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.