Analytical and Preparative Methods for MAAs

Abstract

This chapter describes the basics of analytical and preparative methods for mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs). For samples whose molecular structures are known, high-performance liquid chromatography is widely used as a simple quantitative or qualitative analytical method for MAAs. However, if the molecular structures are unknown, they are often identified by combining several analytical methods, such as liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance analysis. In MAA preparation, the first key factor is how efficiently MAAs can be obtained in the extraction process from biological samples. The second key factor is how efficiently high-purity MAAs can be obtained from the separation process. This chapter also discusses the production of MAAs from an industrial perspective.<br>