PX1 Research provides researchers and academic institutions with analytical-grade AICAR (5-Aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleoside) manufactured under strict quality standards. Each lot undergoes comprehensive RP-HPLC and mass spectrometry verification to ensure maximum chemical purity and batch consistency for in vitro and preclinical research applications.
PX1 Research provides researchers and academic institutions with analytical-grade AICAR (5-Aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleoside) manufactured under strict quality standards. Each lot undergoes comprehensive RP-HPLC and mass spectrometry verification to ensure maximum chemical purity and batch consistency for in vitro and preclinical research applications.
To buy AICAR (5-Aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleoside) for scientific investigation, verified research suppliers provide pure chemical isolates accompanied by comprehensive analytical documentation. Qualified laboratories can order buy AICAR for laboratory research through PX1 Research, where every lot is verified by independent ISO 17025 accredited laboratories using RP-HPLC and mass spectrometry to ensure purity exceeding 98%.
AICAR is a nucleoside analog widely studied in biochemical laboratories for its ability to regulate cellular energy dynamics. When sourcing this reagent, investigators require strict lot-to-lot consistency, low endotoxin levels, and complete freedom from residual chemical contaminants that could distort sensitive cell culture or enzymatic assays. PX1 Research fulfills these requirements by manufacturing in US-based, GMP-compliant facilities and offering same-day dispatch from logistics hubs in California and Arizona.
AICAR, systematically known as 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide 1-β-D-ribofuranoside or Acadesine, is a purine precursor and intermediate in the de novo purine nucleotide biosynthesis pathway. Its molecular formula is C9H14N4O5, with a molecular weight of 258.23 g/mol. As a synthetic nucleoside derivative, AICAR features an imidazole core linked to a ribofuranose moiety.
In biological systems, exogenous AICAR enters cells via nucleoside transporters (such as ENT1) and undergoes intracellular phosphorylation by adenosine kinase to form 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide (ZMP). ZMP acts as a structural analog of adenosine monophosphate (AMP), enabling it to interact directly with AMP-sensitive regulatory proteins without altering the actual intracellular ATP/ADP ratio.
The primary biochemical utility of AICAR in preclinical research lies in its capacity to function as a potent activator of 5'-AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). AMPK is a heterotrimeric enzyme complex consisting of a catalytic α-subunit and regulatory β- and γ-subunits, serving as the primary energy sensor in eukaryotic cells.
When AICAR is phosphorylated into ZMP, ZMP binds to the CBS (cystathionine-β-synthase) domains on the regulatory γ-subunit of AMPK. This binding induces an allosteric conformational change that promotes the phosphorylation of Threonine-172 (Thr172) on the catalytic α-subunit by upstream kinases such as LKB1 (liver kinase B1). Unlike physiological energy stressors that elevate AMP by depleting ATP, AICAR-mediated activation of AMPK activators occurs independently of the cellular phosphate charge, allowing researchers to isolate AMPK-dependent downstream signaling pathways from energy depletion artifacts.
In vitro data and animal model studies have heavily utilized AICAR to map metabolic signaling cascades. Preclinical investigations in rodent models demonstrate that AICAR administration upregulates genes involved in mitochondrial biogenesis, oxidative phosphorylation, and fatty acid oxidation. Central to these downstream effects is the activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α), a master regulator of mitochondrial gene transcription.
Furthermore, in vitro assays using skeletal muscle cell lines (such as C2C12 myotubes) indicate that AICAR-stimulated AMPK activation promotes glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) translocation to the plasma membrane independently of insulin signaling pathways. Research models investigating hepatic lipid metabolism have demonstrated that AICAR decreases acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) activity via phosphorylation, resulting in suppressed lipogenesis and increased mitochondrial transport of long-chain fatty acids via carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1 (CPT-1).
When designing metabolic and cellular energy studies, investigators frequently compare AICAR to other small molecules and peptides targeted at mitochondrial and metabolic pathways. While AICAR acts directly as a ZMP prodrug to activate AMPK allosterically, other agents operate through distinct molecular mechanisms within the metabolic network.
For example, MOTS-c is a mitochondrial-derived peptide that regulates metabolic homeostasis through nuclear translocation and gene expression modulation, whereas 5-Amino-1MQ acts as a selective inhibitor of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT) to elevate NAD+ salvage pathways. Additionally, PPAR-δ agonists like GW-501516 activate transcriptional pathways downstream of AMPK, promoting fatty acid oxidation without directly binding to the AMPK γ-subunit. Researchers often evaluate these compounds in parallel assays to delineate overlapping metabolic signaling pathways in cell lines and rodent models.
Given the sensitivity of cell signaling assays to chemical impurities, raw material quality is critical. PX1 Research subjects every batch of AICAR to rigorous analytical testing in independent ISO 17025 certified testing laboratories prior to release.
