Endotoxin testing (LAL assay)

Endotoxins are lipopolysaccharides from Gram-negative bacterial cell walls. Even trace amounts (nanograms) can trigger inflammatory responses in cell cultures and animal models, confounding research results. The LAL (Limulus amebocyte lysate) assay uses horseshoe crab blood enzymes to detect endotoxin with sensitivity down to 0.03 EU/ml. Aurex's endotoxin spec is <1.0 EU/mg for most peptides, with some (NAD+, glutathione) at <0.5 EU/mg. Endotoxin testing is optional on Janoshik COAs but is included when the research application involves cell culture or in-vivo work where endotoxin would be a confounding variable.