Biogenic Amine Analysis Service

Biogenically active amines are compounds formed and broken down by usual metabolic processes in the cells of living organisms. These active amines are also present in a variety of food products like chocolate, sauerkraut, fish and fish products, beer, red wine, mature cheese, etc... A number of these biogenically active amines are involved in the regulation of physiological processes, such as the regulation of body temperature, stomach volume and pH, or neurotransmission in the endocrine and nervous system. So they have the potential to exert profound effects on health and well-being.

The clinical laboratory analysis of neurotransmitters, an important group of biogenically active amines (like Acetylcholine, Catecholamines (e.g. Dopamine, Noradrenalin and Adrenalin), or Serotonin) is utilized for the diagnosis of tumours of the neural crest, and for the investigation of neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders.

Apart from the beneficial effects of biogenically active amines on health, some people are sensitive to another type of active amines, called biogenic amines. Even after eating small amounts of biogenic amines, originating from e.g. blue cheese or red wine, they develop symptoms such as nausea, respiratory distress, hot flushes, sweating, heart palpitations, headaches, bright red rash, oral burning, and hyper- or hypotension.

Biogenic amines can also be produced by bacterial decarboxylation of amino acids. So any foodstuffs produced by fermentation or exposed to microbial contamination during processing or storage may contain biogenic amines. The concentration of biogenic amines like Histamine, Cadaverine, Putrescine, Spermidine and Tyramine give therefore a good indication of the freshness of foodstuffs. Particullary Histamine in presence of Putrescine and Cadaverine can cause scombroid poisoning (presence of "scombrotoxine" in tuna or mackerel). While the analysis of Serotonin is already provided for through our Indole Analysis Service, for this service we therefore focused on the biogenic amines.

Some of the major applications of biogenic amine analysis are:

• Quality control of raw materials, intermediates and end products
• Monitoring fermentation processes
• Process control
• Research & Development
• Compliance with nutritional regulations

Analysis of biogenic amines is normally performed by using a dedicated amino acid analyser equiped with a special column and a special set of buffers. If applicable samples can also be tested according to an inhouse developed HPLC-method to accurately estimate Tryptophan based biogenic amines (e.g. Tryptamine and Serotonin).

Biogenic amines can be estimated in:

• Fruit juices, beers, dairy products and many other foodstuffs
• Feed, fodder and silage
• Leaves, petals and seeds

Analysis results will be presented by means of a certificate of analysis, checked and signed by a member of our Quality Assurance Unit. Where applicable the CoA will be in the format and layout of your choise. CoA's will be sent by regular postal service and by fax, usually within 2 - 5 working days after receipt of the samples. If required results are also sent by e-mail, in a format ready to import into your data management system. Turn around times depend on number of samples and types of analyses to be performed, but will normally never extend a period of 10 working days. Of course all data will always be handled with the utmost confidentiallity.
For additional information please refer to our current pricelist.
When sending in samples please send them directly to our analysis department and include a filled out copy of this orderform.

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