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

Methods Mol Biol. 2015:1308:267-75. doi: 10.1007/978-1-4939-2684-8_17.

Abstract

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.

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acids, Neutral / analysis*
  • Betaine / analogs & derivatives*
  • Betaine / analysis
  • Chromatography, Liquid / methods*
  • Seaweed / chemistry*
  • Tandem Mass Spectrometry / methods*
  • gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / analysis*

Substances

  • Amino Acids, Neutral
  • Betaine
  • gamma-Aminobutyric Acid
  • 5-aminovaleric acid