An integrated amperometry waveform for the direct, sensitive detection of amino acids and amino sugars following anion-exchange chromatography

This paper describes a new detection method that uses a six-potential wavef orm to detect all amino acids without derivatization. The detection limits are less than 1 pmol for most of the analytes. The anion-exchange separatio n uses a ternary gradient with water, 0.25 M sodium hydroxide, and 1.0 M so dium acetate. We present results of waveform optimization experiments desig ned to minimize gradient artifacts and to achieve optimum conditions for th e quantitative analysis of common amino acids. Analytical results for prote in hydrolysates are discussed and compared with those obtained by cation ex change followed by ninhydrin derivatization and spectrophotometric detectio n.