L-Carnitine 500mg

L-Carnitine (Levocarnitine) | Quaternary Ammonium Compound | Research Grade

Full Name: L-Carnitine (Levocarnitine) Also Known As: Vitamin BT Class: Quaternary ammonium / L-amino-acid derivative Molecular Formula: C₇H₁₅NO₃ Molecular Weight: 161.20 g/mol Purity: >99% (HPLC verified) Form: Lyophilised powder Available Size: 500mg CAS Number: 541-15-1

What Is L-Carnitine?

L-Carnitine (Levocarnitine; CAS 541-15-1) is a naturally occurring quaternary ammonium compound biosynthesised from lysine and methionine. It is supplied here as a lyophilised research compound at greater than 99% purity for laboratory use. Structurally, L-Carnitine carries a permanently positive charge at physiological pH — a property that governs its membrane transport via the organic cation/carnitine transporter OCTN2 (SLC22A5) and distinguishes it from free amino-acid analogues.

Its canonical biological role centres on the mitochondrial carnitine shuttle: long-chain acyl-CoA esters cannot cross the inner mitochondrial membrane directly. Carnitine palmitoyltransferase I (CPT1) at the outer mitochondrial membrane esterifies them to acylcarnitines; the acylcarnitine translocase (SLC25A20) carries the acylcarnitine across; and CPT2 at the inner membrane regenerates the acyl-CoA for β-oxidation. This shuttle is the rate-limiting gateway for long-chain fatty-acid entry into the mitochondrial matrix, making L-Carnitine a central research tool in studies of mitochondrial fuel selection and metabolic flexibility.

Research Context

Mitochondrial Stress Assays (Seahorse XF) L-Carnitine is a standard supplement in Seahorse XF Mito Fuel Flex and fatty acid oxidation assays. The Seahorse Fatty Acid Oxidation (FAO) assay requires L-Carnitine co-supplementation with long-chain fatty acids (palmitate–BSA) to enable mitochondrial import via CPT1. Without exogenous L-Carnitine, long-chain substrate utilisation is substantially limited in many cell lines, making it indispensable for accurate measurement of mitochondrial fatty-acid oxidation capacity.

Acylcarnitine Profiling Research into carnitine-shuttling defects and mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation (FAO) disorders typically relies on mass-spectrometric acylcarnitine profiling of conditioned media or cell lysates. L-Carnitine at defined research concentrations enables researchers to generate acylcarnitine profiles in cell-based models, study CPT1 isoform selectivity, and model carnitine transporter (OCTN2/SLC22A5) function.

Cellular Energy Metabolism Researchers studying mitochondrial biogenesis, fuel-switching, or metabolic flexibility in skeletal muscle myotubes, hepatocytes, and cardiomyocyte models routinely use exogenous L-Carnitine to ensure sufficient carnitine availability in serum-free or carnitine-depleted culture contexts.

Product Specifications

Handling & Storage

L-Carnitine lyophilised powder is freely soluble in sterile water. For in-vitro assays, reconstitute in the appropriate aqueous buffer (PBS or assay media) immediately before use. Once reconstituted, aliquot and store at 2–8°C; avoid prolonged exposure to elevated temperatures. Keep the sealed vial in a cool, dark environment until use. All handling should comply with standard laboratory safety protocols and applicable institutional guidelines.

Certificate of Analysis

Every batch of our L-Carnitine is independently tested and supplied with a Certificate of Analysis confirming purity by HPLC. Batch L7392 — Exp. 05/2029. Available on request and via the Nexyra Lab COA verification portal.

Important Notice

This product is intended strictly for in vitro research and laboratory use only. L-Carnitine supplied by Nexyra Lab is not approved for human or veterinary use by the FDA, EMA, or any other regulatory authority in this form. It is not a drug, supplement, or food product. This product must not be administered to humans or animals. By purchasing this product, the buyer confirms they are a qualified researcher and will use the compound solely for lawful scientific research purposes.