ROCKVILLE, Md.—New research provided by Synutra Ingredients illustrates why a commonly used chondroitin assay method should be used only after cellulose acetate membrane electrophoresis (CAME) first determines purity. (Journal of AOAC INTERNATIONAL. 2014, Nov; Online. DOI: 10.5740/jaoacint.14-167)

The study, “Electrophoretic Separation of Impurities in Chondroitin Sulfate and Identification of Certain Adulterants that Interfere with the Cetylpyridinium Chloride Titration Assay," was authored by James Neal-Kababick, director of Flora Research Laboratories; Jana Hildreth, director of technology and scientific affairs of Synutra Pure; and Weiguo Zhang, Synutra’s president, among others.

The most commonly used chondroitin assay method, cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) titration, can be fooled by various known adulterants. CAME is a complementary methodology to CPC that has been in the USP monograph for chondroitin sulfate for years.  An inexpensive, simple and effective procedure, CAME can effectively deter the practice of adulterating chondroitin ingredients with known adulterants.

Because the article contains findings that are critical for protecting the chondroitin sulfate global supply chain, Synutra has sponsored Open Access availability of the article.