Analysis Of Amino Acid Profiles Research Articles

Phytochemical, Amino Acid, Fatty Acid and Vitamin Investigation of Marine Seaweeds Colpomenia Sinuosa and Halymenia Porphyroides Collected Along Southeast Coast of Tamilnadu, India

Seaweeds are marine macroscopic algae which are considered as the important living marine organisms with high nutritive value and rich bio-active compounds present in the ocean. In the current study the phytochemical, amino acid, fatty acid and vitamin profile analysis of the seaweeds were conducted which were collected along the south east coast of India. The marine brown macro alga Colpomenia sinuosa (Mertens ex Roth) Derbes and Solier as well as the marine red alga Halymenia poryphyroides Boergesen were used in this study. The relationship between the nutritive components and the variation between phytochemical, amino acid, fatty acid and vitamin profile were mainly analyzed in the current study. The present analysis revealed that phytochemical contents like alkaloids, triterpenoids, steroids and glycosides were present in higher amounts in marine red alga Halymenia porphyroides compared to the marine brown alga Colpomenia sinuosa. Similarly the amino acid analysis showed higher percentage in marine red alga Halymenia porphyroides when compared to the marine brown alga Colpomenia sinuosa. The fatty acid profile also revealed higher content in Halymenia porphyroides when compared to Colpomenia sinuosa. On the contrary the vitamin profile analysis revealed higher amounts of vitamins content in Colpomenia sinuosa rather than Halymenia porphyroides. The presence of high phytochemical, amino acid, fatty acid constituents in Halymenia porphyroides makes this seaweed more important when compared Colpomenia sinuosa which were rich in vitamin content and can be used as an important vitamin source for human and animal diet.

An Open-label Clinical Study to Determine the Effect of Enhanced Absorption Formula (MB EnzymeProandreg;) on the Bioavailability of Whey Protein in Healthy Male Subjects

Background: Several reports recommend that the dietary supplementation with Whey Protein (WP) in liquid form has been a popular choice for most of the individuals, especially athletes. Some product labels suggest a high serving size of 50 g for WP. Nevertheless, due to the limited endogenous digestive enzymes output and fast transit time, the average amount digested and absorbed may be approximately 15 g, thereby restricting protein bioavailability. The objective of this study was to find out whether MB EnzymePro®, a unique patent-pending Enhanced Absorption FormulaTM (EAF) of digestive proteases, significantly increases the digestion and absorption of WP, ultimately increasing bioavailability. The study also investigated its usefulness in significantly altering nitrogen (N2) balance and C-Reactive Protein (CRP) levels. Methods: An open-label, three-period, crossover, an oral bioavailability study was performed in healthy male subjects under fasting conditions. The study was carried out as per the Institutional Ethics Committee (IEC) approved study protocol and was registered with Clinical Trials Registry-India (CTRI). The study involved twenty-four subjects (age 20-36 years, BMI 20.0-24.0 kg/m2). A single dose of 50 g of WP alone (control), with one capsule (treatment A) and two capsules (treatment B) of MB EnzymePro® was administered to each group comprising 8 subjects. Blood samples were collected at specific time points up to 4 h for amino acid profile and CRP analysis. A total of 17 amino acids were quantified. Urine was collected after up to 24 h for total N2 analysis. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated using Phoenix® WinNonlin®. Results: The overall protein bioavailability enhancement was more than 50% for WP with MB EnzymePro®. A significant increase of more than 60% in BCAAs was noticed in the MB EnzymePro® treatment. The N2 balance and CRP levels were significantly better in the treated groups than the control group. Conclusion: Compared with the control condition, a patent-pending blend of digestive proteases (MB EnzymePro®) increased the digestion and absorption (bioavailability) of WP with improved N2 balance and reduced CRP levels.

