Figure 2 : (a)Decrease in the absorbance of TMB at 450 nm and an increase in the absorbance at 652/370 nm indicates the formation of a charge transfer complex due to TMAO. Inset of the figure is the equilibrium shift from the yellow structure to the charge transfer complex in blue.(b) Calibration plot.

Interference study

  1. Trimethylamine interference
TMAO detection depends on the formation of the charge transfer complex (Scheme 2, 1 ). Amines are well-known quenchers and interfere with forming charge transfer complexes (Young, Martin, Feriozi, Brewer, & Kayser, 1973). Thus, trimethylamine may interfere with forming the charge transfer complex necessary for TMAO detection.