Low-level (subanomole) determination of amino acids in samples of naturally derived polymeric carbohydrates has been demonstrated using vapor-phase acid hydrolysis and subsequent precolumn derivatization with 6-aminoquinolyl-N-hydroxysuccinimidyl carbamate. Application has been demonstrated for neutral polysaccharide polymers such as laminarin (beta-1,3; branched), curdland (beta-1,3; unbranched), pullulan (alpha-1, 6-maltotriose), glycogen (alpha-1,4-glucan), and inulin (polyfructose). Successful determination (acceptable recovery and lack of interferences) was possible in samples which also contained up to roughly 50 micrograms amino sugars (e.g., chitosan or glucans with copurified glucosamine oligomers), although optimum utility is for samples containing up to ca. 10 micrograms total amines. The limit of quantification was roughly 20 ng protein/ mg sample, based on analysis of reagent blanks, although the limit of detection was much lower (ca. 0.1 ng protein/mg sample). Incorporation of a relatively rapid hydrolysis (150 degrees C for 1.5 h) gave similar results to use of 110 degrees C for 24 h and allowed for relatively rapid processing. The method has shown good sensitivity, linearity, ruggedness, and ease. Recovery has been optimized, although yield varied somewhat depending on polymer composition.