Agilent Technologies outlines new LC-MS workflow for amino acid analysis

Agilent Technologies has introduced a method for the quantitative analysis of 17 underivatized amino acids using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Historically, amino acid analysis has relied on HPLC with UV detection, a process that frequently requires pre-column or post-column derivatization to ensure adequate sensitivity. These traditional steps are often labor-intensive, increase reagent consumption, and can be sensitive to sample matrix interference.

The new workflow, demonstrated using the Agilent LC/MSD iQ system, eliminates the need for chemical derivatization. By streamlining the process, the method allows for rapid quantitation in a single injection. The company validated the procedure by analyzing commercially available amino acid supplements, reporting high linearity, accuracy, and precision across the tested working ranges.

This development addresses challenges in the food and supplement manufacturing industries where traditional UV-based methods often struggle with selectivity. By moving to a mass spectrometry-based approach, laboratories may achieve more reliable results while reducing the operational costs associated with traditional sample preparation.