Aminomalonic acid (Ama) was first detected in alkaline hydrolysates of proteins in 1984. Ama has been isolated from proteins of Escherichia coli and human atherosclerotic plaque. The presence of Ama has important biological implications because the malonic acid moiety potentially imparts calcium binding properties to protein.

Phosphorylcholine is an antigenic cell-surface component found on many commensal and pathogenic bacteria that reside in the upper airway.

Z-Gly-Gly-Arg-AMC is a thrombin-specific fluorogenic substrate for testing of thrombin generation in PRP and platelet-poor plasma (PPP).