Welcome to our Short-Chain Fatty Acid (SCFA) Analysis Service page. Our Contract Research Organization (CRO) offers comprehensive, high-quality analytical services to researchers and companies worldwide. We aim to support your projects with precise and reliable data to advance your understanding of gut microbiome metabolism and its impact on host health.
Overview of SCFAs
Short-chain fatty acids are carboxylic acids with fewer than six carbon atoms. The most common and physiologically significant SCFAs are acetate, propionate, and butyrate. They are primarily produced in the large intestine through the microbial fermentation of dietary fibers and resistant starches that are not digested in the small intestine. SCFAs are crucial signaling molecules that connect the gut microbiota to various physiological processes in the host.
Our Comprehensive SCFA Analysis Services
We offer a variety of services tailored to meet the specific needs of your research project. Our methods are highly sensitive and validated to ensure accurate and reproducible results.
Workflow
Service Details
Deliverables
Turnaround Time
Services
-
Standard SCFA Panel: Acetate, Propionate, Butyrate, Isobutyrate, Valerate, Isovalerate, and Caproate.
-
Expanded SCFA Panel: Includes all standard panel analytes plus additional short-chain fatty acids and their derivatives, such as Succinate, Fumarate, and Lactate, depending on your research needs.
-
Targeted SCFA Metabolomics: A more in-depth service combining SCFA analysis with the quantification of related metabolites, such as bile acids and branched-chain amino acids, to provide a more holistic view of gut metabolic pathways.
-
Methodology: High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) or Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) for multi-analyte quantification.
Sample Information & Requirements
-
Fecal Samples: The gold standard for SCFA analysis. We require a minimum of 200 mg of homogenized fecal material. Samples should be flash-frozen immediately after collection and stored at −80℃ until shipping with dry ice.
-
Blood Samples (Serum/Plasma): Minimum volume of 400 μL. Samples should be collected in tubes with anticoagulants (e.g., EDTA) for plasma or without for serum. Spin down and flash-freeze the plasma/serum at −80℃.
-
Urine Samples: Minimum volume of 400 μL. Store at −80℃.
-
Tissue Samples: Minimum of 100 mg. Flash-freeze and store at −80℃.
Note: Please follow our detailed sample submission guidelines to prevent degradation and ensure the best possible results.
Deliverables
-
Detailed Report: A PDF document summarizing the project, including the methodology, quality control data, and analytical results.
-
Raw Data: Access to the raw chromatograms and mass spectra upon request.
-
Data Tables: Excel or CSV files containing the concentration of each SCFA in your samples (e.g., in μmol/g for feces or μM for plasma).
Turnaround Time
3-5 weeks from sample receipt.
Ready to start your project? Click here to request a quote and consultation!
SCFAs: Mechanism of Action
Once produced in the colon, SCFAs are rapidly absorbed and exert their effects both locally and systemically.
Local Effects (in the Gut)
-
Energy Source: Butyrate is the primary energy source for colonocytes (cells lining the colon), supporting gut barrier integrity and preventing inflammation.
-
pH Regulation: SCFA production lowers the colonic pH, which inhibits the growth of pathogenic bacteria and promotes the growth of beneficial microbes.
-
Immune Modulation: SCFAs interact with G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs), such as GPR41 and GPR43, on immune cells, modulating inflammatory responses.
Systemic Effects (in the Body)
-
Metabolic Regulation: SCFAs travel to the liver and other tissues, influencing glucose homeostasis, lipid metabolism, and appetite regulation. Propionate, for instance, is a precursor for gluconeogenesis in the liver.
-
Brain-Gut Axis: SCFAs can cross the blood-brain barrier and influence neurotransmitter production and brain function.
-
Cardiovascular Health: SCFAs can lower blood pressure and improve cholesterol profiles.
Our Advantages
Expertise
Our team comprises Ph.D.-level scientists with extensive experience in metabolomics, mass spectrometry, and gut microbiome research.
Advanced Technology
We utilize state-of-the-art GC-MS and LC-MS platforms to provide highly sensitive and accurate quantification.
Validated Methods
Our protocols are robust, reproducible, and validated to meet strict quality control standards.
Comprehensive Support
From initial consultation to data interpretation, we provide full support to ensure the success of your project.
Competitive Pricing
We offer high-quality services at a competitive price, with flexible options for projects of all sizes.
Applications of SCFA Analysis
-
Microbiome Research: Characterizing the metabolic function of the gut microbiota.
-
Nutrition and Dietetics: Assessing the impact of dietary interventions, prebiotics, and probiotics.
-
Gastroenterology: Studying conditions like Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), Crohn’s disease, and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
-
Metabolic Disorders: Investigating the link between SCFAs and obesity, type 2 diabetes, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
-
Neuroscience: Exploring the gut-brain axis and its role in neurological and psychiatric disorders.
-
Drug Development: Evaluating the efficacy of drugs that target the gut microbiome.
Necessity of Cell Banking
Analyzing SCFAs is crucial for understanding the gut-brain axis, metabolic diseases (like obesity and diabetes), inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), and the efficacy of probiotics and prebiotics. A precise measurement of SCFA concentrations provides a direct snapshot of microbial metabolic activity, offering more functional insight than simply sequencing the microbial community. It's an essential tool for biomarker discovery, nutritional studies, and drug development.
Ready to unlock the secrets of the gut microbiome? Our team of experts is here to partner with you. We don't just provide data; we deliver actionable insights that drive your research forward. Contact us today to discuss your project and discover how our SCFA analysis services can accelerate your timeline and enhance the quality of your results.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best sample type for SCFA analysis?
Fecal samples are generally the best because they contain the highest concentration of SCFAs, reflecting the direct metabolic activity of the gut microbiota. However, analyzing SCFAs in blood or urine can provide insight into their systemic effects.
How do I ship my samples?
All samples should be shipped frozen with dry ice via a reliable courier service. We will provide detailed shipping instructions and a shipping address after the project is confirmed.
Can you analyze samples from animal models?
Yes, we have extensive experience analyzing samples from a wide range of animal models, including mice, rats, and pigs.
What is the cost of the service?
The cost depends on the number of samples, the type of service, and the required turnaround time. Please contact us for a personalized quote.
Do you offer data interpretation services?
While our primary service is analysis and data delivery, we can provide a scientific consultation to help you interpret the results in the context of your research.
