FAQs
Cell-Free Protein Expression
What are the size limits of proteins synthesized using the cell-free wheat-germ system?
Clinical Mass Spectrometry
What are the key criteria for selecting stable isotope-labeled standards for clinical measurements?
These exogenous compounds must be structurally unique (within a given sample type) and similar (to the native target, from a physicochemical standpoint) as well as resolvable by MS (≥3 Da generally preferred), free from H/D exchange (if D standards are employed), and ideally co-elute (with their native target).
How and when should the internal standard(s) be added in the workflow?
The IS should ideally be added in the first step after mixing/pipetting the sample. This should be identical biochemically to the target analyte and be added precisely to the samples (as well as calibrators and QCs) to ensure recovery/sample variance correction.
What is a useful reference for conducting metabolomic assays in the clinic as well as measuring and reporting this data?
The recently published “Bioanalytical Method Validation: Guidance for Industry” document (US FDA, May 2018) outlines the latest recommendations and acceptance criteria for method development, validation, and application as well as documentation and reporting. The bioanalytical methods these pertain to are human clinical studies, which can be used to quantitatively determine the levels of metabolites in biosamples for biomarker analysis, for example.
What is the tolerance for CIL’s 0.1 mg packaged sizes?
The tolerance is ±10% for these particular items.
Deuterated Reagents for Electronics
What do I do if I need multiple vials or carboys when returning D2O for the D2O Recovery Program?
If you have more than ~16 L you may require multiple carboys, please just ask.
When returning D2O for the D2O Recovery Program should I fill the carboy to the top?
No! Fill the bulk carboy container ~80% full. Most are shipped by FedEx Air, and if full, the carboy is likely to expand and possibly rupture the container.
Deuterated Reagents for Pharmaceuticals
What do I do if I need multiple vials or carboys when returning D2O for the D2O Recovery Program?
If you have more than ~16 L you may require multiple carboys, please just ask.
When returning D2O for the D2O Recovery Program should I fill the carboy to the top?
No! Fill the bulk carboy container ~80% full. Most are shipped by FedEx Air, and if full, the carboy is likely to expand and possibly rupture the container.
Flavors and Fragrances
I do not see the standard I need. Does CIL offer custom synthesis?
Yes, CIL offers custom synthesis (click here for the form) and also an expansive offering of starting materials and intermediates, if you would like to synthesize your standard of interest (click here for more information).
Glycans Standards
What is the symbol nomenclature for denoting glycans in chemical structures?
The symbols adhere to the modified IUPAC nomenclature, as recommended by the glycomics consortium network. This defines the sugar type and its isomers. The representations of common monosaccharides and linkages are shown above (as illustrated in the "Essentials of Glycobiology" reference below).
How many labeled/unlabeled glycan pairs do you offer?
Our current inventory is 11 pairs, but please inquire if a corresponding analogue of an existing standard is required or a certain new pair is of interest.
How many N-glycan standards do you offer?
We currently offer ~40 N-linked glycans. Please inquire for the availability of other N-glycans.
What is the recommended reconstitution condition for the glycans?
The glycans can be solubilized in water or a buffered solution to the desired concentration. Standard practices should be adhered to in solubilization (i.e., mix well and spin before opening, aliquot if needed). The neat and solution glycans are stable when stored at ≤-20°C but avoid repeated freeze-thaws when in solution.
Can alternate glycans be made available upon request?
Yes, provided they can be synthesized through enzymatic and/or chemical means. Please submit your request to your local sales representative/distributor or complete the on-line custom synthesis form. Required is the structure(s), desired quantities, and labeling pattern(s) (if applicable). We will contact you shortly thereafter regarding its feasibility.
in vivo Protein Expression
How do I know which minimal media reagents to use to make a protein of a specific uniform labeling pattern?
What algal strain is used to create BioExpress® 1000?
Agmenelum quadriplicatum.
What algal strain is used to create Celtone® Powder and Celtone® Complete media?
Chlorella vulgaris.
What is the difference between BioExpress and Celtone media?
Both media are similar but as they are derived from two different algal strains, they have slight differences. To know which works better for a particular protein of interest, it is recommended to perform a small test experiment first.
What algal strain is used to create the Amino Acid Mixes product?
Agmenelum quadriplicatum.
What algal strain is the Whole Algal Cells product?
Agmenelum quadriplicatum.
Lipidomics Mixtures and Kits
What is supplied with a lipid yeast extract kit?
Supplied is one vial of a U-13C or unlabeled lipid yeast extract and a document package (user manual, CoA, SDS, and product flyer). The user manual contains solution preparation and application example methods along with example analytical results (e.g., from HILIC- and RPLC-MRM/MS). Parameter tables for profiling and targeted MS analysis on example instrument platforms are also provided therein.
