Trimethylamine assay

Trimethylamine (TMA) is a volatile organic compound with a low molecular weight, easily identifiable by its characteristic odor of ammonia or spoiled fish. Occurring naturally in certain biological matrices or generated by enzymatic and microbial processes, TMA is a sensitive indicator of spoilage in perishable goods.

Trimethylamine measurement is essential in several industrial sectors for:

• Assessing the freshness of seafood (fish, shellfish)
• Controlling fermentation or putrefaction phenomena
• Monitor the migration of volatile compounds in food contact materials
• Check the conformity of wastewater or industrial sludge
• Follow the formulation processes of fermented polymers and bioplastics

Proposed analytical methods: GC-MS and LC-MS

YesWeLab offers TMA analysis using two reference methods:

• GC-MS (gas chromatography – mass spectrometry): method of choice for volatile compounds, with a high level of sensitivity and specificity.
• LC-MS: a possible alternative in the case of extraction in a liquid phase or for complex non-volatile matrices.

These methods are optimized for matrices rich in organic matter, aqueous or fatty, with or without a derivatization step.

Commonly analyzed matrices

Trimethylamine assay is applicable to a wide variety of matrices:

• Seafood: fresh fish, canned fish, shellfish, frozen fillets
• Fermented products: sauerkraut, kimchi, aged cheeses, sauces
• Water and effluents: rinsing water, processing water, leachate
• Packaging components: fermentable polymers, biofilms, coatings
• Food extracts or flavoring ingredients

You can also consider an analysis of the overall odor or freshness index of seafood products as a complement.

Why measure trimethylamine?

TMA is recognized as an indicator of protein deterioration, particularly in the seafood industry. It can also be used as a tracer of microbiological contamination, especially in anaerobic fermentation processes.

In the food processing and packaging materials industries, TMA can indicate:

• A microbiological or enzymatic alteration of the matrices
• An unwanted interaction between materials and packaged products
• Migration of volatile substances (e.g., in compostable films or PLA)

Customized services with YesWeLab

At YesWeLab, we provide you with a network of specialized partner laboratories capable of processing all types of matrices containing or generating trimethylamine.

Our services include:

• Selecting the most suitable laboratory based on your matrix, time, or method constraints
• Interpreting the results in relation to regulatory or normative thresholds
• The ability to group several analyses on the same matrix (TMA, TVB-N, histamine, biogenic amines, etc.)

Other related services

Depending on your needs, you can combine this analysis with other related analytical services:

• Analysis of biogenic amines (putrescine, cadaverine)
• VOC analysis 

A complete, end-to-end support

Since 2020, YesWeLab has been supporting manufacturers, formulators and distributors with their analytical challenges, particularly in the following areas:

• Food traceability
• The organoleptic quality of the products
• Monitoring fermentation processes
• Regarding the conformity of materials in contact with food

Thanks to our digital platform, you can easily submit your request, track your samples and access your results.

Order your analysis now

Do you have a specific need regarding trimethylamine measurement? Do you wish to combine this analysis with other tests or validate a formulation? Our team is available to advise you.