Bioanalysis Services: Polyphenol, SCFA, LCFA, and Bile Acid Testing
At QIB Extra, we provide advanced bioanalysis services designed to support your research and product development goals. Our state-of-the-art facilities and expertise enable us to offer precise and reliable analysis of polyphenols, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), long-chain fatty acids (LCFAs), and bile acids, delivering actionable insights into their roles in health and disease.
What are Polyphenols?
Polyphenols, a subgroup of phytochemical, are a varied group of naturally occurring compounds found in plants, including fruits, vegetables, tea, coffee, and red wine. Renowned for their antioxidant properties, they have been associated with various health advantages, such as alleviating inflammation, shielding against heart disease, and potentially reducing the risk of certain cancers. Polyphenols are identified by their chemical structure containing numerous phenol rings and contribute to the vivid colours of many plant-based foods.
How Polyphenol Analysis Can Benefit You
QIB Extra offers expert polyphenol analysis, focusing on identifying polyphenols in food samples through direct analysis and metabolite examination.
We tailor sample processing techniques, such as extraction and filtering, to effectively release and purify target compounds. Our precise chromatographic analysis and mass spectral scans allow us to identify molecular structures and fragments accurately, using advanced workflows to detect subtle differences between samples.
For targeted analysis, we detect molecules at extremely low levels, ensuring accurate results. A pre-consultation with QIB Extra helps define your sample characteristics and specific target compounds for optimal analysis.
Types of Polyphenol Analysis
- Qualitative Analysis: Identifies polyphenols in a sample using advanced chromatographic and mass spectrometry techniques.
- Quantitative Analysis: Measures specific polyphenol concentrations, essential for evaluating the content in foods, supplements, or extracts.
- Total Polyphenol Content (TPC) Assays: Provides an overall view of a sample's polyphenolic composition, useful for comparing food sources or processing impacts.
- Targeted Analysis: Focuses on specific polyphenol classes, aiding in bioavailability studies and disease prevention research.
- Metabolite Profiling: Identifies and quantifies metabolites from polyphenol-rich foods, offering insights into bioavailability and health effects.
- Bioactivity Assays: Assesses the biological effects of polyphenols, such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.
Our services support researchers, food manufacturers, and healthcare professionals in understanding polyphenols' role in health and disease, delivering accurate and actionable data to meet specific objectives.
Understanding Different Types of Polyphenols
To maximise the insights from our polyphenol analysis services, it's important to understand the specific polyphenols we analyse. Each class of polyphenols offers unique properties and potential health benefits. Below, we outline the most common polyphenols we examine, helping you determine which compounds are most relevant to your research or product development needs.
| Flavonoids:
These include subclasses like flavonols, flavones, flavanones, flavanols, isoflavones, and anthocyanins. They are known for their antioxidant properties and reducing inflammation and supporting cardiovascular health.
- Application: Fruits (apples, berries, citrus, grapes), vegetables (onions, kale, broccoli), tea (green and black), wine (red).
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Phenolic Acids:
This group includes hydroxybenzoic and hydroxycinnamic acids, known for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial properties, and their role in supporting cardiovascular and metabolic health.
- Application: Coffee, fruits (apples, berries, citrus), whole grains (wheat, oats, rice).
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Polyphenolic Amides:
These compounds, such as capsaicinoids in chili peppers and avenanthramides in oats, are recognised for their anti-inflammatory and potential cardiovascular benefits.
- Application: Peppers, oats, potatoes, buckwheat, mustard, cocoa, and paprika.
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Lignans:
Found in seeds, particularly flaxseeds, as well as in whole grains and vegetables, lignans are associated with hormone-related health benefits and may have anti-cancer properties.
- Application: Seeds (flaxseeds), whole grains (rye, barley, oats), vegetables (broccoli, kale, carrots).
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Stilbenes:
Resveratrol is the most well-known stilbene, primarily found in grapes, red wine, and some berries. It is noted for its potential anti-aging and cardiovascular health benefits.
- Application: Grapes (especially skins), wine (red), berries (blueberries, cranberries).
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Tannins:
Present in tea, coffee, wine, and certain fruits, tannins are astringent compounds that contribute to the taste and potential health benefits, including antioxidant and antimicrobial effects.
- Application: Tea (black, green), coffee, wine (red), fruits (pomegranates, grapes, persimmons).
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Metabolic Fatty Acid analysis
Metabolic acids are organic acids produced or involved in various metabolic processes within the body. They play crucial roles in energy production, nutrient metabolism, and maintaining the body's acid-base balance. Metabolic acids can be byproducts of metabolism or intermediates in metabolic pathways, and they include several important groups:
SCFA Analysis:
Short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), produced by gut microbiota during the fermentation of dietary fibers, are key indicators of gut health. We offer detailed analysis of SCFAs like acetate, propionate, and butyrate, helping you understand their impact on digestive health, inflammation, and metabolic regulation.
- Application: Whole grains, Legumes, Yogurt, Sauerkraut, Broccoli
LCFA Analysis:
Long-chain fatty acids (LCFA) are essential components of cell membranes and energy metabolism. Our LCFA analysis provides insights into the composition and levels of these fats in your samples, which can inform research on cardiovascular health, obesity, and metabolic disorders.
- Application: Olive oil, Walnuts, Salmon, Beef, Butter
Bile Acid Profiling:
Bile acids are crucial for fat digestion and have emerging roles in metabolic regulation and gut health. Our bile acid profiling service covers both primary and secondary bile acids, aiding in studies related to liver function, gut microbiome interactions, and metabolic diseases.
- Application: Avocados, Fatty fish, Eggs, Liver, Full-fat milk
If you are interested in our comprehensive bioanalysis services, including polyphenol, SCFA, LCFA, and bile acid testing, QIB Extra is here to support your research and product development needs. Our team of experts is dedicated to providing precise and actionable insights to help you achieve your goals.
To learn more about our services or to discuss your specific requirements, please contact us.
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