What Are Biogenic Amines?
Biogenic amines refer to a broad category of nitrogen-containing small-molecule organic compounds. They can be classified into three main groups based on their structural characteristics: Aliphatic amines, including compounds like putrescine, cadaverine, spermine, and spermidine;Aromatic amines, such as tyramine and phenylethylamine; Heterocyclic amines, including histamine and serotonin.Biogenic Amine is the basic nitrogenous compounds, which is formed by decarboxylation of amino acids and amination and transamination of the aldehydes and ketones.Biogenic amines are naturally present in the tissues of various animals and plants. Trace amounts of these compounds serve as normal active constituents in organisms, including the human body, playing essential physiological roles.
Functions of Biogenic Amines
Biogenic amines serve as precursors for the synthesis of hormones, alkaloids, nucleic acids, and proteins within organisms. They exhibit significant physiological and toxicological effects. In small quantities, they benefit the body by promoting growth, metabolism, enhancing immune activity in the gastrointestinal system, and exerting various activities within the nervous system, including blood pressure regulation. However, excessive intake of biogenic amines can lead to adverse physiological reactions, and in severe cases, it can be life-threatening.
Biogenic amines, exemplified by spermine, spermidine, putrescine, and cadaverine, constitute indispensable cellular constituents within organisms. They undertake pivotal roles in the regulation of processes such as DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis, alongside the stabilization of biological membranes. Moreover, spermine assumes a regulatory function within the small intestine, while serotonin participates in the regulation of blood pressure. These biogenic amines are typically recognized for exerting their biological functions through mechanisms grounded in electrostatic reactions and interactions involving a spectrum of molecules, encompassing DNA, RNA, proteins, and components of cellular membranes. As such, the precise quantity of biogenic amines holds paramount significance in ensuring their effective functionality.
Biogenic Amine LC-MS/MS Analysis
Creative Proteomics has established an analytical approach primarily using ACQUITY UPLC/TripleQuad5500 (Waters/AB Sciex) to quantitatively and qualitatively analyze various biogenic amine substances. However, these polar amine metabolites exhibit poor retention on reverse-phase chromatography columns and unstable chromatographic behavior under normal-phase conditions, often resulting in poor sensitivity when analyzing complex biological matrices. To address these challenges in compound detection, we offer a comprehensive analysis solution that includes sample preparation, liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry methods, and data analysis.
Analytical methods for the determination of biogenic amines in food products (Tırıs et al., 2022)
Advantages and Features of the Biogenic Amine Analysis Approach
Comprehensive Coverage: This approach facilitates the simultaneous detection of up to 90 amine metabolites, encompassing essential amino acids as well as their methylated and acetylated derivatives. This wide-ranging coverage offers a swift and thorough assessment.
Improved Precision and Sensitivity: The methodology enhances the precision of amine metabolite quantification and bolsters detection sensitivity, contributing to more reliable and precise results.
Versatility Across Biological Matrices: This method exhibits versatility across diverse biological sample types, such as blood, urine, and tissue, making it suitable for the swift profiling of amine metabolites and enabling differential analyses across various biological contexts.
Sample Types and Requirements
Serum, plasma, urine, bile, and bile acid samples: 10 microliters
Various tissues (e.g., blood, liver, brain) and feces: 10 milligrams
Samples from plants, yeast, microorganisms, etc.
Creative Proteomics's analytical scientists are highly experienced and knowledgeable in the application of HPLC analyses to a wide variety of industries ranging from Food & Beverage to Pharmaceuticals and much more. Experience, fast turnaround, clear concise written reports, and custom service are provided to help customers resolve your analytical and technical challenges.
References
- Verma, Neelam, et al. "Enzymatic biosensors for the quantification of biogenic amines: A literature update." Critical reviews in biotechnology 40.1 (2020): 1-14.
- Tırıs, Gizem, et al. "A review of the currently developed analytical methods for the determination of biogenic amines in food products." Food Chemistry (2022): 133919.