What Is NAD+?

Research Use Only: NAD+ is intended strictly for in-vitro laboratory research purposes only. Not for human consumption, medical treatment, or veterinary use. Read our full disclaimer.

Coenzyme - Metabolic & Mitochondrial Research

What Is NAD+?

NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a coenzyme found in all living cells and is central to cellular energy metabolism, redox reactions and mitochondrial function. In laboratory research, NAD+ is used to investigate metabolic pathways, sirtuin activation, DNA repair mechanisms and cellular ageing processes in vitro.

Role in Cellular Metabolism

NAD+ functions as an electron carrier in oxidative phosphorylation, shuttling electrons between metabolic reactions in the mitochondria. It exists in two interconvertible forms: NAD+ (oxidised) and NADH (reduced), and the ratio between these forms is a key indicator of cellular redox state and metabolic activity in experimental models.

Glycolysis & the TCA Cycle

NAD+ is an essential cofactor in glycolysis and the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, accepting electrons from substrate oxidation reactions. Laboratory researchers use NAD+ to study how cells generate ATP and regulate energy flux under different experimental conditions.

Research Applications

Sirtuin Activation Research

Sirtuins (SIRT1-7) are NAD+-dependent deacylases that regulate gene expression, mitochondrial biogenesis and stress responses. NAD+ is used in laboratory models to investigate sirtuin-mediated pathways and their downstream effects on cellular metabolism and longevity-related signalling.

DNA Repair & PARP Activity

Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARPs) consume NAD+ during DNA damage repair. Researchers use NAD+ in vitro to study PARP activity, DNA strand break repair and the relationship between NAD+ availability and genomic stability.

Mitochondrial Function

NAD+ is critical to mitochondrial electron transport chain function. Laboratory investigations use NAD+ to study mitochondrial membrane potential, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and bioenergetic efficiency in cellular models.

Cellular Ageing & Senescence

Declining NAD+ levels are associated with cellular senescence in research models. NAD+ is used in laboratory settings to investigate the relationship between NAD+ availability, mitochondrial dysfunction and age-related cellular changes.

Structural Characteristics

NAD+ is a dinucleotide consisting of two nucleotides: adenine and nicotinamide, joined by a pair of phosphate groups. Its molecular weight is 663.43 g/mol. The nicotinamide ring is the active site for electron transfer, accepting a hydride ion to form NADH during metabolic reactions.

Storage & Handling

Store NAD+ at -20°C, protected from light and moisture. NAD+ is hygroscopic and should be handled under dry conditions. Reconstitute in appropriate buffer immediately before use and avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles. Follow institutional laboratory protocols for handling and disposal.

Quality & Documentation

Solatide Biosciences NAD+ is independently third-party tested to >=99% purity, verified by HPLC and mass spectrometry. A Certificate of Analysis is available on the product page.

Related Compounds


Research Use Only: All compounds are manufactured for in-vitro laboratory research and are not intended for human consumption, medical use, or veterinary applications. Full disclaimer.