Fluorescence changes in amine model systems related to fish deterioration

Earlier studies have investigated fluorescence at different excitation/emission maxima during common fish processing. A shift towards higher wavelength maxima was observed and measured as the ratio between absorption at two of the maxima tested. This fluorescence ratio (delta F) value correlated with increased fish damage. In the present work, different kinds of amines were tested to compare the fluorescence produced with that measured during fish processing. Amines with different substitution degree, and primary amines with different steric hindrance and chain length were reacted with cod liver oil and glutaraldehyde at 30 degrees C in model systems. All the amine classes produced changes in the fluorescent properties of the systems, higher delta F values being associated with lower degree of substitution and steric hindrance of the -NH2, group, and also as a result of a longer chain length and higher concentration of the amine compound.