Distinguishing the cyanobacterial neurotoxin β-N-methylamino-l-alanine (BMAA) from its structural isomer 2,4-diaminobutyric acid (2,4-DAB)

The neurotoxin BMAA in aquatic systems : analysis, occurrence and effects

“…[77,84,88,95]). In the past ten years, most analytical methods employed relied either on optical detection or on mass spectrometry (MS) detection [58].…”

“…However, shortly after the first experiments for this thesis were started, negative results on BMAA in cyanobacteria were published [76,78] and a heated discussion started, which mostly focussed on the use of analytical techniques (e.g. [77,84,95]). It then seemed more important to find out what had caused the differences in published results, and to find out which data on the presence of BMAA in aquatic systems were reliable.…”

“…The cause of these conflicting results was attributed to the different analytical methods used, although there was initially little consensus on what would be the most suitable method for BMAA analysis (e.g. [77,84]). The crucial role that analytical chemistry has played in BMAA research was clearly described in a 2012 tutorial: "The BMAA hypothesis relies on analytical data at every twist and turn, but there are many deficiencies in the work that has been performed.…”

“…in some, yet not all, samples [102] or detected in all samples, but at very low concentrations [83]. The suggestion that BMAA might have been confused with its structural isomer α,γ-diaminobutyric acid (DAB) in the early studies [77] could be refuted [84]. [123].…”

“…Researchers have used different samples, different sample treatments and different analytical methods [84]. However, the differences in results seem to be related to the analytical method used.…”