Determination of L-Lysine by Raman Spectroscopy
Discipline: Chemistry and Chemical Sciences
Subcategory: Chemistry (not Biochemistry)
Session: 2
Room: Exhibit Hall A
Erica Holland - Fort Valley State University
Co-Author(s): Robin Bright PhD, Fort Valley State University, Fort Valley, GA.
The Food and Drug Administration does not regulate dietary supplements meaning the supplement companies are responsible for insuring there are no dangerous contaminants and have the suggested dosage of active ingredients. This study was to compare the amount of L-Lysine in nine dietary supplements to the amounts on the packages using Raman Spectroscopy. Raman Spectroscopy is a scattering method that measures the vibrational modes of molecules. This method was used as opposed to the other analysis methods due to relative speed of detection. Dietary supplements were chosen based on their availability in nearby stores and by Amazon’s Most Recommended List. For the standards, 1.5 g, 2.0 g, 4.0 g, 6.0 g, and 8.0 g of L-Lysine Hydrochloride were measured into 25.0 mL volumetric flasks. Based on the amounts of L-Lysine claimed on the packings, which were either 500 mg or 1000 mg per pill, the number of pills to deliver approximately 5.0 grams of the L-Lysine were crushed and dissolved. Standards and samples were prepared by either dissolving in distilled water or in 1.0 X 10-3 M HCl. HCl was used as a closer approximation to stomach conditions. The supplements were then filtered and scanned by PHARM-ID Raman spectrophotometer. The results showed that supplements dissolved in the water have lower amounts of lysine detected than the supplements dissolved in 1.0 X 10-3 M of HCl. Overall, the amounts of L-Lysine in the supplements were 26 % higher for water and 34% higher than the stated value for HCl.
Funder Acknowledgement(s): This research project was funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation awarded to Dr. Celia Dodd, Director of Fort Valley State University Toxicology Research Internship Program
Faculty Advisor: Robin Bright, PhD, brightr@fvsu.edu
Role: I conducted the research project, did the data analysis, and created the presentations (poster and powerpoint).