Exploring the Role of Carbamic Acid, Monoammonium Salt as a Bacterial VOC

Key Highlights

Chemical Basis and Identification: Carbamic acid, monoammonium salt (ammonium carbamate) is a volatile organic compound (VOC) with a defined molecular formula and unique properties.
Biological and Industrial Relevance: Its production by certain bacteria, potential as a biomarker, and applications in industrial processes are noteworthy.
Safety and Toxicology: While it has useful applications, its health risks and toxicological profiles are critical factors for safe handling.

Overview of Carbamic Acid, Monoammonium Salt in Bacterial VOCs

Carbamic acid, monoammonium salt, more commonly known as ammonium carbamate, has been identified as a significant volatile organic compound (VOC) produced by various bacterial species. Its presence in bacterial VOC profiles has spurred interest in both medical diagnostics and environmental science. The detection of this compound in bacterial cultures and even in human metabolic excretions such as urine suggests that it can serve as an important biomarker for certain diseases.

Research indicates that certain bacteria, including strains like Bacillus pumilus and A. johnsonii, produce carbamic acid, monoammonium salt under varying environmental conditions (e.g., different NaCl concentrations). In these contexts, the compound may account for a significant percentage of the total VOC output. Additionally, its production has been linked to various metabolic pathways, making it a useful indicator of bacterial activity and interspecies communication in microbial communities.

In clinical studies, elevated levels of carbamic acid have been reported in the exhaled breath and urine samples of patients with conditions such as idiopathic membranous nephropathy (iMN) and potentially other diseases. This insight opens up avenues for non-invasive diagnostic methods, where the detection of such VOCs can provide valuable information regarding the metabolic state of the body and the presence of specific pathologies.

Chemical Properties and Applications

Chemical and Physical Characteristics

Carbamic acid, monoammonium salt is characterized by its molecular formula \(\text{\(CH_6N_2O_2\)}\) and is associated with various chemical descriptors such as ammonium carbamate and carbonic acid, monoammonium salt. Its physical attributes include:

Appearance: Typically found as a white crystalline powder with a distinct ammonia-like odor.
Buffering Properties: It functions as an effective buffering agent in chemical, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical applications.
Toxicological Profile: Studies suggest that the compound may exhibit acute toxicity upon exposure, demanding careful handling in research and industrial settings.

Its widespread utility is further reflected in its involvement in several industrial applications. Beyond its role in diagnostics, carbamic acid, monoammonium salt is used as an intermediate in organic synthesis. It is leveraged in the production of polymers such as polyurethane, serves as a component in fertilizers, and is even utilized as a UV absorbent in various formulations.

Biological Relevance and Detection in VOC Profiles

A significant body of research has demonstrated the production of carbamic acid, monoammonium salt as a bacterial metabolite. Bacterial VOCs like this compound play multiple roles in microbial ecology, including:

Inter-Bacterial Communication: VOCs act as signaling molecules that mediate microbial interactions, influencing growth, competition, and survival strategies.
Plant Growth Promotion: Certain VOCs produced by bacteria are involved in promoting plant growth and inhibiting pathogenic fungi, thereby enhancing agricultural productivity.
Diagnostic Biomarkers: The identification of carbamic acid in exhaled breath and urine has positioned it as a potential biomarker for diseases such as iMN and potentially neurodegenerative conditions like ALS.

The detection of this compound in complex biological samples relies on sophisticated techniques including gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. These methods enable researchers to analyze the specific VOC profiles produced under various environmental conditions, offering insights into both bacterial metabolism and the host’s physiological state.

Safety, Toxicology, and Industrial Considerations

Health Implications and Toxicological Data

Although carbamic acid, monoammonium salt has promising applications in diagnostics and as a chemical intermediate, its toxicological aspects are a key consideration:

Toxicity Levels: Research indicates that the compound can be acutely toxic at specific exposure levels. For example, studies have reported comparable lethal IV dosages in animal models such as mice, dogs, and sheep.
Exposure Risks: While it is not classified as a skin sensitizer, repeated inhalation of vapors can lead to respiratory issues, highlighting the need for adequate industrial hygiene measures.
Regulatory Considerations: Owing to its potential health risks, the handling and usage of carbamic acid, monoammonium salt are subject to stringent safety regulations in many jurisdictions.

