Evaluating high-purity AICAR (5-Aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide) for preclinical metabolic and cellular energy research requires strict adherence to analytical quality standards. Principal investigators and laboratory researchers seeking an authentic AICAR drug purchase must prioritize batch-specific purity verification, transparent mass spectrometry, and reliable US-based manufacturing. PX1 Research supplies high-grade AICAR exclusively for in vitro assays, cellular culture models, and preclinical animal research.
Evaluating high-purity AICAR (5-Aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide) for preclinical metabolic and cellular energy research requires strict adherence to analytical quality standards. Principal investigators and laboratory researchers seeking an authentic AICAR drug purchase must prioritize batch-specific purity verification, transparent mass spectrometry, and reliable US-based manufacturing. PX1 Research supplies high-grade AICAR exclusively for in vitro assays, cellular culture models, and preclinical animal research.
When executing an AICAR drug purchase for scientific investigation, laboratory researchers must acquire 5-Aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide strictly from analytical reagent suppliers providing lot-specific HPLC and mass spectrometry verification. Research-grade AICAR is supplied exclusively for in vitro assays and animal models to evaluate AMPK activation, energy homeostasis, and cellular metabolism, and is never intended for human consumption or clinical administration.
Acquiring high-purity reagents requires verifying supplier credentials, ensuring that each vial of the AICAR research reagent comes accompanied by transparent Certificate of Analysis (COA) data. PX1 Research manufactures research compounds in GMP-compliant, ISO 17025 accredited facilities within the United States, providing verified quality for institutional and academic research programs.
AICAR, systematically designated as 5-Aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide (and commercially referred to in clinical literature as Acadesine or ZMP free base), is an intermediate in the de novo purine nucleotide biosynthesis pathway. Structurally characterized by its imidazole ring conjugated to a ribose phosphate group, AICAR acts as an analogue of adenosine monophosphate (AMP).
Because of its unique chemical structure, AICAR is capable of penetrating cell membranes via nucleoside transporters. Once intracellular, it undergoes enzymatic phosphorylation by adenosine kinase to form ZMP (5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide monophosphate). ZMP closely mimics AMP structurally, allowing researchers to study competitive binding at regulatory enzyme sites without directly disturbing intracellular ATP concentration ratios in initial baseline phases.
The primary focus of AICAR in molecular biology is its role as a direct agonist of 5'-AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a master metabolic sensor operating within eukaryotic cells. Preclinical studies suggest that upon intracellular conversion to ZMP, the compound binds specifically to the gamma subunit of AMPK, inducing a conformational change that promotes phosphorylation of the catalytic alpha subunit at Threonine-172 by upstream kinases such as LKB1.
In vitro data indicate that AMPK activation by AICAR upregulates catabolic signaling pathways while suppressing anabolic processes. Key biochemical events downstream of AICAR-mediated AMPK activation in cell culture models include:
• Phosphorylation and inhibition of Acetyl-CoA Carboxylase (ACC), reducing fatty acid synthesis and increasing mitochondrial beta-oxidation.
• Stimulation of glucose uptake independently of insulin signaling through enhanced translocation of GLUT4 transporters to the plasma membrane.
• Downregulation of Mammalian Target of Rapamycin Complex 1 (mTORC1) activity, which alters protein translation rates during nutrient deprivation assays.
• Induction of Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Gamma Coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1a) gene expression, facilitating mitochondrial biogenesis in skeletal muscle cell lines.
Researchers across diverse biological disciplines utilize AICAR to investigate metabolic flexibility, cellular stress responses, and gene transcription networks. In rodent models of insulin resistance, experimental administration of AICAR has been studied to observe changes in systemic glucose tolerance and muscle lipid accumulation.
Furthermore, in vitro models of ischemia-reperfusion injury utilize AICAR to examine purine nucleoside retention and adenosine generation during hypoxic stress. In oncology research, cell lines subjected to AICAR treatment are evaluated for cell cycle arrest and apoptosis induction, particularly in hematological and solid tumor models where metabolic reprogramming is a defining hallmark. Investigators exploring broader metabolic signaling networks frequently cross-reference data obtained from the comprehensive catalog of research peptides available through PX1 Research.
Within the domain of metabolic signaling research, AICAR is frequently evaluated alongside other small-molecule agonists and mitochondrial modulators to delineate specific enzymatic pathways. While AICAR acts directly via ZMP accumulation to stimulate AMPK, researchers often compare its downstream effects against mitochondrial peptides like MOTS-c, which regulates metabolic homeostasis via nuclear translocation of mitochondrial-derived peptides. Additionally, investigators studying lipid oxidation and endurance-related gene expression profiles often run parallel assays using PPAR-delta agonists such as GW501516 or intracellular enzyme inhibitors like 5-Amino-1MQ. Understanding these distinct mechanisms—ranging from nucleotide mimetic AMPK stimulation to direct receptor transcription—allows researchers to design robust comparative control groups in experimental protocols.
When planning an AICAR drug purchase for high-throughput assays or animal studies, non-reproducible data caused by impure or contaminated reagents represents a critical risk. Reagents sourced from unverified overseas vendors often suffer from batch variability, residual synthesis solvents, or elevated bacterial endotoxins that invalidate cell viability assays.
PX1 Research enforces rigorous quality control protocols across all compound lots. Every batch of AICAR undergoes extensive testing in an ISO 17025 accredited laboratory:
1. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC): Confirms chemical purity exceeding 98%, ensuring minimal degraded intermediates or synthetic byproducts.