The effect of probiotic bacteria in culture media using organic fertilizer for population density, biomass production and nutrient quality of Phronima sp . as natural feed

Phronima sp. is a natural feed with high nutrient content, and it can be an alternative substitute for Artemia. The existence of probiotic bacteria in culture media aims to improve water quality through biodegradation, maintain microbial balance and control pathogenic bacteria, so that nutrients in culture media can be utilized by Phronima sp. This study aimed to determine the effect of fermented organic fertilizer by probiotic bacteria in mass culture media on the population density, biomass production and nutrient content of Phronima sp. and to find the best culture media composition for mass culture of Phronima sp. The study was conducted with a completely randomized design with five treatments and three replications. The treatments were as follows: A: 0% chicken manure, 50% rice bran, 50% tofu waste; B: 25% chicken manure, 37.5% rice bran, 37.5% tofu waste; C: 50% chicken manure, 25% rice bran, 25% tofu waste; D: 75% chicken manure, 12.5% rice bran, 12.5% tofu waste and E: 100% chicken manure. The test animals were Phronima sp., and during cultivation, fertilization was carried out every 3 days. Population density and biomass were observed, and proximate analysis, amino acid profile analysis and fatty acid profile analysis were performed. The highest population density was at treatment B, with a peak population of 98 individuals/L that occurred on the 16th day of maintenance culture, and the highest biomass of 0.51 g was at the same treatment. The highest nutrient content was obtained at treatment B, for which the highest protein proximate analysis value was 58.90%, the proportion of the fatty acids comprised of eicosapentaenoic acid was 7.53%, and lysine amino acids were found at 44.16 ppm.

Polyamine and amino acid profiles in immature Araucaria angustifolia seeds and their association with embryogenic culture establishment

Analysis of polyamines and amino acid profiles in Araucaria angustifolia immature seeds from two mother tree genotypes in 2 consecutive years, and their association with the establishment of embryogenic cultures. Polyamines (PAs) and amino acids are an important source of nitrogen in plants. They are known to participate in plant development and their levels are associated with specific zygotic and somatic embryogenesis stages, which means that they may be useful as biochemical markers of developmental stages. The present study carried out an analysis of PA and amino acid profiles in immature Araucaria angustifolia seeds from two mother tree genotypes over 2 consecutive years, and their association with the initiation and maintenance of embryogenic cultures (ECs). The results showed that initiation of ECs in A. angustifolia, as observed in other conifers, depends on harvest year and mother tree genotype. PA and amino acid profiles showed that seeds from distinct mother trees and harvest years are different from one another. These differences were reflected in the initiation of ECs. The metabolic analysis indicates that conjugated Spd, ornithine, and asparagine profiles are candidates as biochemical markers for selection of mother trees. These results will allow for the testing of a large number of mother trees as explant sources and the selection of those with higher potential for somatic embryogenesis.

Carcass characteristics, physicochemical attributes, and fatty acid and amino acid compositions of meat obtained from different Japanese quail strains.

The objective of the current study was to assess the carcass traits and meat quality in three different Japanese quail strains. A total of 90 1-day-old Japanese quail chicks of three different strains; 30 of each of white, black, and brown were used. Quails were slaughtered at 10weeks of age. Carcass traits such as carcass weight and carcass yield were recorded. At 24h postmortem, breast and leg meat samples were detached, vacuum packaged and stored at - 20°C until meat quality, nutritional composition, fatty acid and amino acid profile analyses. The results indicate no differences (p > 0.05) in the physicochemical properties of meat among different quail strains. Hot and cold carcass weights were higher (p < 0.05) in brown and black quails. However, brown quails possessed the highest (p < 0.05) slaughter weight and carcass yields than others. Meat physicochemical properties, fatty acids, and mineral content did not differ (p > 0.05) between quail strains. Nonetheless, meat quality differ (p < 0.05) between muscles in quails. Due to high carcass yields, brown quail strain may be preferred for meat production purposes.

