| BMAA (â-N-methylamino-L-alanine) is a non proteinogenic neurotoxic amino acid that has been associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Its analytical detection is widely debated thus the global production of BMAA by cyanobacteria is questioned. We first aimed at developing an analytical method allowing for highly selective identification of BMAA and isomers, using HILIC chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. Then, we have cultivated and analyzed more than 50 microalgae (e.g. cyanobacteria, diatoms). Unlike DAB, one of its natural isomer, BMAA was only reported in five diatom species and cannot be accounted as a cyanotoxin anymore. In parallel, we have evaluated the presence of BMAA on the three French coasts. The presence of BMAA in different... |
