US EPA

7430801 

Journal Article 

Improving derivatization efficiency of BMAA utilizing AccQ-Tag in a complex cyanobacterial matrix 

Eriksson, J; Jonasson, S; Papaefthimiou, D; Rasmussen, U; Bergman, B; , 

2009 

Yes 

Amino Acids
ISSN: 0939-4451
EISSN: 1438-2199 

SPRINGER 

NEW YORK 

36 

1 

43-48 

English 

18188663 

10.1007/s00726-007-0023-4 

WOS:000262231400006 

http://link.springer.com/10.1007/s00726-007-0023-4
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Two different assays have been developed and used in order to investigate the optimal conditions for derivatization and detection of acid beta-N-methyl-amino-L-alanine (BMAA) in a cyanobacterial sample. BMAA was extracted from cyanobacterial cultures both from the cytosolic ("free") fraction and in the precipitated ("protein") fraction using a newly developed extraction scheme and the sample matrix was standardized according to protein concentration to ensure the highest possible derivative yield. A rapid and sensitive HPLC method for fluorescence detection of the non-protein amino acid BMAA in cyanobacteria, utilizing the Waters AccQ-Tag chemistry and Chromolith Performance RP-18e columns was developed. Using this new method and utilizing a different buffer system and column than that recommended by Waters, we decreased the time between injections by 75%. The limit of quantification was determined to be 12 nmol and limit of detection as 120 fmol. The linear range was in the range of 8.5 nmol-84 pmol. Accuracy and precision were well within FDA guidelines for bioanalysis. 

β-N-methyl-amino-L-alanine (BMAA); Carbamate 6-aminoquinolyl-N-hydrosuccinimidyl (AQC); Cyanobacteria; Derivatization; High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC); 6 aminoquinolyl n hydrosuccinimidylcarbamate; alanine; beta n methylaminoalanine; carbamic acid; unclassified drug; article; controlled study; Cyanobacterium; derivatization; extraction; fluorescence analysis; high performance liquid chromatography; nonhuman; priority journal; protein analysis; Amino Acids, Diamino; Cyanobacteria; Indicator Dilution Techniques; Cyanobacteria