Deoxycholic Acid, identified by its CAS Number 83-44-3, is a vital molecule belonging to the family of bile acids. Also known by its alternative names, cholanoic acid and 3α,12α-dihydroxy-5β-cholan-24-oic acid, it possesses the molecular formula C24H40O4 and a molecular weight of approximately 392.572. As a high-purity white to off-white crystalline powder, it represents a key raw material with diverse applications in scientific research, diagnostics, and potentially pharmaceutical formulations. Its inherent properties, including solubility in alcohol and acetic acid, make it a versatile compound in various laboratory and industrial processes.

Structurally, Deoxycholic Acid is classified as a secondary bile acid. This designation is significant as it highlights its origin within the mammalian body. Primary bile acids, such as cholic acid and chenodeoxycholic acid, are synthesized directly by the liver. These primary bile acids are then secreted into the intestine where they play a crucial role in the digestion and absorption of dietary fats. Within the intestinal environment, particularly in the colon, the action of resident bacteria leads to the metabolic modification of these primary bile acids. Specifically, bacterial enzymes can dehydroxylate primary bile acids. Deoxycholic Acid is primarily formed through the bacterial metabolism of cholic acid. This biological pathway underscores Deoxycholic Acid's natural presence in the body as a byproduct of the gut microbiome's interaction with host compounds. Understanding this origin is important for appreciating its biological relevance and its subsequent utility in various scientific applications.

The functions of Deoxycholic Acid are manifold, leveraging its unique amphipathic structure – having both hydrophobic and hydrophilic regions. One noted function is its effectiveness in disrupting and dissociating many types of protein interactions. This property is invaluable in biochemical research, particularly when studying protein complexes or needing to release proteins from cellular structures or matrices. By interfering with the forces that hold proteins together or bind them to other molecules, Deoxycholic Acid can facilitate their study and purification.

Perhaps one of the most widely recognized experimental uses, particularly involving its sodium salt, Sodium Deoxycholate, is its role as a biological detergent. Detergents are amphipathic molecules that can solubilize lipids and proteins, effectively disrupting biological membranes. Sodium Deoxycholate is commonly employed to lyse cells – breaking open cell membranes to release intracellular contents. It is also highly effective at solubilizing cellular and membrane components, including membrane proteins, which are often challenging to extract and study due to their hydrophobic nature. This detergent action is fundamental in numerous laboratory procedures, from preparing cell lysates for Western blotting or enzymatic assays to isolating membrane proteins for structural or functional analysis. The ability to gently yet effectively disrupt cell structures without completely denaturing certain proteins is a critical feature for these applications.

Beyond its use in disrupting cellular components, Deoxycholic Acid is also utilized in the preparation and formulation of certain microbiological diagnostic media. Bile salts, in general, are often incorporated into selective media to inhibit the growth of unwanted bacteria while permitting the growth of specific target microorganisms, such as enteric bacteria. This selective property is essential for isolating and identifying pathogens from mixed microbial populations in clinical or environmental samples. The inclusion of Deoxycholic Acid or its salts contributes to the selective pressure of the medium, aiding microbiologists in cultivating and diagnosing specific bacterial species.

Furthermore, Deoxycholic Acid can be useful for the elution or regeneration of certain kinds of affinity columns. Affinity chromatography is a powerful technique used to purify biomolecules based on their specific binding interactions with a ligand immobilized on a stationary phase. Once the target molecule is bound, it needs to be released from the column. Elution buffers containing agents like Deoxycholic Acid can disrupt the binding interaction between the target molecule and the ligand, allowing the purified substance to be collected. Similarly, after elution, the column may need to be regenerated to its original state, and solutions containing bile acids can sometimes be used in this regeneration process to clean the column and prepare it for subsequent purification runs.

In terms of biological applications beyond the laboratory bench, Deoxycholic Acid naturally plays a role in the emulsification of fats for absorption in the intestine. As a component of bile, it helps to break down large fat globules into smaller micelles, significantly increasing the surface area available for enzymatic digestion by lipases. This emulsifying action is critical for efficient fat digestion and subsequent absorption across the intestinal wall. Outside the body, this principle has led to its experimental investigation in the basis of cholagogues (substances that promote the discharge of bile from the system) and its potential use in research aiming to prevent and dissolve gallstones, which are often formed from cholesterol and other bile components.

The quality and purity of Deoxycholic Acid powder are paramount for ensuring reliable and reproducible results in all these diverse applications. High purity material, often conforming to standards like USP or CP, is essential for critical biological and potential pharmaceutical uses where the presence of impurities could interfere with results or processes. Researchers and manufacturers rely on high-purity material to ensure the integrity of their experiments, diagnostic kits, or product formulations.

In summary, Deoxycholic Acid (CAS 83-44-3) is a versatile and important bile acid powder with a range of significant functions and applications derived from its unique chemical structure and biological role. From serving as a fundamental tool in cell biology and biochemistry laboratories as a biological detergent and protein interaction disruptor, to its use in microbiological diagnostics and its natural function in lipid metabolism, Deoxycholic Acid continues to be a valuable compound. Understanding its properties and applications is key for researchers and industries utilizing bile acids. For those seeking a reliable deoxycholic acid supplier, understanding the deoxycholic acid price is crucial for procurement planning. Finding options to purchase deoxycholic acid powder from a reputable deoxycholic acid manufacturer ensures access to high-quality material for all these critical uses. Whether you are looking to buy deoxycholic acid for research or industrial purposes, sourcing it from a trusted partner is essential for success.