Biogenic amines have important biological functions, such as regulating growth, controlling blood pressure, and facilitating neural transmittance. Vintners use malolactic fermentation to create the desired flavors. However, certain strains of the lactic acid bacteria necessary for this fermentation can also produce biogenic amines by decarboxylating amino acids. Putrescine, cadaverine, histamine, and agmatine have been found in red wines, and to a lesser extent, in white wines. In healthy persons, these biogenic amines are rapidly detoxified, in contrast, people with histamine intolerances can experience minor to serious health effects.<br/>Cation-exchange chromatography with suppressed conductivity detection (cation ion chromatography (IC)) is a well-established analytical method for determining positively charged ionic species and is frequently used to determine biogenic amines. Mass spectrometry detection provides confirmation of the biogenic amine by the molecular weight of the ion and a different selectivity than suppressed conductivity. In this application note, three biogenic amines (putrescine, histamine, and agmatine) were determined in wine samples using IC with suppressed conductivity and mass spectrometry detections. The biogenic amines were resolved on a high-performance cation-exchange column, detected by suppressed conductivity with the suppressed eluent delivered to electrospray interface of a single quadrupole mass spectrometer designed for ion chromatography and small ion detection. The biogenic amines were detected by MS in selected ion monitoring (SIM) mode. The results from recently opened and 3-day old wine samples were compared. The lowest biogenic amine concentrations were found in the sparkling wine and chardonnay samples and the highest results in the cabernet sauvignon sample. Biogenic amine concentration increased after exposure to air.

Determination of histamine, agmatine, and putrescine in wine by ion chromatography single quadrupole mass spectroscopy

ACS Spring 2022

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.