High-sensitivity detection of biogenic amines with multiple reaction monitoring in fish based on benzoyl chloride derivatization

- An efficient and sensitive method was developed for biogenic amines detection.
- Bead-beating disruption and extraction using 5-sulfosalicylic acid improves extraction efficiency.
- Benzoyl chloride derivatization shortens the reaction time greatly.
- MRM detection provides higher sensitivity, better reproducibility and linearity.
- The established method was successfully applied to detect biogenic amines in different fishes.

In this study an efficient and sensitive method for biogenic amines detection was established by combining rapid extraction and derivatization with multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) based on ultra high performance liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry. Bead-beating disruption and extraction using 5-sulfosalicylic acid not only improved the extraction efficiency but also was environmentally friendly. Benzoyl chloride derivatization could obtain stable biogenic amine derivatives with a shorter reaction time. By combining with MRM detection mode, higher detection sensitivity for biogenic amines could be achieved. The method showed a good linearity with linear range of 3-4 orders of magnitude and regression coefficients ranging from 0.9966 to 0.9999. The limit of detection and limit of quantitation could even reach lower pg/mL level. Satisfactory recovery was obtained from 74.9% to 119.3%. And the derivatives were stable within 48 h at 4 °C. The method established was used to determine content of biogenic amines in different fishes at different storage conditions. The results indicated that this method was suitable for analysis of biogenic amines.