Algae Sterols Analysis

Microalgae are an important natural source of interesting high-value compounds for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications. Sterols are the most important chemical constituents of microalgae, and their production and development have attracted extensive attention. Commercially important plant sterols are beta-sitosterol, campesterol, brassosterol, stigmasterol and ergosterol. Sterols are compounds with known biological benefits, such as cholesterol lowering, anti-inflammatory activity and even anticancer properties. Sustainable phytosterol production aims to cost-effectively produce phytosterols with minimal use of natural resources. Microalgae are the best substitute for sustainable phytosterols in higher plants. Improved molecular-level understanding of phytosterol biosynthesis in microalgae, coupled with the development of new tools for molecular-level manipulation, such as transgenic organisms, overexpression of specific genes, knockout of individual genes, and blocking of competing pathways, should allow a more nuanced approach to cultivating microalgae for the production of phytosterols. At CD BioSciences, we not only provide sterol production by culturing microalgae, but also provide services for the analysis of sterols in microalgae.

Fig. 1 1-Sterols biosynthesis: mevalonate (MEV) pathway and 2-C-methyl-D-erythritol-4-phosphate (MEP). (Acquah C, et al., 2020)

Our Services

Phytosterols in algae have various configurations, including free sterols, esters of sterols with higher fatty acids, sterol glycosides, and acyl sterol glycosides. These compounds are important for the function and properties of cell membranes.

Cholesterol Analysis
Ergosterol Analysis
Stigmasterol Analysis
β-sitosterol Analysis
Campesterol Analysis
Brassosterol Analysis
Stigmasterol Analysis
Free Sterols Analysis
Sterol Glycosides Analysis
Acyl Sterol Glycosides Analysis
Total Sterols Analysis
Hydroxycholesterols Analysis

Sample Request

200-350 mg dry weight/sample
A minimum of 6 replicate plates or wells are required for each condition.
Samples are stored at -80°C immediately after collection and shipped on dry ice.
Tubes should be clearly marked with the sample identifier and have a hard copy of the sample manifest attached to ship with the shipment. Please include all available sample information when shipping samples.

Analysis Methods

For each component identified by wet chemical analysis, each sample was analyzed in replicates, and we provide component data for each replicate along with the mean and standard deviation between replicates. Our analysis results often provide highly accurate results.

We will determine total sterols in microalgae using an acid hydrolysis extraction method
We will analyze the samples using a gas chromatograph with a mass spectrometer

Report Format

For replicate analyses of the same sample, the mean, standard deviation, and relative standard deviation (RSD) are reported.
The average percent sterols in the triplicate samples are reported on a dry weight (ODW) basis.
Precision and bias need to be determined by circular experiments using standard methods to validate biomass. The target RSD should be less than 10%.
Incorrect sample preparation and/or storage may result in lower results due to degradation of oxygen- or heat-sensitive sterols or sterol conjugates.

CD BioSciences is a professional service provider for the marine biology industry. Our algae sterols analysis services can help you determine the value of your sample and its best use. We provide our customers with the most precise ingredient data and highly informed process expertise. Our team of biomass experts plays a key role in the formulation, optimization and commercial evaluation of biomass value-added processes in industry and academia. If necessary, please feel free to contact us.

Reference

Acquah C, Tibbetts S M, Pan S, et al. Handbook of Microalgae‐Based Processes and Products[J]. 2020.

Please kindly note that our services can only be used to support research purposes (Not for clinical use).