Analysis of Betaines from Marine Algae Using LC-MS-MS

Betaines are a class of quaternary ammonium compounds found in marine algae that can act as osmolytes and/or affect gene expression, and therefore improve plant tolerance to stresses such as temperature extremes, drought, and salinity when applied to agricultural crops. In humans, glycine betaine acts as a methyl donor and has been shown to protect internal organs, improve vascular risk factors, and enhance sport performance. Here we describe a sensitive LC-MS-MS method for the baseline separation and quantification of four betaines found in algae, namely, glycine betaine, δ-aminovaleric acid betaine, γ-aminobutyric acid betaine, and laminine.