Merck, MAK484-1KT, Phenylalanine Assay Kit

General description
Phenylalanine is an essential amino acid and an important precursor for several key signal molecules such as dopamine, norepinephrine, epinephrine, and the skin pigment melanin. It is found naturally in the breast milk of mammals and used as nutritional supplements in food and drink products. The genetic disorder phenylketonuria is the inability to metabolize phenylalanine. Individuals with this disorder are known as "phenylketonurics". Individuals who cannot metabolize phenylalanine must monitor their intake of protein to control the buildup of phenylalanine.
Application
The kit is suitable for L-phenylalanine activity determination in serum, urine, and other biological samples.
Biochem/physiol Actions
The Phenylalanine Assay Kit provides a convenient fluorometric means to measure L-phenylalanine in biological samples. In the assay, L-phenylalanine is oxidized by phenylalanine dehydrogenase, producing NADH, which reduces a fluorescent dye to a highly fluorescent product. The resulting fluorescence intensity at λEx = 530 nm/λEm = 585 nm is proportional to the L-phenylalanine concentration in the sample.
Features and Benefits

• The linear detection range of the kit is 2-300 µM L-phenylalanine
• Compatible with high-throughput handling systems.