peptides. Furthermore, lysine is an essential component in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine due to its ability to crosslink collagen and other biomolecules. From an industrial standpoint, lysine's natural abundance and biodegradability allow it to be used in the creation of biodegradable polymers and other environmentally beneficial materials. This is in line with the growing consumer desire for ecologically friendly and sustainable products.
Lysine and arginine are both essential amino acids that play important roles in biological processes. However, they differ significantly in their structure, properties, functions, and applications. Below is a detailed comparison of lysine and arginine across these key aspects:
| Aspect | Lysine | Arginine |
| Chemical Structure | Lysine (C₆H₁₄N₂O₂) has a side chain consisting of a 4-carbon aliphatic chain ending with a primary amine group (-NH₂). | Arginine (C₆H₁₄N₄O₂) has a more complex side chain containing three nitrogen atoms, ending with a guanidinium group (-C(=NH)NH₂). |
| Functional Groups | - α-Amino group (-NH₃⁺) - α-Carboxylic acid group (-COO⁻) - Lysyl side chain (-NH₂) | - α-Amino group (-NH₃⁺) - α-Carboxylic acid group (-COO⁻) - Guanidinium side chain (-C(=NH)NH₂) |
| Charge at Physiological pH | Positively charged due to its protonated amine group (NH₃⁺). | Strongly positively charged due to the presence of the guanidinium group. |
| Role in Protein Structure | Lysine is involved in protein crosslinking (especially in collagen) and interacts with negatively charged molecules, such as DNA. | Arginine often plays a role in binding phosphate groups in DNA and RNA, stabilizing protein structures by interacting with negatively charged residues. |
| Biological Functions | - Collagen synthesis: Lysine is essential for the production of collagen, a key structural protein in connective tissues. - Calcium absorption: It aids in calcium uptake and promotes bone health. - Carnitine production: Involved in synthesizing carnitine, which is essential for fatty acid metabolism. | - Nitric oxide production: Arginine is the precursor for nitric oxide (NO), a molecule that plays a key role in vasodilation and blood flow regulation. - Immune function: Arginine enhances immune responses by stimulating T-cell function. - Wound healing: Arginine supports wound repair by promoting cell proliferation and protein synthesis. |
| Metabolic Pathway | Lysine is primarily broken down via the saccharopine pathway, producing acetyl-CoA and other intermediates used in energy production. | Arginine is part of the urea cycle, where it is converted into ornithine and urea, helping to remove excess nitrogen from the body. |
| Health Benefits | - Immune function support - Bone and skin health - Cold sore treatment | - Improved circulation - Enhanced athletic performance - Support for cardiovascular health |
| Industrial Applications | - Animal feed: Lysine is widely used in animal nutrition to enhance growth and improve feed efficiency. - Dietary supplements: Popular among athletes and individuals with specific health needs (e.g., collagen support). - Cosmetics: Utilized in anti-aging and skin-repair products. | - Sports supplements: Arginine is often used in pre-workout formulations to increase nitric oxide levels and improve blood flow. - Pharmaceuticals: Employed in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases due to its vasodilatory effects. |
| Key Differences | Lysine is more involved in structural and metabolic functions, such as collagen synthesis and fatty acid metabolism. | Arginine is primarily known for its role in nitric oxide production, which is crucial for cardiovascular health and circulation. |
In summary, lysine is a vital amino acid with a broad range of benefits and applications. Its unique structure and essential role in various biological processes make it a key component in health, nutrition, and industrial applications. At BOC Sciences, we recognize the significance of lysine in advancing health and industry and are committed to supporting the continued research and development of lysine-based products.
** Recommended Products **
| Name | CAS | Catalog | Price |
| Nα-Boc-Nε-Nosyl-L-lysine | 1301706-36-4 | BAT-001322 | Inquiry |
| Nα-Boc-Nε-dansyl-L-lysine | 185504-01-2 | BAT-001331 | Inquiry |
| Nα-Fmoc-Nε-Palmitoyl-D-Lysine | 1301706-55-7 | BAT-001975 | Inquiry |
| Nα-Boc-Nε-Z-L-lysine | 2389-45-9 | BAT-004296 | Inquiry |
| Nα-Z-Nε-Boc-L-lysine | 2389-60-8 | BAT-004309 | Inquiry |
| Nα-Boc-D-lysine | 106719-44-2 | BAT-002919 | Inquiry |
| Nα-Boc-L-lysine | 13734-28-6 | BAT-002929 | Inquiry |
| Nε-Boc-L-Lysine | 2418-95-3 | BAT-002998 | Inquiry |
| Nε-Z-L-lysine | 1155-64-2 | BAT-003270 | Inquiry |
| Nα,ε-Bis-Z-L-lysine | 405-39-0 | BAT-003203 | Inquiry |
| L-β-Homolysine monohydrochloride | 192003-02-4 | BAT-007592 | Inquiry |
| L-β-Homolysine dihydrochloride | 290835-83-5 | BAT-005892 | Inquiry |