Non-specific immune responses, stress resistance and growth performance of Caspian roach (Rutilus caspicus) fed diet supplemented with earthworm (Eisenia foetida) extract

This study was conducted to evaluate the amino acid profile of earthworm (Eisenia foetida) extract (EFE) and its dietary effects on serum immune parameters, resistance to salinity stress and growth performance of Caspian roach fingerling (Rutilus caspicus) in a feeding experiment. Three triplicated treatments (two levels of dietary earthworm extracts diluted with distilled water includes 1:25 [T1] and 1:50 [T2] and one diet with no extract distilled water as a control diet) were prepared and fed to fingerlings)4.30 ± 0.10 g) stocked in nine 100 L tanks. The amino acid profile analysis demonstrated presence of 16 amino acids (Aspartic acid, Glutamic acid, Serine, Histidine, Glycine, Threonine, Arginine, Tryptophan, Alanine, Tyrosine, Methionine, Valine, Phenylalanine, Isoleucine, leucine and lysine) in the earthworm extract. Additionally, at the end of 8-week feeding trial, fish fed E. foetida extracts showed notably higher serum total Ig and lysozyme activity (P < .05). Additionally, serum ACH50 activity improved significantly in E. foetida diluted extract (1:25 V/V) fed treatment (P < .05). For salinity challenge test, the results revealed that dietary administration of EFE (regardless of inclusion level) significantly increased fish resistance compared to control group (P < .05). For growth performance, results revealed that EFE significantly improved weight gain and specific growth rate, food palatability index and feed conversion ratio compared to the control group (P < .05). These findings revealed positive effects of EFE in Caspian roach fingerling diets and their applying in Caspian roach fingerling culture. Additionally, fish fed with E. foetida diluted extract (1:25 V/V) exhibited the best results.

Analysis of amino acid and acyl carnitine profiles in maternal and fetal serum from preeclampsia patients

Objectives: To analyze and compare concentrations of amino acids (AAs) and acylcarnitine (AC) profiles in maternal–fetal serum from women with preeclampsia (PE) and to assess their use as possible predictors of PE.Methods: This is a retrospective study in which we enrolled a total of 38 pregnant women and their offspring. Pregnant women with PE (n = 14) and healthy pregnant control subjects (n = 24) participated voluntarily in the study. Maternal blood and cord blood were tested using dry blood spot (DBS) specimens, and we detected concentrations of 18 types of AAs and 31 types of AC by using high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS), and compared metabolites between the groups. We used logistic regression modeling to estimate the association of each metabolite with development of PE.Results: Concentrations of most AAs and AC in PE mothers were significantly higher than those in the group of control mothers. Cord plasma concentrations of AC in most PE mothers were significantly higher than those in controls; however, in PE, levels of cord plasma concentrations of most AAs were significantly lower, except for Gly, compared with controls. Levels of most AAs and AC were lower in the control and PE groups, with a tendency for lower levels in maternal blood compared to cord blood. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) and areas under the curves (AUC) analyses using these metabolites did not predict PE individually.Conclusions: Maternal–fetal levels of AAs and AC were associated with PE. But the use of metabolites did not constitute a reliable method for use as a biomarker in the diagnosis of PE. Further prospective studies are needed to clarify the roles of different metabolites involved in the mechanism underlying the development of PE.

The Analysis of Protein Level and Amino Acid Profile in Eels (Anguilla marmorata (Q.) Gaimard and Anguilla bicolor) of Lake Poso

In this study used a sample of eel fish species Anguilla marmorata (Q.) Gaimard and Anguilla bicolor from Poso lake that has a high protein content and is a fish endemic to Central Sulawesi. These eels are consumed by the surrounding community of the lake, but the nutritional content remains unknown. The present research was aimed to determine the protein level and amino acid profile of Anguilla marmorata (Q.) Gaimard and Anguilla bicolor eels. The protein level testing used Kjeldahl method, and amino acid profile used High Performance Liquid Chromatography. The results demonstrate the protein level of the two samples Anguilla marmorata (Q.) Gaimard eels have a protein content of 41.84% and Anguilla bicoloreels at 33.75%. Anguilla marmorata (Q.) Gaimard and Anguilla bicolor eels contain 18 types of amino acid, comprised of 9 types of essential amino acids and 9 types of non-essential amino acids. Of the two samples of eel species Anguilla marmorata (Q.) Gaimard and Anguilla bicolor, have complete protein quality because it has all kinds of essential amino acids.