Purity is quantitatively established using Reversed-Phase High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (RP-HPLC) coupled with UV spectrophotometry. Molecular weight confirmation and structural identity are verified via Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry (ESI-MS). Furthermore, because bacterial endotoxins can falsely trigger inflammatory signaling cascades in cell culture and animal models, PX1 Research evaluates all lots using the Limulus Amebocyte Lysate (LAL) assay, ensuring endotoxin content remains strictly below 0.05 EU/mg.
AICAR is supplied as a lyophilized crystalline powder to ensure maximum chemical stability during transit and storage. For laboratory experimental use, reconstitution must be carried out under sterile conditions using appropriate solvents based on the requirements of the downstream assay.
AICAR exhibits high solubility in aqueous buffers such as Phosphate-Buffered Saline (PBS, pH 7.2) and sterile water for injection, achieving concentrations up to 50 mg/mL with gentle vortexing. For cell culture experiments requiring organic solvent stock solutions, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) can be utilized up to 25 mg/mL. Once reconstituted in aqueous solution, working aliquots should be prepared immediately to minimize freeze-thaw degradation and stored at -20°C or -80°C for short-term experimental series.
When purchasing research compounds for academic or institutional studies, verifying supplier integrity is essential for experimental reproducibility. Laboratories evaluating vendor credentials should demand lot-specific Certificate of Analysis (COA) documents that feature real analytical spectra rather than generic templated statements of compliance.
Key criteria for evaluating AICAR suppliers include US-based synthesis or secondary processing facilities, full trace-ability of batch numbers, available HPLC peak integration reports, mass spectrum matching, and verified endotoxin quantification. Access to comprehensive documentation through a dedicated PX1 Research library ensures that researchers maintain complete audit trails for institutional compliance and grant-funded projects.
Proper storage conditions are essential for maintaining the chemical integrity of AICAR powder and stock solutions. The lyophilized compound should be stored at -20°C in a desiccated environment protected from light. Under these conditions, the un-reconstituted powder maintains specified purity for up to 24 months.
Reconstituted liquid solutions stored at 2–8°C are subject to hydrolysis over extended periods and should be used within 48 to 72 hours. For long-term storage of reconstituted stocks, solutions should be divided into single-use sub-aliquots and frozen at -80°C. Repeated exposure to freeze-thaw cycles leads to structural degradation of the nucleoside backbone and should be strictly avoided.
For large-scale academic studies, high-throughput screening assays, or institutional core facilities requiring consistent bulk supply, PX1 Research provides dedicated enterprise procurement options. Institutional clients can set up custom batch reservations and establish scheduled deliveries to maintain continuity across longitudinal research protocols.
Researchers seeking volume pricing, master-lot reservation, or custom packaging configurations can submit requests through our portal for bulk research peptide accounts. Every order shipped by PX1 Research originates from our US-based logistics centers, backed by same-day handling for orders placed Monday through Friday.
What is the chemical purity of AICAR supplied by PX1 Research?
PX1 Research supplies AICAR with a minimum chemical purity of 98% as verified by lot-specific RP-HPLC and mass spectrometry testing conducted by independent ISO 17025 accredited laboratories.
What is the primary mechanism of action for AICAR in cell culture studies?
AICAR is phosphorylated intracellularly into ZMP, an analog of AMP that binds directly to the γ-subunit of AMPK, inducing allosteric activation and promoting phosphorylation at Thr172 without disrupting cellular ATP levels.
How should lyophilized AICAR powder be stored upon receipt?
Lyophilized AICAR powder should be stored at -20°C in a dry container protected from direct light exposure. Under optimal desiccated storage at -20°C, the powder remains stable for up to 24 months.
What solvent is recommended for reconstituting AICAR for cell culture?
AICAR is readily soluble in sterile water, Phosphate-Buffered Saline (PBS, pH 7.2), or DMSO. For cell culture assays, stock solutions prepared in sterile PBS or culture medium up to 50 mg/mL are typically utilized.
What endotoxin controls are performed on PX1 Research AICAR lots?
Every lot of AICAR undergoes LAL (Limulus Amebocyte Lysate) testing to ensure endotoxin levels remain below 0.05 EU/mg, preventing confounding immune signaling in cell culture and animal models.
How does AICAR differ from peptide activators like MOTS-c?
AICAR is a small-molecule nucleoside derivative that directly generates ZMP to activate AMPK, whereas MOTS-c is a 16-amino-acid mitochondrial-derived peptide that regulates metabolic transcription pathways via nuclear translocation.
Are batch-specific Certificates of Analysis (COAs) available for review?
Yes. Every shipment of AICAR is linked to a lot-specific COA featuring complete HPLC chromatograms, mass spectrometry reports, and endotoxin assay results accessible online or upon request.
Where does PX1 Research ship AICAR orders from?
All PX1 Research orders are fulfilled and dispatched from our US-based facilities located in California and Arizona, with same-day shipping available for orders placed Monday through Friday before cut-off times.
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.