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TOPS enzyme photometry for colorimetric substrate: precise determination of free fatty acids (FFA)

2025-09-08
TOPS enzyme photometry for colorimetric substrate: precise determination of free fatty acids (FFA)

Free Fatty Acids (FFA), as the core intermediate product of human energy metabolism, its abnormal level is closely related to diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome. Accurately and rapidly measuring FFA concentration is not only a key indicator for clinical diagnosis, but also an important tool for drug development and nutritional assessment. Among numerous detection methods, the colorimetric substrate TOPS enzyme photometric method has gradually become the mainstream technology for FFA determination due to its high sensitivity, strong stability, and convenient operation.


Technical principle: Perfect combination of enzymatic reaction and colorimetric reaction


The core of TOPS enzymatic photometry is to link the enzymatic oxidation process of FFA with colorimetric reaction, and quantitatively analyze it through colorimetric method. Specifically, the detection process is divided into two steps:


1. Enzymatic oxidation stage: FFA in the sample is catalyzed by acetyl CoA synthase to bind with ATP and CoA to generate acetyl CoA, while releasing pyrophosphate; Subsequently, acetyl CoA oxidase further oxidizes acetyl CoA to produce hydrogen peroxide (H ₂ O ₂).


2. Color reaction stage: Under the catalysis of peroxidase (HRP), H ₂ O ₂ undergoes redox reaction with the color substrate TOPS and 4-aminoantipyrine (4-AAP) to generate stable red quinone imine compounds. The color depth of the compound is linearly related to the concentration of FFA, and the FFA content can be accurately calculated by measuring the absorbance with a spectrophotometer (usually at a wavelength of 550-570nm).


Technical advantages: sensitive, stable, easy to operate


Compared with traditional methods, TOPS enzyme photometry exhibits significant advantages:


1. High sensitivity: TOPS has a much higher molar absorptivity than traditional color reagents (such as copper reagents), and can detect FFA as low as μ mol/L. It is particularly suitable for precise analysis of low concentration samples such as serum.


2. Strong stability: TOPS has stable chemical properties and is not easily affected by temperature, pH fluctuations, or sample matrix interference, ensuring the repeatability and reliability of detection results. In addition, the kit format (dual reagent system) further simplifies the operation process and reduces human errors.

3. Convenient operation: No complex preprocessing steps (such as organic extraction or derivatization) are required. The sample can be directly mixed and incubated with the reagent, and the detection can be completed in 10-15 minutes, greatly reducing the detection time.


4. High cost-effectiveness: Compared with gas chromatography or liquid chromatography, TOPS enzyme photometry does not require expensive instruments and equipment, has low reagent consumption, and is suitable for large-scale promotion in clinical laboratories.


Clinical Application: From Disease Diagnosis to Health Management


The application scenarios of TOPS enzyme photometry are extensive, covering multiple fields such as clinical diagnosis, metabolic research, and drug development


1. Cardiovascular disease risk assessment: The increase of FFA level is an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis and myocardial ischemia. Regular detection can assist in early diagnosis and prognosis monitoring.


2. Metabolic disease management: diabetes patients are often accompanied by FFA metabolic disorder. Dynamic monitoring of FFA concentration can optimize insulin treatment programs and control blood sugar fluctuations.


Conclusion: The TOPS enzyme photometry method, based on innovative scientific principles and practical technical implementation, provides an efficient and accurate solution for FFA detection. From clinical diagnosis to health management, from basic research to drug development, this technology is continuously driving the progress of metabolic medicine and safeguarding human health.


The TOPS and other the new Trinder's reagents produced by Hubei Xindesheng Material Technology Co., Ltd. have high purity, good water solubility, stable production process, and small inter batch differences. All indicators meet relevant standards. If you have any purchasing needs in the near future, please feel free to contact me or click on the official website for more details!