Analysis of amines in plant materials

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Plant Science
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Biogenic amines (aliphatic monoamines, di-/polyamines, aromatic amines) are crucial for cellular metabolism, growth, and development.
• Polyamines like putrescine, spermidine, and spermine are essential in all cells, with plants accumulating unique related compounds.
• Plant amine levels are sensitive to developmental and environmental cues, necessitating precise analytical methods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in the extraction, identification, and quantification of biogenic amines in plant tissues.
• To highlight methods for analyzing both common and uncommon amine metabolites.
• To address the need for high-performance, cost-effective analytical procedures.

Main Methods:

• Focus on chromatographic and electrophoretic separation techniques for amine isolation.
• Discussion of detection technologies for derivatized and underivatized compounds.
• Inclusion of photometry, fluorometry, amperometry, and mass spectrometry.

Main Results:

• Recent progress in analytical methodologies for plant biogenic amines is presented.
• Emphasis on improved selectivity, repeatability, and detectability in amine analysis.
• The review covers techniques applicable to fundamental research and food quality assessment.

Conclusions:

• Advanced analytical techniques are crucial for understanding plant amine biochemistry and physiology.
• Accurate amine quantification supports applications in food and beverage quality control.
• The reviewed methods offer enhanced capabilities for analyzing diverse plant metabolites.