An instrumental solution to compound-specific 15N analysis

对化合物特异性15N分析（CSNA）的需求日益被认识到，特别是在生态科学中，那些希望在氨基酸水平上研究组织饮食间隔的人。然而，到目前为止，在实际执行中遇到的困难导致吸收不足。通过开发一种用于LC-IRMS分析15N的新系统，我们的目标是克服GC分析所需的样品制备困难，为该问题提供实用且主要是仪器的解决方案。SUERC的团队在IRMS界面设计和稳定同位素应用方面拥有独特的经验，他们建议与英国工业界和海洋环境科学家建立合作伙伴关系。与英国首屈一指的IRMS设计团队Nu Instruments合作，我们将为CSNA实施两种系统，第一种是用于分析伯胺的低风险解决方案（TRL 4），第二种是用于分析总氮的高风险解决方案（TRL 1）。在这两种情况下，13C分析的能力将被保留。这些系统将通过与班戈大学合作，对来自受控海水养殖系统的组织和饲料样本的氨基酸进行CSNA分析来证明。传播将通过NERC社区和其他地方进行。商业开发将由我们的工业合作伙伴承担。

The need for compound specific 15N analysis (CSNA) is increasingly recognised, especially in ecological science by those wishing to study tissue diet spacing at the amino acid level. However, difficulties in its practical implementation have so far resulted in poor uptake. By developing a novel system for LC-IRMS analysis of 15N, we aim to overcome difficulties in sample preparation required for GC analysis, producing a practical and largely instrumental solution to this problem. The team at SUERC, with unique experience in IRMS interface design and stable isotope applications, proposes a partnership with UK industry and Marine Environmental Scientists. Working in partnership with Nu Instruments, the premier IRMS design team in the UK, we will implement two systems for CSNA, firstly a low risk solution (TRL 4) for analysis of primary amines and secondly, a higher risk solution (TRL 1) for total nitrogen analysis. In both cases the capability for 13C analysis will be retained. These systems will be demonstrated by CSNA analysis of amino acids derived from tissue and diet samples from controlled mariculture systems, in collaboration with Bangor University. Dissemination will take place through the NERC community and beyond. Commercial exploitation will be undertaken by our industrial partner.