Precolumn 𝘖-Phthalaldehyde Derivatization and Reversed-Phase Liquid Chromatography of S-Methylmethioninesulfonium in Satsuma Mandarin Juice

Abstract

Abstract Experiments were conducted to determine the amount of S-methylmethlonlnesulfonium (MMS) in Satsuma mandarin Juice using a precolumn 𝘖-phthalaldehyde (OPA) derivatization and reversedphase liquid chromatography. Favorable analytical conditions that allowed MMS analysis were achieved by using OPA/3-mercaptopropionlc acid (MPA) as a derivatization agent with fluorescence detection (excitation at 330 nm, emission at 450 nm). A C18 reversed-phase column with 5 μm particle size and a length of 250 mm was used. Resolution of MMS/OPA/MPA derivative was accomplished with a linear gradient eluent (30mM sodium acetate buffer solution, pH 7.3, and 70% (v/v) methanol). Quantitative analysis of MMS by the internal standard method using β-alanine gave highly reproducible result with a coefficient of variation less than 3%. Recovery of MMS added to Juice samples was 105%. MMS content in Satsuma mandarin Juice was 28.2μM.