Shotgun proteomic analysis of protein profile changes in female rabbit meat: the effect of breed and age

To determine the protein profile of rabbit meat, the protein composition in meat of rabbits with different breeds and ages was investigated. In this article, M. Longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL) samples were obtained from six groups (ten rabbits in each group) of 60 female rabbits (Ira and Sichuan white; 35, 70, and 105 days old). Their nutritional characteristics, amino acid profile, protein quantity, and protein profile were analysed. The results showed that rabbit meat contained high content of essential amino acids, especially for Lys (2.26%). The analysis of amino acid profile in rabbit meat indicated that it varied significantly with rabbit breeds and ages. The proportion of stromal protein to total protein in rabbit meat was significantly influenced by age (p < .05), and the mean proportions of sarcoplasmic, myofibrillar, and stromal protein to total protein in rabbit meat were 32.57%, 57.20% and 10.23%, respectively. A total of 835 proteins were identified from the samples using shotgun proteomics. These proteins were mainly involved in energy metabolism, material transport and biochemical reactions, and the highest number of proteins was observed in meat of 35-day-old rabbit (p < .05). Although breed had a limited influence on the number of proteins in rabbit meat (p > .05), 69 and 35 unique proteins were identified in Ira and Sichuan white, respectively. In conclusion, both breed and age can affect the protein profile of rabbit meat, and the difference in protein profile may be the reason for the quality variation of different rabbit meat samples.HighlightsComparing the differences between two rabbit breeds from the perspective of proteome.Elucidate proteome in rabbit muscle during its growth. The outcome means that a total of 835 proteins were identified from the samples using shotgun proteomics, and the highest number of unique proteins was observed in meat of 35-day-old rabbit.

Analysis of amino acid profiles of blood over time and biomarkers associated with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis in STAM mice.

The changes in free amino acid (AA) levels in blood during the progression from non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are unclear. We investigated serum AA levels, along with biochemical and histological events, in a mouse model of NASH. We induced NASH in male C57BL/6J mice with a streptozotocin injection and high-fat diet after 4 weeks of age (STAM group). We chronologically (6, 8, 10, 12, and 16 weeks, n=4–12 mice/group) evaluated the progression from steatohepatitis to HCC by biochemical and histological analyses. The serum AA levels were determined using an AA analyzer. Serum aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase levels were higher in the STAM group than in the normal group (non-NASH-induced mice). Histological analysis revealed that STAM mice had fatty liver, NASH, and fibrosis at 6, 8, and 10 weeks, respectively. Moreover, the mice exhibited fibrosis and HCC at 16 weeks. The serum branched-chain AA levels were higher in the STAM group than in the normal group, especially at 8 and 10 weeks. The Fischer ratio decreased at 16 weeks in the STAM group, with increasing aromatic AA levels. These results suggested that this model sequentially depicts the development of fatty liver, NASH, cirrhosis, HCC, and AA metabolism disorders within a short experimental period. Additionally, serum amyloid A was suggested to be a useful inflammation biomarker associated with NASH. We believe that the STAM model will be useful for studying AA metabolism and/or pharmacological effects in NASH.

Non-marking Collection of Amino Acids from Fingerprints Using Hydrogels.

The amino acid profile obtained from a fingerprint may provide valuable information on its donor. Unfortunately, the collection of chemicals from the fingerprint is often destructive to the fingerprint ridge detail. Herein we detail the use of cross-linkable solutions of dextran-methacrylate to form hydrogels capable of collecting amino acids from surfaces followed by extraction and quantification with UPLC-MS. This method allows for the amino acid profile analysis of fingerprints while allowing for their increased visualization at a later stage using the standard method of cyanoacrylate fuming followed by basic-yellow dyeing.

