Sourcing high-purity AMPK activators requires verified analytical testing and reliable lot traceability. This dedicated AICAR shop guide provides laboratory researchers with critical technical standards regarding chemical identity, HPLC purity verification, mass spectrometry, and handling protocols for preclinical research.
Sourcing high-purity AMPK activators requires verified analytical testing and reliable lot traceability. This dedicated AICAR shop guide provides laboratory researchers with critical technical standards regarding chemical identity, HPLC purity verification, mass spectrometry, and handling protocols for preclinical research.
When evaluating an AICAR shop for laboratory procurement, researchers must prioritize analytical validation including reverse-phase HPLC purity above 98%, ESI-MS identity verification, and lot-specific endotoxin testing. PX1 Research delivers USA-manufactured AICAR (5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide) with lot-traced Certificates of Analysis, shipped same-day from California and Arizona facilities for rigorous in vitro and animal models.
Selecting a verified research supplier ensures that experimental results are not confounded by peptide synthesis impurities, residual solvents, or lot-to-lot bioactivity variations. High-throughput metabolic screening and enzymatic assays rely on precise chemical integrity to maintain reproducible activation of target signaling cascades.
AICAR (5-Aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide, also known as Acadesine or ZMP) is a synthetic nucleoside analog widely studied in metabolic, cardiovascular, and exercise physiology models. Intracellularly, AICAR is phosphorylated by adenosine kinase into ZMP (5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide monophosphate), an analogue of adenosine monophosphate (AMP).
By mimicking cellular AMP elevated levels, ZMP binds directly to the regulatory γ (gamma) subunit of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). This binding event induces an allosteric conformational change that promotes phosphorylation of the catalytic α subunit at Thr-172 by upstream kinases such as LKB1. Researchers exploring cellular energy homeostasis utilize AICAR to simulate low-energy cellular states, driving downstream catabolic pathways including glucose uptake, fatty acid oxidation, and mitochondrial biogenesis.
In contrast to indirect metabolic modulators found across our all-peptides catalog, AICAR acts as a direct molecular trigger for central nutrient sensing. Investigators interested in detailed biochemical pathways can review comparative mechanisms within our central research hub.
Not all compounds offered across online vendor platforms meet the rigorous standards necessary for peer-reviewed research. Sourcing through a specialized AICAR product page requires evaluating critical analytical parameters to prevent experimental artifacting.
High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC): RP-HPLC must demonstrate a primary chromatographic peak corresponding to ≥98% purity. Trace impurities can interfere with intracellular phosphorylation rates or cause off-target cytotoxicity in cell culture models.
Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry (ESI-MS): Mass spec analysis must confirm the precise molecular weight of AICAR (C9H15N5O8P, exact mass 338.07 g/mol). Verification of single-charged monoisotopic ions confirms absolute compound identity prior to reconstituting working solutions.
Endotoxin Quantification: Bacterial endotoxins (lipopolysaccharide/LPS) induce acute inflammatory signaling via Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), masking AMPK-specific transcriptional downstream effects. PX1 Research subjects all compound lots to chromogenic Limulus Amebocyte Lysate (LAL) testing to enforce strict endotoxin limits (<0.01 EU/mg).
In preclinical metabolic investigation, researchers frequently compare or combine AICAR with other small molecules and peptides targeting energetic pathways. Three primary compounds often examined in parallel include AICAR, MOTS-c, and GW501516.
While AICAR operates via intracellular conversion to ZMP to directly activate the cytosolic AMPK complex, MOTS-c is a mitochondrial-derived peptide that translocates to the nucleus under metabolic stress to regulate nuclear gene expression. Conversely, GW501516 acts as a potent selective agonist of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor delta (PPARδ), enhancing lipid oxidation through transcriptional mechanisms independent of direct nucleotide sensing.
Understanding these mechanistic divergences allows research teams to select the precise tool compound for their study parameters. Explore additional small molecules and signaling agents in our dedicated metabolic research compounds library.
Proper reconstitution of AICAR powder is vital to maintain stability and prevent enzymatic breakdown prior to assay administration. AICAR is highly soluble in aqueous buffers such as phosphate-buffered saline (PBS, pH 7.2) and sterile water, achieving concentrations up to 50 mg/mL under gentle vortexing.
For stock solution preparation in cell culture applications, dissolution in sterile, endotoxin-free water or DMSO is recommended. Once dissolved, stock solutions should be filtered using a 0.22 µm PES syringe filter in a sterile laminar flow hood to maintain sterility for downstream in vitro experiments.
Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles of liquid stock solutions. Reconstitated stock aliquots should be frozen rapidly in liquid nitrogen or ultra-low temperature freezers (-80°C) to maintain compound integrity over extended research timelines.
Lyophilized AICAR supplied by PX1 Research demonstrates excellent physical and chemical stability when stored under controlled environment standards. Unopened lyophilized vials should be stored at -20°C in a dry environment protected from light exposure.
Under proper desiccated freezing conditions (-20°C to -80°C), dry AICAR maintains structural stability for up to 24 months. Upon receiving shipments, laboratory managers should verify vial seal integrity and transfer compounds immediately into secure cold-chain storage units.
A hallmark of a professional research supplier is complete batch transparency. PX1 Research pairs every lot of AICAR with a dedicated, downloadable Certificate of Analysis (COA) generated by an independent, ISO 17025 accredited analytical laboratory.
Researchers reviewing an AICAR COA can inspect real raw chromatographic data, integration tables, and mass spectral traces. This level of verification guarantees that the material introduced into cell cultures or animal models contains no unknown synthesis byproducts or heavy metal contamination.
Principal investigators requiring batch-specific documentation for grant reporting or manuscript submissions can request complete documentation directly through our wholesale contact portal.
Academic institutions, biotechnology firms, and contract research organizations (CROs) frequently require multi-gram quantities of high-purity AICAR for large-scale screening campaigns or longitudinal animal trials.
PX1 Research provides scalable custom packaging and bulk supply chain support to accommodate high-volume laboratory consumption. Institutional accounts benefit from dedicated account management, lot-reservation programs, and standardized quality documentation. Qualified laboratories can establish a institutional account via our wholesale procurement program.
Experimental timelines require consistent, rapidly dispatched reagents. PX1 Research maintains state-of-the-art dispatch facilities located strategically in California and Arizona to support fast transit across North America.
Orders placed before cutoff times Monday through Friday are processed and dispatched same-day. Reagents are packaged in ambient-stabilized or temperature-controlled packaging as required by the compound profile to preserve structural integrity during transit.
What should I look for when choosing an aicar shop?
When choosing an AICAR shop, prioritize suppliers that provide full third-party ISO 17025 analytical testing, including RP-HPLC purity curves (≥98%), mass spectrometry identity verification, low endotoxin limits (<0.01 EU/mg), and US-based fulfillment with lot traceability.
What is the purity level of PX1 Research AICAR?
PX1 Research supplies AICAR with a verified purity of ≥98% as determined by Reverse-Phase High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (RP-HPLC) and confirmed by Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry (ESI-MS).
How does AICAR function in preclinical metabolic research?
In preclinical models, AICAR is converted intracellularly into ZMP, an AMP analog that directly activates AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). This stimulates catabolic pathways such as glucose uptake and lipid oxidation.
How should AICAR powder be reconstituted for cell culture assays?
AICAR should be reconstituted under sterile conditions using sterile water, PBS (pH 7.2), or DMSO. Concentrations up to 50 mg/mL are attainable. Solutions should be sterile-filtered through a 0.22 µm membrane.
What are the recommended storage conditions for AICAR?
Lyophilized AICAR powder should be stored desiccated at -20°C or -80°C for long-term stability. Once reconstituted, stock solutions should be divided into single-use aliquots and frozen to avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Are Certificates of Analysis (COAs) available for each AICAR lot?
Yes. Every batch of AICAR sold by PX1 Research includes a lot-specific COA featuring HPLC purity profiles, mass spectrometry verification, and LAL endotoxin test results.
How does AICAR differ from MOTS-c or GW501516?
AICAR acts as a direct nucleotide precursor to activate cytosolic AMPK. MOTS-c is a mitochondrial-derived peptide regulating nuclear gene expression under stress, while GW501516 is a PPARδ receptor agonist operating through nuclear transcriptional mechanisms.
What are the endotoxin limits on PX1 Research AICAR?
PX1 Research enforces strict endotoxin controls on all research compounds, verifying through chromogenic LAL assays that endotoxin levels remain below 0.01 EU/mg to prevent immune receptor activation in sensitive models.
Does PX1 Research offer institutional wholesale options for AICAR?
Yes. We offer bulk compound quantities, lot-reservation, and institutional tiering for university departments, CROs, and commercial labs through our wholesale account management program.
What are the shipping lead times when ordering from the AICAR shop?
Orders placed before daily cutoff times Monday through Friday ship same-day from our CA or AZ fulfillment centers, ensuring fast transit times for active 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.