STUDY OF AMINO ACIDS IN MACLURA POMIFERA FRUIT EXTRACT USING CHROMATOGRAPHY METHODS

Abstract

In this study, a comprehensive metabolomic profile of free amino acids in Maclura pomifera fruits was investigated using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC-DAD) and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Both targeted and untargeted analytical approaches were applied to determine the metabolite composition. A total of 52 chromatographic peaks were detected, among which 20 proteinogenic amino acids were identified. The total content amounted to 20.057 ± 0.42 mg/g of dry mass. Histidine (6.504 ± 0.11 mg/g) and proline (4.931 ± 0.09 mg/g) were the major components, likely involved in osmotic regulation and stress adaptation processes. LC-MS/MS analysis not only confirmed the amino acids but also revealed additional metabolites such as phenolic conjugates and nitrogen-containing compounds. Chemometric analysis (PCA and PLS-DA) demonstrated clear clustering and separation among metabolite groups. Method validation confirmed high linearity (R² > 0.998), precision (RSD < 5%), and recovery (94–103%). The results indicate the metabolic complexity of M. pomifera leaves and provide a basis for further structural analysis of bioactive compounds.

Keywords

Maclura pomifera, amino acids, HPLC-DAD, LC-MS/MS, metabolomics, PCA, PLS-DA.