Related Experiment Videos
Picomole quantitation of ammonia by flow-through fluorometry
Analytical Biochemistry
|April 1, 1983
Summary
A novel fiber optic fluorometer accurately measures picomole levels of ammonia using an enzymatic reaction. This sensitive method quantifies ammonia by detecting changes in NADH fluorescence, offering rapid and reproducible results.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Biochemistry
- Biophysics
Background:
- Accurate quantification of ammonia is crucial in various scientific fields.
- Existing methods for ammonia detection may lack sensitivity or speed.
- Enzymatic assays offer high specificity for target molecule detection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a sensitive method for measuring picomole quantities of ammonia.
- To utilize a fiber optic fluorometer for real-time ammonia quantification.
- To establish an enzymatic assay for ammonia detection based on NADH fluorescence.
Main Methods:
- Employing a fiber optic fluorometer for fluorescence measurements.
- Utilizing an enzymatic reaction involving alpha-ketoglutaric acid, ammonium ion, and NADH.
- Quantifying ammonia by measuring the decrease in NADH fluorescence.
Main Results:
- The developed method successfully measured picomole amounts of ammonia.
- The assay demonstrated high reproducibility and speed.
- The system could resolve differences as small as 0.3 pmol in samples containing 0-7 pmol of ammonia.
Conclusions:
- A new fiber optic fluorometer provides a sensitive and reliable method for ammonia quantification.
- The enzymatic approach offers a rapid and reproducible means to detect low ammonia concentrations.
- This technique has potential applications in various research areas requiring precise ammonia measurement.