Algal Lipids Analysis

Microalgal lipids can be classified into two categories according to their structure: non-polar NLs (acylglycerols, sterols, free fatty acids, waxes and sterol esters) and polar lipids (phosphoglycerides, glycosylglycerides and sphingolipids). These lipids play unique but important roles in microalgal metabolism and growth stages. Some lipids, such as phosphoglycerides, glycosylglycerides, and sterols, are fundamental structural components of biological membranes, while lipids such as inositol lipids, sphingolipids, and oxidation products of polyunsaturated fatty acids may be involved in cell signaling pathways. Algal lipids have great commercial value as an alternative source of nutritionally important n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and are therefore widely used as ingredients in functional food formulations. CD BioSciences offers analysis packages for lipids in microalgae, but lipid extraction is an electricity-intensive process because lipids are stored in microalgal cells, which have thick, rigid cell walls composed of complex carbohydrates and glycoproteins layer, has high mechanical strength and chemical resistance, and lipid extraction is difficult. Therefore, usually our scientists take microwave, ultrasonication, chemical method and enzymatic disruption methods when extracting lipids.

Fig. 1 Schematic diagram of the organic solvent-based microalgal lipid extraction mechanisms. (Chen Z, et al., 2018)

Our Services

Microalgae not only have significant commercial value as feedstocks in functional food formulations, but are also one of the most promising feedstocks for the production of economically viable and environmentally sustainable third-generation biofuels. CD BioSciences offers analysis packages for lipids in microalgae.

• Arachidic Acid Analysis
• Behenic Acid Analysis
• Palmitoleic Acid Analysis
• Erucic Acid Analysis
• Lauric Acid Analysis
• Caprylic Acid Analysis
• Linolenic Acid Analysis
• Palmitic Acid Analysis
• Linoleic Acid Analysis
• Oleic Acid Analysis
• Myristic Acid Analysis
• Decanoic Acid Analysis
• Stearic Acid Analysis
• Lignoceric Acid Analysis
• Sphingolipids Analysis
• Free Fatty Acids Analysis
• Glycosylglycerides Analysis
• Phosphoglycerides Analysis

Microalgal Lipid Extraction and Quantification Methods

Microalgal lipid extraction refers to the process of separating valuable neutral lipids and fatty acids from the cellular matrix and water. Our lipid extraction and quantification methods are listed as follows:

• Gravimetric Method
• Organic Solvent Extraction
• CO2-Based Solvent Extraction
• ILs Extraction
• Switchable Solvents Extraction
• Nile Red Lipid Visualization Method
• SPV Method
• TLC Method

CD BioSciences is a professional service provider for the marine biology industry. Our algae lipid 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

• Chen Z, Wang L, Qiu S, et al. Determination of microalgal lipid content and fatty acid for biofuel production[J]. BioMed research international, 2018.

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