Industrial and Commercial Applications

In the industrial realm, carbamic acid, monoammonium salt is valued for its versatility. It is employed in:

Buffer Solutions: Its capacity to stabilize pH makes it useful in cosmetics and personal care products, where it is used in formulations like hair dye.
Polymer Synthesis: As an intermediate in polymer chemistry, it is used to create materials like polyurethane, contributing to various industrial products.
Agricultural Chemicals: Its role as a fertilizer and as an additive in agrochemicals underlines its diverse application spectrum, particularly in environmentally friendly formulations.

The dual aspects of its industrial applications and biological relevance make carbamic acid, monoammonium salt a compound of interest for both research and practical applications.

Visualizing the Data: Chart, Diagram, and Comparative Table

Radar Chart Representing Key Attributes

The radar chart below illustrates several key attributes associated with carbamic acid, monoammonium salt as a bacterial VOC. It represents diverse perspectives such as chemical stability, biological relevance, industrial applications, safety, and diagnostic potential.

Mermaid.js Mindmap Diagram

The mindmap diagram below provides a visual overview of the conceptual links between the chemical properties, biological relevance, industrial applications, and safety aspects of carbamic acid, monoammonium salt.

mindmap root["Carbamic Acid, Monoammonium Salt"] Chemical["Chemical Properties"] Formula["CH₆N₂O₂"] Appearance["White Crystalline"] Odor["Ammonia-like"] Biology["Biological Relevance"] BacterialProduction["Produced by Bacteria"] Biomarker["Diagnostic Biomarker"] VOC["Bacterial VOC"] Industry["Industrial Applications"] PolymerSynthesis["Polymer Intermediate"] Fertilizer["Fertilizer Additive"] Cosmetics["Buffering Agent in Cosmetics"] Safety["Toxicology & Safety"] Toxicity["Acute Toxicity"] Exposure["Respiratory Risks"] Regulation["Regulatory Guidelines"]

Comparative Summary Table

The following table summarizes key aspects related to carbamic acid, monoammonium salt, drawing on data from chemical properties, biological implications, industrial applications, and safety evaluations.

Aspect	Details	Relevance
Chemical Identity	Also known as Ammonium Carbamate; CAS 1111-78-0	Defines its molecular and structural properties
Biological Relevance	Produced by bacteria; detected in human urine and exhaled breath	Potential biomarker for diseases (e.g., iMN, ALS)
Industrial Application	Used in polymer synthesis, cosmetics, fertilizers, and pharmaceuticals	High utility in various sectors with buffering and reactive properties
Safety & Toxicity	Acute toxicity concerns at certain exposures; respiratory risks upon repeated inhalation	Necessitates careful handling and regulatory oversight

In-Depth Analysis and Research Directions

Scientific Studies & Diagnostic Potential

The identification of carbamic acid, monoammonium salt as a bacterial VOC has driven multiple research studies investigating its diagnostic potential. For instance, its elevated presence in human urine samples has been closely linked to idiopathic membranous nephropathy (iMN). Similarly, its detection in the exhaled breath of patients with conditions such as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) underscores its potential as a non-invasive biomarker. Studies have utilized techniques such as gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to pinpoint VOC profiles, allowing researchers to differentiate between healthy individuals and patients with specific metabolic abnormalities.

Furthermore, the metabolic pathways leading to the production of carbamic acid by bacteria are being scrutinized to understand their regulatory mechanisms. This research not only highlights the diagnostic potential but also sheds light on microbial ecology and the complex interactions within bacterial communities. As bacteria communicate through VOCs, understanding these interactions can also lead to innovative strategies for biological control in agriculture, where bacterial VOCs inhibit the growth of pathogenic fungi and promote plant health.

Industrial and Environmental Implications

In industrial settings, carbamic acid, monoammonium salt is highly valued as a versatile chemical intermediate. Its buffering properties are strategically used in the formulation of various consumer products such as hair colorants and personal care items. Moreover, its role in polymer chemistry, particularly in the synthesis of polyurethane, positions it as a compound of commercial interest. Industrial hygienic practices ensure that despite its toxicity, proper handling minimizes the risk exposure to workers.

On the environmental front, increasing interest in sustainable practices directs attention to the dual use of carbamic acid. Research is currently evaluating bio-based production methods wherein bacteria are leveraged to produce this chemical in an eco-friendly manner, potentially reducing dependency on conventional synthesis routes. Such approaches promise both environmental and economic benefits and may lead to more sustainable industrial practices.