β-N-methylamino-l-alanine (BMAA) in novel South African cyanobacterial isolates

β-N-methylamino-l-alanine (BMAA) is a neurotoxic non-proteinogenic amino acid reportedly produced by the majority of cyanobacterial isolates. A novel method was developed for the detection of BMAA in biological samples. Cultures representing the taxonomic diversity and geographic distribution in Southern Africa were collected and made uni-algal by standard methods before analysis for the presence of both free and protein-associated BMAA. Protein-associated BMAA was released by acid hydrolysis in an inert atmosphere. Samples were analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) with pre-derivatization of amino acids using Phenomonex EZ:faast™ of the tested cultures, 96% were positive for BMAA although several were below the limit for quantification. BMAA presence was not related to the geographic origin or taxonomy of isolates and no correlation between free and bound BMAA concentrations was observed within or between taxonomic groups. These data offer the first confirmation of the taxonomic and geographic ubiquity of BMAA in freshwater cyanobacteria.