Determination of amino acids by separation of their ion pairs with dodecyl sulphate.

The ion pairs of amino acids with dodecyl sulphate were separated on a reversed-phase column (Beckman Ultrasphere I.P.) using a sequence of eluents that are prepared by mixing 0.2 M phosphoric acid (containing 10 mM sodium dodecyl sulphate), 0.2 M sodium acetate (pH 4.50; containing 10 mM sodium dodecyl sulphate) and methanol. the amino acids commonly occurring in tissues, except taurine and related weakly basic amino acids, can be analysed at a rate of 95 min per sample at a sensitivity of less than 50 pmol per amino acid. Elution modes for specific amino acids (alpha-difluoromethylornithine, gamma-vinyl-4-aminobutyric acid, 4-aminobutyric acid, putreanine) and non-essential amino acids that allow higher separation rates are reported. The method is suitable for fully automated routine amino acid analysis.