Bulk Alpha lipoic Acid Powder

Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is a light yellow powder, almost tasteless. The solubility in water is small, about 1 g/L (20°C). Soluble in 10% NaOH solution, soluble in aliphatic solvent. Soluble in ethanol, chloroform, ether.

Alpha-lipoic-acid, also named α-lipoic acid, alpha-lipoic acid(ALA), and thioctic acid, is a natural compound. It is a powerful antioxidant that can reduce the risk of cell damage attributed to free radicals, promote healthy skin with anti-aging properties, and support healthy weight loss.  It may also support the cardiovascular system, help boost immunity, and maintain healthy blood sugar levels, as well as support liver health.

Extraction Process

COA

Production of α-Lipoic Acid by Fermentation: Process and Advantages

I. Fermentation Process

The fermentation process for producing α-lipoic acid primarily utilizes the metabolic capabilities of microorganisms to achieve biosynthesis of the target product. The following is a typical process flow for fermentation:

Strain Selection and Optimization:

Selecting the appropriate microbial strain (such as yeast or engineered bacteria) is crucial for the success of fermentation.

Genetic engineering techniques can be used to modify strains for more efficient synthesis of α-lipoic acid.

Preparation of Fermentation Medium:

Prepare a fermentation medium containing carbon sources, nitrogen sources, inorganic salts, and growth factors.

Carbon sources are typically glucose or glycerol, while nitrogen sources can be yeast extract or peptone.

Fermentation Process:

Inoculate the optimized strain into a fermenter and carry out fermentation under suitable temperature (typically 30-37°C), pH (6.0-7.0), and aeration conditions.

Strict control of parameters is required during the fermentation process to ensure strain growth and metabolism.

Product Extraction and Purification:

After fermentation, separate the cells by centrifugation or filtration.

Then, use organic solvent extraction, acid-base treatment, and crystallization to extract and purify the α-lipoic acid.

II. Advantages of the Fermentation Process

The fermentation method for producing α-lipoic acid has the following significant advantages:

Green and Sustainable:

Fermentation is a biosynthesis method that does not require the use of large amounts of organic solvents and harmful chemical reagents, reducing environmental pollution.

High Optical Purity:

Fermentation can directly synthesize (R)-α-lipoic acid with high optical purity through the asymmetric reduction reaction of microorganisms, without the need for complex chemical resolution steps.

Cost-Effectiveness:

Fermentation utilizes the natural metabolic capacity of microorganisms, resulting in lower raw material costs.

The fermentation process is relatively simple and suitable for large-scale industrial production.

High Product Quality:

The α-lipoic acid produced by fermentation has high purity, few impurities, and meets the stringent quality requirements of pharmaceutical and health food products.

Strong Adaptability:

Through strain modification and optimization of fermentation conditions, the fermentation method can be flexibly adjusted to meet different production needs.

In summary, the fermentation method for producing α-lipoic acid is not only environmentally friendly and efficient but also significantly improves the optical purity and quality of the product, making it a promising production process.

Health Benefits and Applications of α-Lipoic Acid Powder

α-Lipoic acid powder, as a versatile natural compound, has a wide range of applications, mainly including the following aspects:

1. Pharmaceutical Field

α-Lipoic acid powder is mainly used in the pharmaceutical field for the treatment and management of various chronic diseases:

Diabetes and its complications: α-Lipoic acid can improve insulin sensitivity, lower blood sugar levels, and has significant therapeutic effects on diabetic peripheral neuropathy, retinopathy, nephropathy, and other complications.

Nervous system diseases: Due to its antioxidant and neuroprotective effects, α-lipoic acid can be used to improve the symptoms of neuropathy and delay the progression of neurodegenerative diseases (such as Alzheimer's disease).

Cardiovascular diseases: It reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Liver protection: α-Lipoic acid has metal chelating ability, which can reduce liver damage and improve liver function.

2. Health Products Field

The application of α-lipoic acid powder in health products is mainly based on its antioxidant and metabolic regulation functions:

Anti-oxidation and delaying aging: As an efficient antioxidant, α-lipoic acid can scavenge free radicals and reduce oxidative stress, thereby delaying aging.

Enhancing immunity: By scavenging free radicals and regulating metabolism in the body, α-lipoic acid helps to enhance immunity.

Improving fatigue: It can improve energy metabolism efficiency and help quickly restore physical strength.

3. Cosmetic Field

α-Lipoic acid powder is widely used in cosmetics as an antioxidant and skin care ingredient:

Anti-oxidation and anti-aging: α-Lipoic acid can scavenge free radicals in the skin, reduce the damage of oxidative stress to the skin, and delay skin aging.

Whitening and brightening skin tone: It has a function similar to vitamin C, which can restore skin tone and brighten the skin.

Promoting skin repair: α-Lipoic acid can promote the regeneration and repair of skin cells and accelerate the recovery of damaged skin.

Sun protection and anti-ultraviolet: It can form a protective film to reduce the damage of ultraviolet rays to the skin.

4. Food Field

In Japan, α-lipoic acid powder has been classified as a food additive for improving blood sugar levels, strengthening liver function, and anti-fatigue.

Summary

α-Lipoic acid powder, with its powerful antioxidant capacity, metabolic regulation function, and neuroprotective effect, has a wide range of applications in the fields of medicine, health products, cosmetics, and food. It is safe and has multiple health benefits. It is a valuable functional raw material.