Column chromatography of amino acids with fluorescence detection

A highly sensitive fluorescence reaction for amino acids using o-phthalaldehyde and 2-mercaptoethanol permits the detection of amino acids separated on small ion-exchange columns. The advantages are: (1) good precision at the level of 0.5 nmole; (2) high speed dut to the smaller height of the column; and (3) linear relationship between meter response and amino acid concentration. The same reaction is also applicable to amino sugars.