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L-Lysine acetate is the acetate salt of the essential amino acid L-lysine, widely recognized for its critical role in human and animal nutrition, as well as in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and biotechnological industries.
As an essential amino acid, lysine cannot be synthesized by humans or animals and must be obtained through diet or supplementation.
The acetate form enhances its solubility, stability, and bioavailability, making it an ideal compound for therapeutic, nutritional, and industrial applications.
CAS Number: 57282-49-2
Molecular Formula: C₆H₁₄N₂O₂ · C₂H₄O₂
Molecular Weight: 190.23 g/mol
Synonyms
L-Lysine acetate salt,L-Lysine ethanolate,L-2,6-diaminohexanoic acid acetate,Lysine acetate monohydrate (common form)
This article will provide a detailed overview of the structural, chemical, physical, biological, industrial, and environmental aspects of L-lysine acetate.
Historical Development
The recognition of lysine as an essential amino acid dates back to the early 20th century, when it was isolated from casein.
Over time, researchers identified its nutritional importance for growth and protein synthesis.
With the development of fermentation technology in the mid-20th century, large-scale industrial production of lysine became possible.
The acetate salt form was introduced later to improve water solubility, storage stability, and absorption properties, especially in parenteral formulations.
Today, L-lysine acetate is widely used in medical nutrition therapy, intravenous infusion solutions, sports supplements, and as a raw material in advanced pharmaceutical formulations.
Chemical Properties
Molecular Structure
L-Lysine acetate consists of the amino acid lysine, which has two amino groups (α-amino and ε-amino) and one carboxyl group, bound with acetic acid to form a salt.
The acetate counterion balances the cationic form of lysine, which is positively charged at physiological pH.
Physicochemical Characteristics
Appearance: White crystalline powder
Solubility: Freely soluble in water; slightly soluble in ethanol
pKa Values: ~2.2 (carboxyl), ~9.0 (α-amino), ~10.5 (ε-amino)
pH (1% solution): 5.0 – 6.5
Melting Point: 255–260 °C (decomposition)
Hygroscopicity: Moderately hygroscopic, requiring controlled storage
Stability
L-lysine acetate is stable under dry, cool conditions but may undergo degradation under prolonged exposure to high humidity or temperature.
Its acetate counterion enhances stability compared to the free base form.
Methods of Production
Fermentation Technology
Most industrial L-lysine acetate is produced via microbial fermentation, typically using Corynebacterium glutamicum or genetically modified Escherichia coli strains.
Glucose, molasses, or starch hydrolysates serve as carbon sources.
The fermentation broth is harvested, purified, and neutralized with acetic acid to form the acetate salt.
Chemical Synthesis
Although less common due to cost and sustainability issues, chemical synthesis routes exist. However, fermentation remains dominant for large-scale production.
Purification and Crystallization
The crude lysine is crystallized, washed, and dried to yield pure L-lysine acetate with >98% purity. Advanced chromatography and ion-exchange techniques may be used for pharmaceutical-grade material.
Biological Role of Lysine
Lysine is an essential amino acid with vital functions:
Protein synthesis and structural stability of collagen and elastin.
Precursor in carnitine biosynthesis, essential for fatty acid metabolism.
Supports calcium absorption and bone health.
Involved in immune modulation and antibody production.
Plays a role in growth and nitrogen balance.
The acetate form ensures better solubility and rapid absorption in clinical formulations.
Applications
Nutritional Supplements
L-Lysine acetate is widely used in:
Sports nutrition for muscle repair and growth.
Dietary supplements for vegetarians and populations with lysine-deficient diets.
Animal feed to balance amino acid profiles in poultry, swine, and aquaculture diets.
Pharmaceutical Industry
Intravenous nutrition formulations (parenteral amino acid infusions).
Treatment of herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections, as lysine antagonizes arginine metabolism.
Bone health therapies by improving calcium absorption.
Adjunct therapy in wound healing and tissue repair.
Cosmetic Industry
Incorporated in skincare formulations for collagen stabilization and anti-aging properties.
Used in hair care products for strengthening keratin structure.
Biotechnology
Raw material for peptide synthesis.
Precursor in biopolymer and enzyme stabilization systems.
SAFETY INFORMATION ABOUT L-LYSINE ACETATE
First aid measures:
Description of first aid measures:
General advice:
Consult a physician.
Show this safety data sheet to the doctor in attendance.
Move out of dangerous area:
If inhaled:
If breathed in, move person into fresh air.
If not breathing, give artificial respiration.
Consult a physician.
In case of skin contact:
Take off contaminated clothing and shoes immediately.
Wash off with soap and plenty of water.
Consult a physician.
In case of eye contact:
Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and consult a physician.
Continue rinsing eyes during transport to hospital.
If swallowed:
Do NOT induce vomiting.
Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
Rinse mouth with water.
Consult a physician.
Firefighting measures:
Extinguishing media:
Suitable extinguishing media:
Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.
Special hazards arising from the substance or mixture
Carbon oxides, Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Hydrogen chloride gas
Advice for firefighters:
Wear self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighting if necessary.
Accidental release measures:
Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures
Use personal protective equipment.
Avoid breathing vapours, mist or gas.
Evacuate personnel to safe areas.
Environmental precautions:
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so.
Do not let product enter drains.
Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up:
Soak up with inert absorbent material and dispose of as hazardous waste.
Keep in suitable, closed containers for disposal.
Handling and storage:
Precautions for safe handling:
Avoid inhalation of vapour or mist.
Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities:
Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place.
Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage.
Storage class (TRGS 510): 8A: Combustible, corrosive hazardous materials
Exposure controls/personal protection:
Control parameters:
Components with workplace control parameters
Contains no substances with occupational exposure limit values.
Exposure controls:
Appropriate engineering controls:
Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practice.
Wash hands before breaks and at the end of workday.
Personal protective equipment:
Eye/face protection:
Tightly fitting safety goggles.
Faceshield (8-inch minimum).
Use equipment for eye protection tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or EN 166(EU).
Skin protection:
Handle with gloves.
Gloves must be inspected prior to use.
Use proper glove
removal technique (without touching glove's outer surface) to avoid skin contact with this product.
Dispose of contaminated gloves after use in accordance with applicable laws and good laboratory practices.
Wash and dry hands.
Full contact:
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0.11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
Material tested:Dermatril (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272, Size M)
Splash contact
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0.11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
Material tested:Dermatril (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272, Size M)
It should not be construed as offering an approval for any specific use scenario.
Body Protection:
Complete suit protecting against chemicals, The type of protective equipment must be selected according to the concentration and amount of the dangerous substance at the specific workplace.
Respiratory protection:
Where risk assessment shows air-purifying respirators are appropriate use a fullface respirator with multi-purpose combination (US) or type ABEK (EN 14387) respirator cartridges as a backup to engineering controls.
If the respirator is the sole means of protection, use a full-face supplied air respirator.
Use respirators and components tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or CEN (EU).
Control of environmental exposure
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so.
Do not let product enter drains.
Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
Stability and reactivity:
Chemical stability:
Stable under recommended storage conditions.
Incompatible materials:
Strong oxidizing agents:
Hazardous decomposition products:
Hazardous decomposition products formed under fire conditions.
Carbon oxides, Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Hydrogen chloride gas.
Disposal considerations:
Waste treatment methods:
Product:
Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company.
Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material.
Contaminated packaging:
Dispose of as unused product
