Analysis of 3-aminopropionamide: a potential precursor of acrylamide.

An analytical method for the analysis of 3-aminopropionamide (3-APA) based on derivatization with dansyl chloride and liquid chromatography/fluorescence detection was developed. We have analysed 3-APA formation in raw potatoes, grown and stored under different condition, green and roasted coffee beans and in freeze dried mixtures of asparagine with sucrose and glucose in molar ratio of 1:0.5, 1:1, and 1:1.5. In potatoes the 3-APA content varied depending on the potato variety. We detected 3-APA in potatoes up to 14 microg/g fresh weight. In the model experiment glucose had a stronger capacity to form 3-APA. The substance was formed at temperatures as low as 130 degrees C. However, in the model experiment with sucrose 3-APA was formed not below 150 degrees C. In heated mixtures with increasing molar ratio of sucrose at 170 degrees C we noticed a decrease of 3-APA and in the same mixtures at 150 degrees C we observed an increase of 3-APA. In coffee 3-APA was not formed, neither in green nor in roasted beans.