What is the Difference Between Butyrate and Tributyrin?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between butyrate and tributyrin lies in their chemical structure and production methods. Here are the key differences:
- Chemical Structure: Butyrate is the conjugate base of butyric acid, while tributyrin is a prodrug of butyric acid with the chemical formula C₁₅H₂₆O₆.
- Production Method: Butyrate compounds are produced via an acid-base reaction, forming a salt with a high melting point. In contrast, tributyrin is produced via esterification, where three butyric acid molecules are attached to a glycerol molecule to form tributyrin, which has a low melting point.
- Molar Mass: Butyrate has a molar mass of 88.11 g/mol, while tributyrin has a molar mass of 302.367 g/mol.
- Release of Butyrate: Sodium butyrate, a common butyrate compound, dissolves readily in water, releasing butyrate. It is often encapsulated with a fat matrix coating to ensure slow release in the intestines. Tributyrin requires lipase to release the butyrate attached to the glycerol, and not all three butyrate molecules are guaranteed to be released because lipase is regioselective.
- Odor: Sodium butyrate has an unpleasant odor, while tributyrin is odorless.
Both butyrate and tributyrin can be used as sources of butyric acid, which plays a significant role in the gut, such as regulating immune and inflammatory responses and repairing intestinal barriers. However, due to the differences mentioned above, they may have different effects and applications in various contexts.
On this pageWhat is the Difference Between Butyrate and Tributyrin? Comparative Table: Butyrate vs Tributyrin
Comparative Table: Butyrate vs Tributyrin
Here is a table highlighting the differences between butyrate and tributyrin:
Feature | Butyrate | Tributyrin |
---|---|---|
Chemical Formula | C4H8O2 (Butyric Acid) | C15H26O6 (propane-1,2,3-triyl tributanoate) |
Molar Mass | 88.11 g/mol | 302.367 g/mol |
Production Method | Salt formation via reaction with sodium hydroxide | Esterification of glycerol with three butyric acid molecules |
Estimate of Butyrate Release | 100% of butyrate is released when dissolved | Not all three butyrate molecules are guaranteed to be released due to lipase regioselectivity |
Appearance | Liquid | Oily liquid |
Melting Point | -75°C | -75°C |
Boiling Point | 163°C | 305-310°C |
Density | Not provided | 1.032 g/cm³ |
Feed Attractant | Not mentioned | Can act as a feed attractant triggering innate survival instincts |
Odor | Rancid odor | Odorless |
Storage | Sodium butyrate is usually encapsulated with a fat matrix coating (e.g., palm stearin) to ensure slow release in the intestines and reduce odor | Not mentioned |
Biological Effect | Enhances absorption of nutrients, supports animal performance, gut health, and animal wellbeing | Time-released variant of butyrate with higher therapeutic benefit |
Please note that some properties might be identical due to the fact that tributyrin is a prodrug of butyrate, containing three butyrate molecules esterified to a glycerol backbone.
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