Coenzyme A (Free Acid)

Coenzyme A (CoA) is a vital metabolic cofactor found in all living cells, functioning primarily as an acyl group carrier. It plays a central role in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins by facilitating the synthesis and oxidation of fatty acids and the oxidation of pyruvate in the citric acid cycle. Coenzyme A is often referred to as Acetyl CoA when it is transferring an acetyl group. CoA is typically produced through microbial fermentation (e.g., engineered E. coli or Corynebacterium glutamicum).

• Formula: C₂₁H₃₆N₇O₁₆P₃S·xH₂O
• Formula Molecular Weight: 767.53 (as anhydrous free acid)
• Water: Not more than 5%
• Purity: Not less than 85%
• Assay (anhydrous basis): Not less than 300 Units/mg

• The citric acid cycle
• Fatty acid β-oxidation
• Amino acid metabolism
• Ketogenesis and cholesterol synthesis

• Used to study metabolic flux, enzyme kinetics, and acyl-group transfer reactions.
• Applied in synthetic biology and metabolic reprogramming to drive energy production or biosynthesis of targeted compounds.
• Radiolabeled or isotopically enriched Coenzyme A (e.g., [¹⁴C]Acetyl-CoA) helps trace biochemical pathways.
• CoA-dependent enzymes are key to industrial biosynthesis of fine chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and biofuels.
• CoA-binding pockets serve as targets in antibacterial and antiparasitic drug development (e.g., inhibitors of CoA biosynthesis in Plasmodium falciparum or Mycobacterium tuberculosis).

• Coenzyme A is available as white or slightly yellow powder
• Soluble in water and saline, insoluble in ethanol, ether and acetone. Appearance of solution should be clear and slightly opalescent.
• Store at -20°C (lyophilized powder); –80°C in aliquots with antioxidants (e.g., DTT) to prevent oxidation (solution).