Proximate and Amino Acid Analyses of the Rhizome of &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Nymphaea lotus&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; (Water Lily)

The proximate composition and the amino acid profile analyses of the rhizome of <i>Nymphaea lotus</i> (water lily) were carried out based on standard methods reported by the association of official Analytical Chemists (AOAC). The results of the proximate analysis showed that <i>Nymphaea lotus</i> rhizome had moisture content of 48.83±3.22; crude protein 4.23±0.06; crude fibre 5.00±1.50; ash content 4.67±0.17; high available carbohydrate 35.44 ± 0.01 and energy value 742.10 kJ/100 g. The crude lipid content was low 1.83±0.60. The study detected seventeen different amino acids. The amino acid content in g/100 g protein content was: lysine = 3.11, histidine= 1.82, arginine= 4.25, aspartic acid = 7.60, threonine= 2.19, serine= 3.02, glutamic acid= 9.68, proline= 2.34, glycine= 3.06, alanine= 3.40, cycteine= 0.73, valine= 3.37, methionine= 1.09, isoleucine= 2.35, leucine= 8.24, tyrosine= 2.25 and phenylalnine= 3.72. The studied revealed that glutamic acid, aromatic acids, leucine and aspartic acid were the predominant amino acids. All essential amino acids were found to be higher than WHO/FAO/UNU requirement pattern for adults while leucine was found to be higher than the requirement pattern for preschool children. Lysine however was found to be the most limiting amino acid for preschool children. The presence of these compounds of nutritive value, as well as high energy value suggests that <i>Nymphaea lotus</i> rhizome could serve as a food supplement for livestock and humans.

Nutritional, Elemental and Amino Acid Profile Analyses of the Seeds of Aspilia africana: A Neglected and Underutilized Species (NUS)

Nutritional, Elemental and Amino Acid Profile Analyses of the Seeds of Aspilia africana: A Neglected and Underutilized Species (NUS)

Numerical analysis of intracellular amino acid profiles of breast cancer cells with K-Ras or PI3K mutation in response to kinase inhibitors

BackgroundVarious efforts to understand the relationship between biological information and disease have been done using many different types of highthroughput data such as genomics and metabolomics. However, information obtained from previous studies was not satisfactory, implying that new direction of studies is in need. Thus, we have tried profiling intracellular free amino acids in normal and cancerous cells to extract some information about such relationship by way of the change in IFAA levels in response to the treatment of three kinase inhibitors. We define two measures such as relative susceptibility (RS) and relative efficacy (RE) to numerically quantify susceptibility of cell line to treatment and efficacy of treatment on cell line, respectively.MethodsWe applied principal component analysis (PCA) to the intracellular free amino acids (IFAAs) of isogenic breast cells with oncogenic mutation in K-Ras or PI3K genes to investigate the change in IFAA levels in response to the treatment of three kinase inhibitors. Two-dimensional plot, which was graphically represented by using the first two principal components (PCs), enabled us to evaluate the treatment efficacy in cancerous cells in terms of the quantitative distance of two IFAA profiles from cancerous and normal cells with the same treatment condition.ResultsThe biggest change in metabolic states in K-Ras mutant cell was caused by REGO for both treatment time (RS=2.31 (24 h) and 1.64 (48 h)). Regarding RE, REGO was the most effective on K-Ras/PI3K mutant cell line for treatment time 24h (RE=1.28) while PI3K inhibitor had good effect on K-Ras mutant cell line for 48h (RE=1.1).ConclusionsNumerical study on the link between amino acid profile and cancer has been done in two different dimensions. We then summarized such link in terms of two new metrics such as RS and RE, which we first define in this work. Although our study based on those metrics seems to work, we think that the usefulness of the metrics in cancer study of this kind need to be further investigated.