What is a suitable procedure for dissolving the lipid yeast extracts?
An example reconstitution approach involves dissolving the extract in 1 mL solvent (e.g., isopropanol, chloroform) followed by a high-speed vortex and a brief centrifuge. This results in a clear solution.
What classes of lipids have been measured in the lipid yeast extracts?
Measurable classes include glycerolipids (e.g., diglyceride, triglyercide), glycerophospholipids (e.g., phosphatidic acid, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine), and lysophospholipids (e.g., lysophosphatidylcholine, lysophosphatidylethanolamine). Acylcarnitines, cardiolipins, coenzymes, and fatty acids have also been reproducibly measured using MS-based methods. Please refer to CIL's Stable Isotope-Labeled Mixtures, Sets, and Kits catalog for a list of the reproducibly measured fatty acids and lipids.
What algal strain is used to create the mixed fatty acid and triglyceride products?
Agmenelum quadriplicatum
Lipidomics Standards
What is an appropriate solvent for dissolving the deuterated fatty acids DHA and EPA?
A large number of CILs fatty acids/lipids are 13C-labeled. What are the advantages of 13C labeling vs. D labeling in MS measurements?
In comparison to D labels, 13C labels can provide improved isotope stability, negligible isotope scrambling issues, conserved chromatographic elution (relative to its unlabeled standard), and heightened analytical reliability.
Membrane Proteins
What are the benefits of using deuterated phospholipids?
Metabolic Flux
What is 13C-MFA?
13C-MFA or 13C metabolic flux analysis is a stable isotope-assisted technique that is the gold standard for accurate and precise flux determination. Flux can be inferred utilizing stable isotope-labeled tracers in combination with mass spectrometry (MS) or nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR).
Does CIL offer different grades of products for metabolic flux analysis?
Yes, CIL provides additional testing on many of our products as a service to our customers. Please view the Product Quality Designation chart for a description of the different grades.
When are CIL’s -MPT products tested for microbiological content?
They are tested in the bulk form at release. Subsequent aliquots are not retested and guaranteed upon receipt of order. Microbiological testing does not imply suitability for any intended use.
Does CIL offer products for clinical trials?
Yes, CIL can produce cGMP-grade material that is suitable for clinical trials. Please contact us to discuss your project.
Metabolism
When are CIL’s -MPT products tested for microbiological content?
hey are tested in the bulk form at release. Subsequent aliquots are not retested and guaranteed upon receipt of order. Microbiological testing does not imply suitability for any intended use.
What organisms does the microbiological testing apply to?
The –MPT products are tested for S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, E. coli, Salmonella sp., aerobic bacteria, yeast, mold, and for bacterial endotoxins.
What is the limit for microbiological testing?
For most products, the limit is <10 cfu/g for aerobic bacteria, yeast, and mold. These products also “pass” for S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, E. coli, Salmonella sp.
What is the limit for endotoxin testing (LAL)?
Most products have an LAL specification of <0.25 EU/mg, but some can be different (<0.125, <0.03, <0.01, etc). The actual LAL results are reported on the lot-specific CoA.
Can CIL perform additional tests on research grade (-0 products) or microbiological tested material (-MPT)?
Yes, CIL has the capabilities to perform additional testing on most products. This should be reviewed and quoted prior to order. An additional fee may apply.
Does CIL offer products for clinical trials?
Yes, CIL can produce cGMP grade material that is suitable for clinical trials. Please contact us to discuss your project.
What algal strain is used to create mixed triglycerides products?
Agmenelum quadriplicatum
What algal strain is used to create mixed fatty acids products?
Agmenelum quadriplicatum
What algal strain is used to create the amino acid mixes product?
Agmenelum quadriplicatum
What algal strain is the whole algal cells product?
Agmenelum quadriplicatum
Metabolomics
What is the tolerance for CIL’s 0.1 mg metabolites?
CIL offers a variety of key metabolite standards in 0.1 mg. That 0.1 mg represents the smallest unit size. See our Small Package Sizes flyer for a listing and reach out should this unit be required for your metabolite of interest.
Can alternate labeled metabolites be synthesized upon request?
Yes, provided they can be synthesized through enzymatic and/or chemical means. Please submit your request to your local sales representative/distributor or complete the on-line Custom Synthesis form. Structure(s), desired quantities, and labeling pattern(s) (if applicable) are required. We will contact you shortly thereafter regarding its feasibility.
MS/MS Screening
What is the recommended procedure for solubilizing NSK-A and -B?
