Optimized Analytical Conditions for Eicosapentaenoic and Docosahexaenoic Acids in Antarctic krill Using Gas Chromatography

Abstract

A simple method for the esterification of EPA and DHA in Antarctic krill was developed. When EPA and DHA standard solution (1.0 mg/mL in acetonitrile) reacted with equal volumes of 0.5% sulfuric acid-methanol at 60°C for 30 min, approximately 100% esterification conversion of EPA and DHA was achieved. Based on the esterification of EPA and DHA in Antarctic krill extraction solutions under these optimization conditions, the concentrations of EPA and DHA in fresh Antarctic krill were, respectively, 4.87 and 4.26 mg/g in the head, and 2.79 and 2.62 mg/g in the pleon. In the freeze-dried Antarctic krill, the amount of EPA and DHA were, respectively, 27.80 and 24.68 mg/g in the head, and 19.89 and 18.46 mg/g in the pleon.