Citric Acid is an acidic compound from citrus fruits; as a starting point in the Krebs cycle, citrate is a key intermediate in metabolism. Citric acid is one of a series of compounds responsible for the physiological oxidation of fats, carbohydrates and proteins to carbon dioxide and water. Used to prepare citrate buffer for antigen retrieval of tissue samples; the citrate solution is designed to break protein cross-links; thus, unmasking antigens and epitopes in formalin-fixed and paraffin embedded tissue sections, resulting in enhancing staining intensity of antibodies. Citrate has anticoagulant activity; as a calcium chelator, it forms complexes that disrupt the tendency of blood to clot. May be used to adjust pH and as a sequestering agent for the removal of trace metals.

MSG is a food additive. Its full name is mono sodium glutamate and it comes from the amino acid, glutamic acid. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein; our food and bodies contain protein that, in turn, contains glutamate. Glutamate is found in a wide variety of foods. MSG use Glutamate helps enhance the flavor of food, so glutamate is often deliberately added to foods — either as MSG, hydrolysed protein or a variety of food ingredients rich in glutamate, such as cheese, tomato pastes, stocks and sauces. MSG cannot improve inferior quality food or make up for poor cooking practices. It does not allow a cook to substitute low-quality for high-quality ingredients in a recipe, and does not tenderise meat. MSG simply enhances the savoury flavors already present in food.

Citric acid anhydrous is produced as translucent crystals and as white crystalline powder. It is odorless and has a strong acidic taste. Citric acid anhydrous is very soluble in water and freely soluble in alcohol. Storage in tight containers away from heat and humidity (75oF and 55% RH) is recommended. Citric acid is widely used in the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries to impart a clean, refreshing tartness. Its prime use is as an acidulant, but it is also used as sequestrant of metal ions to give protection from the development of off-flavors and off-odors in certain foodstuffs. A major industrial use of citric acid is in the manufacture of ecologically compatible detergents. It is also used in chemical cleaning, concrete admixtures, plasticizers, and a range of other applications.