Abstract

Accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) can be adapted for selective and sequential separation of saturated hydrocarbon, unsaturated/aromatic hydrocarbon and polar lipid fractions from complex organic extracts in environmental matrices. ASE extraction cells were packed with a layer of Ag+ impregnated and activated silica gel, followed by an aliquot of the total lipid extract, and topped with another layer of activated silica gel. A fraction containing saturated hydrocarbons (FSAT) was eluted with hexane. Then, cells were inverted for reversed solvent flow and compounds of increasing polarity were eluted with solvent of increasing eluotropic strength to yield an unsaturated/aromatic hydrocarbon fraction (FARO) separated from a polar lipid fraction (FPOL). Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis demonstrated high recovery of standards in FSAT (90±3%), FARO (82±4%) and FPOL (87±3%). Average compound recovery and efficiency of separation between lipid fractions were significantly improved (p<0.05) relative to separation with gravity column chromatography using similar stationary phases. Overall, this selective extraction method affords reliable, semi-automated separation of compound classes in total lipid extracts according to saturation and polarity and is well suited for molecular characterization and compound-specific isotopic analysis.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.