What is FAD‑Na₂?
Flavin Adenine Dinucleotide Disodium Salt (FAD‑Na₂) is the disodium salt form of Flavin Adenine Dinucleotide (FAD), a redox‑active coenzyme derived from riboflavin (vitamin B₂). FAD plays a central role in numerous enzymatic reactions, particularly those involved in oxidation‑reduction (redox) processes essential for energy production and cellular function.
Chemical Structure and Properties
- Chemical formula: C₂₇H₃₁N₉Na₂O₁₅P₂
- Molecular weight: 809.52 g/mol
- Structure: Composed of an adenine nucleotide linked to a flavin mononucleotide (FMN) via a pyrophosphate bridge.
- Solubility: Highly soluble in water due to the disodium salt form, making it suitable for biochemical and pharmaceutical applications.
- Stability: Sensitive to light and heat; requires controlled storage to maintain potency.
Biological Role of FAD
FAD functions as a prosthetic group for various flavoproteins, enabling them to catalyze redox reactions. It cycles between oxidized (FAD) and reduced (FADH₂) states, transferring electrons in metabolic pathways.
Key roles include:
- Energy metabolism: Participates in the citric acid cycle and electron transport chain, essential for ATP production.
- Oxidative metabolism: Supports fatty acid β‑oxidation and amino acid catabolism.
- Antioxidant defense: Involved in the regeneration of glutathione, a major cellular antioxidant.
- Biosynthesis: Required for the synthesis of certain hormones and neurotransmitters.
Enzymes Dependent on FAD
- Succinate dehydrogenase (Complex II of the electron transport chain)
- Acyl‑CoA dehydrogenases (fatty acid oxidation)
- Glutathione reductase (antioxidant defense)
- Monoamine oxidases (neurotransmitter metabolism)
Health Benefits and Applications
1. Energy Production
FAD‑dependent enzymes are critical for converting nutrients into usable cellular energy (ATP).
2. Metabolic Health
Supports efficient metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins.
3. Antioxidant Protection
Helps maintain redox balance and protect cells from oxidative stress.
4. Neurological Support
Involved in neurotransmitter metabolism, potentially influencing mood and cognitive function.
Industrial and Research Applications
- Biochemical research: As a coenzyme in enzymatic assays and metabolic studies.
- Pharmaceuticals: Used in formulations targeting mitochondrial disorders and metabolic deficiencies.
- Nutraceuticals: Incorporated into supplements for energy and antioxidant support.
- Diagnostics: Utilized in enzyme‑linked assays and biosensors.
Why Purity Matters in FAD‑Na₂
High‑purity FAD‑Na₂ ensures:
- Efficacy: Maximizes coenzyme activity in biochemical and therapeutic applications.
- Safety: Minimizes contaminants that could interfere with biological systems.
- Consistency: Reliable performance across research and production batches.
- Regulatory compliance: Meets stringent quality standards for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical use.
Production Methods
1. Extraction from Natural Sources
- Pros: “Natural” label appeal
- Cons: Low yield, complex purification
2. Chemical Synthesis
- Pros: Controlled process, scalable
- Cons: Requires extensive purification to remove by‑products
3. Enzymatic or Microbial Biosynthesis
- Pros: Sustainable, high specificity, capable of producing ultra‑high purity FAD‑Na₂
- Cons: Requires advanced fermentation and purification technology
The Future of FAD‑Na₂
With growing interest in mitochondrial health, metabolic optimization, and redox biology, FAD‑Na₂ is gaining attention as a critical coenzyme in both research and applied health sciences. Advances in synthetic biology and bioprocess engineering are enabling the production of FAD‑Na₂ at pharmaceutical‑grade purity, expanding its potential applications.
Genvera Labs: Delivering Ultra‑High Purity FAD‑Na₂
Leveraging advanced synthetic biology, Genvera Labs produces FAD‑Na₂ with 99% purity, meeting the highest international standards for biochemical, pharmaceutical, and nutraceutical applications. This ensures maximum efficacy, safety, and consistency for partners worldwide.