What is the Difference Between Butyrate and Tributyrin?

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.

Comparative Table: Butyrate vs Tributyrin

Here is a table highlighting the differences between butyrate and tributyrin:

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.