Methods in Molecular Biology (2020) 1980: 215–222
DOI 10.1007/7651_2017_108
© Springer Science+Business Media New York 2017
Published online: 21 November 2017
Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS)-Based
Analysis of Molecular Lipids in Algae Samples
Heli Nygren, Tuulikki Sepp € anen-Laakso, and Heiko Rischer
Abstract
In this paper, an analytical method for the analysis of molecular lipids in algae samples is reported. The sample
preparation is based on a modified Folch extraction, and the analysis is carried out with ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography combined with mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS). For further characterization
of lipids, MS/MS analyses are carried out utilizing either a separate instrument (e.g., LTQ-Orbitrap mass
spectrometer) or simultaneous fragmentation with the same instrument. Throughput of the method is over
100 samples/d. The repeatability is good, and the relative standard deviation of spiked samples is <15%.
Keywords Lipid, Liquid chromatography, Mass spectrometry
1 Introduction
Lipids are a broad group of naturally occurring molecules, which
includes fats, waxes, sterols, monoacylglycerols, diacylglycerols, triacylglycerols, phospholipids, sphingolipids, and glycolipids [1]. Lipids play
important roles in biological systems as building blocks of cellular
membranes including subcellular membrane compartments, in cell
signaling and for energy production and storage.
Recently, algae lipids have gained interest as potential sources of
biofuel as well as high value products such as food supplements
[1, 2]. Understanding the processing needs and properties of algaederived bio-based products requires information of the acyl chains
associated with different lipid classes. The algae lipid composition is
highly diverse and depends on the species, its adaptation to the
environment, and current growth conditions [1, 3]. Light, nutrient
availability, and salinity stress have been reported to affect algal lipid
metabolism and lipid composition, thus providing means to modify
the biomass composition for specific purposes [3]. Additionally, algal
lipid composition has several special features, and certain algae species
contain many unusual lipids and fatty acids [3]. Many microalgae
species are enriched in certain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs)
esterified to triacylglycolipids such as monogalactosyl diacylglycerols
(MGDGs) and digalactosyl diacylglycerols (DGDGs) [4].
215
DOI 10.1007/7651_2017_108
© Springer Science+Business Media New York 2017
Published online: 21 November 2017
Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS)-Based
Analysis of Molecular Lipids in Algae Samples
Heli Nygren, Tuulikki Sepp € anen-Laakso, and Heiko Rischer
Abstract
In this paper, an analytical method for the analysis of molecular lipids in algae samples is reported. The sample
preparation is based on a modified Folch extraction, and the analysis is carried out with ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography combined with mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS). For further characterization
of lipids, MS/MS analyses are carried out utilizing either a separate instrument (e.g., LTQ-Orbitrap mass
spectrometer) or simultaneous fragmentation with the same instrument. Throughput of the method is over
100 samples/d. The repeatability is good, and the relative standard deviation of spiked samples is <15%.
Keywords Lipid, Liquid chromatography, Mass spectrometry
1 Introduction
Lipids are a broad group of naturally occurring molecules, which
includes fats, waxes, sterols, monoacylglycerols, diacylglycerols, triacylglycerols, phospholipids, sphingolipids, and glycolipids [1]. Lipids play
important roles in biological systems as building blocks of cellular
membranes including subcellular membrane compartments, in cell
signaling and for energy production and storage.
Recently, algae lipids have gained interest as potential sources of
biofuel as well as high value products such as food supplements
[1, 2]. Understanding the processing needs and properties of algaederived bio-based products requires information of the acyl chains
associated with different lipid classes. The algae lipid composition is
highly diverse and depends on the species, its adaptation to the
environment, and current growth conditions [1, 3]. Light, nutrient
availability, and salinity stress have been reported to affect algal lipid
metabolism and lipid composition, thus providing means to modify
the biomass composition for specific purposes [3]. Additionally, algal
lipid composition has several special features, and certain algae species
contain many unusual lipids and fatty acids [3]. Many microalgae
species are enriched in certain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs)
esterified to triacylglycolipids such as monogalactosyl diacylglycerols
(MGDGs) and digalactosyl diacylglycerols (DGDGs) [4].
215