High-performance liquid chromatographic column switching method for the determination of hydroxyproline in meat and meat products.

A method is described for the determination of 4-hydroxyproline in meat and meat products. The amino acid is converted to a sensitive fluorescent derivative with 7-chloro-4-nitrobenzo-2-oxa-1,3-diazole. Chromatography of other (unwanted) amino acid derivatives is avoided by column switching, thereby shortening analysis time. The method is suitable for routine analysis and is applicable to the entire range of 4-hydroxyproline levels normally encountered in meat and meat products (0.05-12.5%).