Trimethylamine dosage

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

The dosage of trimethylamine is essential in several industrial fields for:

• Evaluate the freshness of seafood (fish, seafood)
• Control fermentation or putrefaction phenomena
• Monitoring the migration of volatile compounds in food contact materials
• Check the conformity of wastewater or industrial sludge
• Monitor 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: possible alternative in 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

The trimethylamine assay applies 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 aromatic ingredients

You may also want to consider an analysis of the overall odor or freshness index of the seafood as a complement.

Why measure trimethylamine?

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

In the food and packaging materials industry, TMA can signal:

• Microbiological or enzymatic alteration of the matrices
• Unwanted interaction between materials and packaged products
• Migration of volatile substances (e.g. in compostable films or PLA)

Tailor-made 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 according to your matrix, time or method constraints
• Interpretation of results based on regulatory or normative thresholds
• The possibility of grouping several analyses on the same matrix (TMA, TVB-N, histamine, biogenic amines, etc.)

Other associated services

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

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

Support from A to Z

Since 2020, YesWeLab has been supporting manufacturers, formulators and distributors in their analytical issues, particularly in the areas of:

• Food traceability
• The organoleptic quality of the products
• Monitoring fermentation processes
• Compliance of materials in contact with foodstuffs

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

Order your analysis now

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