Fast UHPLC Methods for Analysis of Amino Acids

Overview Purpose: Methods that offer both rapid and sensitive measurement of amino acids are essential to neurochemical research. The ability to decrease analysis time enables an improvement in temporal resolution when studying amino acid neurotransmission. Methods: Two methods using pre-column derivatization were developed: first, a fast isocratic method with electrochemical detection for the analysis of several neurochemically important amino acids, and secondly, a fast and sensitive gradient UHPLC method with fluorescence detection that measures both free D-aspartic acid and D-serine (as well as their L-enantiomers). Results: The UHPLC methods enabled the rapid separation of various neuroactive amino acids within half of the analysis time when compared to traditional HPLC methods, while maintaining resolution and excellent sensitivity. Data from rat brain region homogenates are presented.