Biogenic Amines Analysis

Biogenic active amines are nitrogenous compounds formed mainly by decarboxylation of amino acids, or by amination and transamination of aldehydes and ketones. Biogenic amines are sources of nitrogen and precursors for the synthesis of e.g. hormones, alkaloids, nucleic acids and proteins. They can influence processes in organisms such as the regulation of body temperature, intake of nutrition, increase or decrease of blood pressure.

A group of biogenic active amines are neurotransmitters, like Acetylcholine, Catecholamines (e.g. Dopamine, Adrenalin and Noradrenalin) or Serotonin. The analysis of these neurotransmitters is important to diagnose oncological, neurological or neuropsychiatric disorders.

The biogenic monoamines and polyamines are important for growth, renovation, and metabolism in organs and for high metabolic activity of the normal functioning and immunological system of the gut.
They can act as free radical scavengers or have antioxidants activity.
However, Biogenic amines can be present in food, which induce toxicological risks and health troubles.

Biogenic amines can be produced by fermentation or bacterial decarboxylation of amino acids. Therefore, any foodstuff produced by fermentation or exposed to microbial contamination during processing or storage may contain Biogenic amines:

Precursor Amino Acid Histidine Tyrosine Hydroxytryptophan Tryptophan Lysine Ornithine Arginine

Biogenic Amines Histamine Tyramine Serotonin Tryptamine Cadaverine Putrescine Agmatine, Spermine, Spermidine

In many different types of food, Biogenic amines can be detected:

Food Fish Cheese Fermented vegetables

Biogenic amines found Histamine, tyramine, cadaverine, putrescine, agmatine, spermine and spermidine Histamine, tyramine, cadaverine, putrescine, β-phenylethylamine and tryptamine Histamine, tyramine, cadaverine, putrescine and tryptamine

Clinical symptoms of e.g. Histamine poisoning can be:

Cutaneous rash urticaria edema facial neck

Gastrointestinal nausea vomiting diarrhea abdominal cramps

Neurological facial, neck headache palpitations tingling, itching oral burning

Other hypotension bronchospasm shock

Histamine in presence of Putrescine and Cadaverine can cause scombroid poisoning (presence of "scombrotoxine" in tuna or mackerel).
Analysis of Biogenic amines is normally performed by using a dedicated amino acid analyser equipped with a special column and a special set of buffers. If applicable samples can also be tested according to an in-house developed HPLC-method for Tryptophan based Biogenic amines (e.g. tryptamine, 5-OH-tryptamine or serotonin).

Major applications of Biogenic amines analysis are:

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

To Order and to Send samples:

• Pack the samples carefully to avoid losses, mixing of samples or fluid leakages
• Name the samples carefully and readable
• Cool the samples if necessary with ice or dry ice
• Please, use our Order-form related to our Price-list

Send the samples to:

Ansynth Service B.V.

Attn. Mr. J. van Gool
Jan Vermeerlaan 204
NL - 4703 LE - ROOSENDAAL
The Netherlands

Phone: +31 165 536897
Fax: +31 165 537686
E-mail:

Analysis results will be presented by means of a Certificate of Analysis (CoA), Where applicable the CoA will be in a format and layout of your choice. CoA's will be sent by regular Postal Service, E-mail or Fax, usually within 2 - 5, or maximal 10 working days after receipt of the samples.