Enzymatic determination of biogenic amines with transglutaminase

Tyramine, histamine, putrescine and cadaverine, the most common biogenic amines indicating the food quality, were studied in the transglutaminase-catalyzed reaction. Transglutaminase (protein-glutamine gamma-glutamyltransferase EC 2.3.2.13) catalyzes an acyl transfer reaction between a donor substrate and an acceptor substrate (e.g. biogenic amine) and forms a cross-linkage between substrates with a release of ammonia. The reaction can be monitored by measuring the ammonia produced in the reaction. The concentration of produced ammonia was found to be proportional to the concentration of biogenic amine and could hence be used to determination of biogenic amines in food matrixes.