Amino Acid Profile and Mineral Content of Balanites aegyptiaca Kernel

Study on the evaluation of the nutritional quality of poorly utilized plant products is of immense importance. This research work, therefore, evaluates the amino acid profile and mineral content of Balanites aegyptiaca kernel using standard analytical methods. The amino acid profile analysis revealed the presence of essential and the non-essential amino acids of which Total sulphur and Total aromatic amino acids content were 2.86 g/100 g protein and 7.21 g/100 g protein respectively. Analysis of the mineral content showed the presence of the following minerals in the order; Magnesium ˃ Sodium ˃ Calcium ˃ Potassium ˃ Iron ˃ Zinc ˃ Manganese ˃ Lead ˃ Copper ˃ Nickel ˃ Chromium ˃ Cadmium. The kernel could, therefore, be used as a good source of protein and minerals in supplementing other sources in order to reduce food insecurity and hence malnutrition from lack of protein diets.

Nuptial gift chemistry reveals convergent evolution correlated with antagonism in mating systems of harvestmen (Arachnida, Opiliones).

Nuptial gifts are material donations given from male to female before or during copulation and are subject to sexual selection in a wide variety of taxa. The harvestman genus Leiobunum has emerged as a model system for understanding the evolution of reproductive morphology and behavior, as transitions between solicitous and antagonistic modes of courtship have occurred multiple times within the lineage and are correlated with convergence in genital morphology. We analyzed the free amino acid content of nuptial gift secretions from five species of Leiobunum using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Multivariate analysis of the free amino acid profiles revealed that, rather than clustering based on phylogenetic relationships, nuptial gift chemical composition was better predicted by genital morphology and behavior, suggesting that convergent evolution has acted on the chemical composition of the nuptial gift. In addition, we found that, species with solicitous courtship produce gifts consisting of a 19% larger proportion of essential amino acids as compared to those with more antagonistic courtship interactions. This work represents the first comparative study of nuptial gift chemistry within a phylogenetic framework in any animal group and as such contributes to our understanding of the evolution of reproductive diversity and the participant role of nuptial gift chemistry in mating system transitions.

CLASSIC MAPLE SYRUP URINE DISEASE IN A 46-DAY-OLD BABY: A CASE REPORT

ABSTRACT:Maple syrup urine disease (MSUD) is an inborn error of amino acid metabolism secondary to enzyme defect that breaks down branched-chain amino acid (BCAA). Accumulation of these amino acids and their corresponding ketoacids in the body progresses to neurodegenerative disorders and encephalopathy in undiagnosed infants. We report a case of 46 days old baby with classical clinical and biochemical findings consistent with MSUD. Baby was investigated for inborn error of metabolism after he developed lethargy and his oral intake reduced on fifth day of life. A diagnosis of MSUD was established after analysis of plasma and CSF amino acid profile. Baby was treated accordingly and improvement in his condition was seen afterwards. KEYWORDS:Maple Syrup Urine Disease (MeSH); Amino Acids (MeSH); Amino Acids, Branched-Chain (MeSH); Infant (MeSH), Cerebrospinal Fluid (MeSH).

Post hoc analysis of plasma amino acid profiles: towards a specific pattern in autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability.

