Method validation of 16 types of structural amino acids using an automated amino acid analyzer

An analytical method for the simultaneous determination of 16 types of structural amino acids in infant formula using an automated amino acid analyzer was validated through tests of precision, accuracy and linearity. The automated analysis of the amino acids was performed on an ion-exchange packed column with a visible detector. The certificated reference material (CRM) 1546 from NIST was used as the test sample to determine the precision and accuracy of the analytical method. The regression analyses revealed good correlations [correlation coefficient ( r 2 )] that were greater than 0.99. The recovery values of the amino acids were ranged from 87.18 to 118.08%. The limits of detection and limits of quantification were less than 0.059 mg/100 g and less than 0.198 mg/100 g, respectively. The intra- and inter-day precisions were less than 14.62% in the CRM sample.