The lyophilized amino acid mix in NSK-A (and NSK-A1) should be dissolved in 1 mL of 50:50 purified water:methanol and the carnitine/acylcarnitines in NSK-B (and NSK-B-G1) in 1 mL of purified methanol. Following the solvent addition, each vial should be vortexed manually for 1 min then auto-vortexed for 30 min (or longer until fully solubilized).
Are the component chemical purities considered in the NSK product formulations?
Yes, the chemical purity of each component (as stated on the CoA) is reviewed at time of formulation and the gravimetry is adjusted as necessary to compensate for chemical purity.
What concentration should I use on the CoA to represent the standard in use – gravimetric target concentration, concentration by gravimetry, or analyzed concentration?
The concentrations presented in the “Concentration by Gravimetry” column of the CoA should be used to represent the actual concentration of each component after reconstitution.
Nucleic Acids
Can buffers be added to the Cassia NTPs?
What is the pH of Cassia NTP solutions?
Can the Cassia NTPs be freeze-dried?
Why is “-SL” in some CIL part numbers but not others?
"-SL" is used as an indicator for Silantes products distributed by CIL.
PeptiQuant™ Plus Kits
How many peptides/protein and MRM transitions do the PeptiQuant Plus kits monitor?
For each kit, one peptide/protein and three transitions per peptide.
How many calibration curves can be prepared with the PeptiQuant Plus BAKs?
The SIS and NAT mixes enable eight-point curves that span a 1000-fold concentration range. Each calibrant level is to be measured in singleton.
What are the contents of the PeptiQuant Plus kits?
Supplied with the kits are chemicals/reagents and a USB of product documents. Please see the QC kit and BAK flyers for details (above).
Are the PeptiQuant Plus kits platform dependent?
The kits have been optimized on specific LC-MS platforms (see QC kit and BAK flyers for details). The validated methods are provided with the kits in an instrument file, while the transition (in MRM analysis) or precursor ion (in PRM analysis) details are provided in a Skyline file for data analysis. These files are supplied, together with the user manual, on a USB along with the chemicals/reagents. Note that while the kits are optimized for specific LC-MS platforms, the kits are extendable to other platforms following minor parameter optimizations.
What types of disease association have the proteins in the human and mouse plasma PeptiQuant Plus BAKS been linked to?
The proteins have been linked to innumerable diseases (e.g., cancer, cardiovascular, neurodegenerative). Specific linkages can be provided upon request.
Are the 125 proteins in the human plasma BAK-125 contained in the human plasma BAK-270?
es. The BAK-270 is complemented by an additional 145 proteins of moderate-to-low abundance. Please see the PeptiQuant Plus Biomarker Assessment Kits flyer for panel details.
Protein Standards
I do not see my protein of interest; does CIL offer custom labeled proteins?
Yes, we have the ability to customize. We would first review feasibility and then provide a quotation on your specific protein. To start this process, please provide the necessary details on the Custom Synthesis Request form or contact your local sales representative.
Proteomics
Is reductive dimethylation limited to peptides?
No. This tagging approach can be applied to metabolites as well for quantification of amine-containing metabolites in biological samples.
What does peptide purity and net peptide content refer to in the labeled GSH and GSSG product descriptions?
Peptide purity refers to the chemical purity, while net peptide content refers to the quantity of GSH or GSSG relative to nonrelevant material (e.g., residual water).
Sparse Labeling for Protein NMR
What is sparse labeling, and how does it help?
In sparse labeling, only a random fraction of the carbon atoms in the protein are labeled. This helps solid-state experiments because it removes strong, one-bond couplings (i.e., two 13C atoms next to each other), which give rise to large peaks that obscure smaller, long-range couplings (more helpful in obtaining structural information). 2-13C and 1,3-13C2 glycerols are the most popular carbon source; 1- 13C and 2-13C glucose are also popular.
What types of media can be used in sparse labeling?
Only E. coli and yeast cells can be used.
Trace Element Analysis
What are the three most commonly purchased elements/compounds and their quantity of supply?
Isotopically enriched iron, sulfur, and lithium carbonate are the most commonly purchased elements/compounds. These are supplied in mg of element quantities.
Are there any shipping restrictions with the available products?
Yes. For example, several products containing elemental boron and its compounds cannot be shipped to China and Hong Kong as they represent restricted products under the ECCN 1C011 and 1C225 regulations. Since other elements/compounds may be controlled in certain countries, please inquire for further details.
Can orders be customized based on element/compound and quantity of interest?
Yes, please inquire.
What type of mineral oil is contained in the 6Li metal, and how would this be removed?
White mineral oil. Prior to use, the oil can be removed by washing with solvent (e.g., petroleum ether).
Urea Breath Test
Does CIL offer different grades of 13C urea?
Yes, CIL offers cGMP and research grades of 13C urea.