Simultaneously analyse amino acids using an automatic pretreatment function

by | Food & Beverage, Liquid Chromatography

This application note will help you learn more about the rapid pre-column derivatization method for amino acid analysis and explore the automatic pretreatment function of of Shimadzu’s Prominence™-i integrated LC system.

Shimadzu_fermentation_processes

Quantification of amino acids is critical in many food development and production processes. As amino acids are poorly responsive to UV detection, these compounds typically require derivatization. Post-column derivatization is commonly used for ease of automation; however, sensitivity and speed of analysis are compromised due to the column used and setup. 

To achieve rapid and accurate analysis of amino acids in food, pre-column derivatization method with integrated HPLC system could be utilized. Shimadzu’s ProminenceTM-i features the automatic pretreatment function (co-injection), which simplifies the derivatization process by incorporating all processes within the needle itself. With this automated technique, no additional pump or a dedicated configuration is required as mixing and derivatization are conducted within the needle. Moreover, the volume of samples and reagents are kept to a minimum. These features result in significant reduction of both implementation and running costs. Furthermore, as derivatized amino acids are separated on a reversed-phase column, high sensitivity analysis can be achieved. The described technique demonstrates to be effective and accurate for the determination of amino acids in food.

Fig1_Amino_Acids_Blog2

Auto Pretreatment (Co-Injection) Process

Download this application note and...

  • Learn more on the rapid pre-column derivatization method for amino acid analysis
  • Explore the automatic pretreatment function of Shimadzu’s Prominence™-i integrated LC system.

Published  Jan 8, 2020

Home 9 Food & Beverage 9 Simultaneously analyse amino acids using an automatic pretreatment function