2. Mass Spectrometry (MS): Verifies exact molecular weight and structural identity, confirming correct chemical composition.
3. Bacterial Endotoxin Testing: Enforces strict endotoxin thresholds (<0.05 EU/mg) to prevent non-specific inflammatory responses in sensitive cell cultures or live animal models.
Every shipment includes a verifiable, lot-specific Certificate of Analysis downloadable directly via the PX1 Research analytical portal.
To maintain the chemical integrity of AICAR during benchtop experimentation, proper solubilization and handling procedures must be observed. AICAR is typically supplied as a lyophilized crystalline powder or solid aggregate that requires reconstitution prior to use in biological assays.
Recommended handling protocols for laboratory staff include:
• Solubilization: AICAR is freely soluble in sterile water, Phosphate-Buffered Saline (PBS, pH 7.2), and Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO). For cell culture media preparation, stock solutions are commonly prepared at concentrations ranging from 10 mM to 100 mM in sterile PBS or culture-grade water.
• Filtration: Stock solutions prepared under non-sterile conditions should be passed through a 0.22-micron low-protein-binding syringe filter before introduction to cell cultures.
• Working Concentrations: In published in vitro assays, working concentrations generally range between 0.1 mM and 2.0 mM, depending on the cell line sensitivity and targeted duration of AMPK phosphorylation.
Researchers seeking broader technical literature on metabolic kinase activators can consult our dedicated resource on AMPK pathway modulators.
Proper storage conditions are vital to prevent hydrolysis or oxidation of the nucleotide structure over extended laboratory research timelines. Lyophilized AICAR powder should be stored tightly sealed at -20°C in a desiccated environment, shielded from direct light exposure.
Once reconstituted into aqueous stock solutions, AICAR exhibits limited stability at room temperature. Aliquots should be prepared immediately to avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles, which can induce molecular degradation. Reconstituted liquid stock solutions stored at -80°C typically remain stable for several months, while working solutions stored at 4°C should be utilized within 24 to 48 hours to ensure consistent baseline activity across experimental replicates.
PX1 Research caters to university departments, contract research organizations (CROs), and private biotechnology facilities requiring consistent reagent availability and fast delivery. All products are manufactured in the USA and shipped directly from our primary facilities in California and Arizona, offering same-day dispatch for orders placed Monday through Friday before cut-off times.
For large-scale animal studies or high-throughput screening initiatives requiring multi-gram quantities, facilities can establish institutional wholesale accounts to access volume-based pricing, dedicated account management, and standardized lot reservation services.
What is the primary use of AICAR in laboratory research?
AICAR (5-Aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide) is primarily used in preclinical research as a direct cell-permeable activator of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). It serves as a key tool for investigating glucose uptake, lipid oxidation, mitochondrial biogenesis, and cellular energy regulation in vitro and in animal models.
Is AICAR approved for human clinical use or personal consumption?
No. AICAR supplied by PX1 Research is strictly designated for laboratory research use only (RUO). It is not approved by the FDA for human therapeutic use, diagnosis, prevention, or medical treatment, and must never be administered to humans or animals outside of approved experimental research protocols.
How does PX1 Research verify the purity of its AICAR batches?
Every lot of AICAR manufactured for PX1 Research undergoes independent third-party testing in an ISO 17025 accredited laboratory. Purity and identity are confirmed using Reverse-Phase High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (RP-HPLC) and Mass Spectrometry (MS). Endotoxin testing is also conducted to ensure suitability for cellular assays.
What solvent should be used to reconstitute AICAR powder for cell culture?
AICAR lyophilized powder is highly water-soluble. It can be reconstituted using sterile laboratory-grade water, Phosphate-Buffered Saline (PBS), or DMSO. For cell culture experiments, preparing stock solutions in sterile PBS (pH 7.2–7.4) followed by 0.22-micron filtration is recommended.
What is the shelf life and proper storage condition for lyophilized AICAR?
In its dry lyophilized state, AICAR powder remains stable for up to 24 months when stored at -20°C in a desiccated, light-protected environment. Upon reconstitution, liquid aliquots should be stored at -80°C to maintain stability and prevent enzymatic or chemical degradation.
How does AICAR differ functionally from MOTS-c or GW501516?
AICAR is an AMP analogue that directly stimulates AMPK by converting to ZMP intracellularly. MOTS-c is a mitochondrial-derived peptide that translocates to the nucleus to regulate metabolic genes during metabolic stress. GW501516 is a synthetic small-molecule agonist selective for the PPAR-delta receptor, acting primarily on transcriptional control of fatty acid oxidation rather than direct nucleoside kinase pathways.
What endotoxin limits are enforced for PX1 Research AICAR batches?
PX1 Research enforces strict endotoxin screening standards on all research compounds, ensuring levels remain below 0.05 EU/mg. This prevents endotoxin-mediated macrophage activation or artifactual inflammatory responses in sensitive in vitro and in vivo models.
Where does PX1 Research ship AICAR orders from?
All orders from PX1 Research ship directly from our fulfillment centers located in California and Arizona. Standard orders placed Monday through Friday prior to cutoff times are dispatched the same day to minimize transit times for domestic research laboratories.
All products are sold strictly for laboratory and research use only. Not for human or veterinary use, diagnosis, treatment or consumption. Statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.