Objectives Autism spectrum disorders and intellectual disability present a challenge for therapeutic and dietary management. We performed a re-analysis of plasma amino acid chromatography of children with autism spectrum disorders ( n = 22) or intellectual disability ( n = 29) to search for a metabolic signature that can distinguish individuals with these disorders from controls ( n = 30). Methods We performed univariate and multivariate analyses using different machine learning strategies, from the raw data of the amino acid chromatography. Finally, we analysed the metabolic pathways associated with discriminant biomarkers. Results Multivariate analysis revealed models to discriminate patients with autism spectrum disorders or intellectual disability and controls from plasma amino acid profiles ( P < 0.0003). Univariate analysis showed that autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability patients shared similar differences relative to controls, including lower glutamate ( P < 0.0001 and P = 0.0002, respectively) and serine ( P = 0.002 for both) concentrations. The multivariate model ( P < 6.12.10-7) to discriminate between autism spectrum disorders and intellectual disability revealed the involvement of urea, 3-methyl-histidine and histidine metabolism. Biosigner analysis and univariate analysis confirmed the role of 3-methylhistidine ( P = 0.004), histidine ( P = 0.003), urea ( P = 0.0006) and lysine ( P = 0.002). Conclusions We revealed discriminant metabolic patterns between autism spectrum disorders, intellectual disability and controls. Amino acids known to play a role in neurotransmission were discriminant in the models comparing autism spectrum disorders or intellectual disability to controls, and histidine and b-alanine metabolism was specifically highlighted in the model.

Nutritional composition and antinutritional properties of maize ogi cofermented with pigeon pea.

Maize was cofermented with pigeon pea for ogi production and evaluated for nutritional (proximate composition, minerals, vitamins, and amino acid profile analyses) and antinutritional (phytate, tannin, and trypsin inhibitor activity analyses) qualities. White maize and pigeon pea were mixed at ratios of 90:10, 80:20, 70:30, 60:40, and 50:50, respectively, with 100:0 serving as the control. Mixtures were cofermented for 96 hr at 27°C ± 2°C and nutritional, mineral, and antinutritional qualities were analyzed using analysis of variance. Results of proximate analysis showed that the values were significantly difference at p ≤ .05. Maize cofermented with pigeon pea at a ratio of 60:40 had the highest protein (22.79 mg/100 g), fat (19.27 mg/100 g), ash (2.98 mg/100 g), crude fiber (0.73 mg/100 g), and lowest moisture (1.98 mg/100 g) content, and was significantly (p ≤ .05) different from the other ratios. Of all the mixtures analyzed, 60:40 was significantly (p ≤ .05) different and had the highest Vitamin B1, B2, and B3 contents. Amino acid profile results showed that maize cofermented with pigeon pea at a ratio of 60:40 showed the highest contents of lysine (93.95 mg/g), tryptophan (20.38 mg/g), isoleucine (54.78 mg/g), phenylalanine (86.23 mg/g), leucine (109.55 mg/g), and valine (68.29 mg/g), respectively, and was significantly (p ≤ .05) different from the other ratios. Results of antinutritional analysis showed low phytate, tannin, and trypsin inhibitor values in maize cofermented with pigeon pea at a ratio of 60:40 when compared with other ratios. The cofermented maize‐pigeon pea product 60:40 had high amino acid profile than the others.

High-throughput analysis of amino acids in plant materials by single quadrupole mass spectrometry

BackgroundThe amino acid profile of plants is an important parameter in assessments of their growth potential, resource-use efficiency and/or quality as food and feed. Screening studies may involve large number of samples but the classical amino acid analysis is limited by the fact that it is very time consuming with typical chromatographic run times of 70 min or more.ResultsWe have here developed a high-throughput method for analysis of amino acid profiles in plant materials. The method combines classical protein hydrolysis and derivatization with fast separation by UHPLC and detection by a single quadrupole (QDa) mass spectrometer. The chromatographic run time is reduced to 10 min and the precision, accuracy and sensitivity of the method are in line with other recent methods utilizing advanced and more expensive mass spectrometers. The sensitivity of the method is at least a factor 10 better than that of methods relying on detection by fluorescence or UV. It is possible to downscale sample size to 20 mg without compromising reproducibility, which makes the method ideal for analysis of very small sample amounts.ConclusionThe developed method allows high-throughput analysis of amino acid profiles in plant materials. The analysis is robust and accurate as well as compatible with both free amino acids and protein hydrolysates. The QDa detector offers high sensitivity and accuracy, while at the same time being relatively simple to operate and cheap to purchase, thus significantly reducing the overall analytical costs compared to methods based on more advanced mass spectrometers.