AminoAcids.com - Lipids Analysis

Total Lipid Fatty Acid Analysis

Total Lipid Fatty Acid Analysis analyzes all (total) sources of lipid based fatty acids in a sample and is often the starting point in describing fatty acid content of a sample. For most cell culture media based applications, total lipid analysis is the preferred analysis choice. Most common mammalian fatty acids are screened from 14 carbons to 24 carbons with varying degrees of fatty acid un-saturation.

Lipid Class Analysis

	Further characterization of cellular, plasma or media may employ the analysis of individual lipid classes. Lipid classes are separated from a total lipid extract by thin layer chromatography. The resulting lipid classes may then be isolated and determined by their fatty acid composition based on recovery of odd chain internal standards.

Total Phospholipids Analysis

	Typically used for analyzing the essential fatty acid (Omega 3 and Omega 6) content of a membrane (cells) or serum (as lipoprotein), total phospholipids analysis reports quantities of phospholipids and their subsequent fatty acid composition.

Individual Phospholipid Analysis

	We have the capacity to analyze individual phospholipid classes including, but not limited to, PC, PE, PI, PS and cardiolipin. Note: Assays are not applicable to all sample matrixes and subject to approval.

Free Fatty Acid Analysis

	Free or non-esterified fatty acid analysis determines relative amounts of unbound or un-esterified levels of fatty acids. Free fatty acids that are quantified are common mammalian fatty acids from 14 to 24 carbons.

Free Cholesterol Analysis

	Free cholesterol is a fundamental building block for membranes and hormone synthesis. It is typically measured in cell culture media as a growth factor.

Triglyceride Analysis

	Triglycerides are the predominant storage form lipid with 3 fatty acids acylated to a glycerol backbone. Determination of triglyceride is typically done for plasma or serum samples.

Cholesterol Esters Analysis

	Cholesterol esters are cholesterol with a fatty acid esterified to its structure. Cholesterol ester fatty acid content is often of interest for plasma or serum based samples.

Method summary for analysis of lipids

Fatty acids and lipids are analyzed by classical methods in lipid chemistry. Cells, tissue, plasma or media are generally extracted with a nonpolar solvent like chloroform with methods like Bligh and Dyer and/or Folch and Lees. Once lipid extracts are generated, they may then be analyzed for total lipid fatty acid content or may be fractionated into several lipid classes by thin layer chromatography including total phospholipids, free or non-esterified fatty acids, triglycerides and cholesterol esters.

Equipment for analysis of lipids

	Fatty acids are quantified with Shimadzu gas chromatographs (GC14, GC2010) with automated sample injection and peak identification software (EzChrom).

Excellent Productivity (Highs-speed GC)


		Demands for improved productivity and more efficiency have increased in recent years. The GC-2010 has been specially designed to address these demands by incorporating the following:
			Third-generation Advanced Flow Control (AFC) – Supports high-speed analysis at a maximum pressure of 970 kPa and 1200 mL/minute maximum flow rate.
			High-power Oven – Enables cooling from 450° C to 50° C in less than six minutes.
			Rapid Detector Data Sampling Rate – Ensures sharp, accurate peaks.
			Together, the GC-2010 can double or even triple the productivity of conventional instruments, making it a leader in high-speed GC.

Superior Reproducibility

The GC-2010 is the ideal solution for all applications where reproducibility requirements are critical. Expect superb reproducibility – even for large vapor-volume solvents such as acetone or water. Our AFC features rapid response and temperature correction functions to precisely control pressure and flow. New compensation technology for ambient temperatures provides prolonged stability and the most repeatable retention times.

Constant Linear Velocity

	Maintains optimum flow during temperature programming for the best chromatographic separation. Up to seven pressure ramps with either increasing or decreasing pressure gradients can be used to simplify complex separations.

Compact, Highly Sensitive Detectors

Ideal for a wide range of applications, all detectors (FID, TCD, ECD, FPD, FTD) are conveniently located under the top cover, and each detector incorporates an APC (Advanced Pressure Controller) that permits digital setting of the detector gas flow rate. A Flame Photometric Detector (FPD) provides 4 to 5 times more sensitivity than before, while the ECD delivers ultra-high sensitivity detection at 8fg/s.

Lipid Sample Preservation

	Samples are generally submitted frozen to maintain the integrity of the sample and prevent degradation of lipid classes and essential fatty acids. To insure a linear response for detection, approximate fatty acid or lipid concentrations are requested for samples with known composition.