QUANTITATIVE-ANALYSIS OF MARINE OILS BY CAPILLARY SUPERCRITICAL-FLUIDCHROMATOGRAPHY

Supercritical fluid chromatographic analysis methods have been employe d in the examination of several marine oils for the group separation o f free fatty acids, retinol, ergocalciferol, cholecalciferol, squalene , tocopherols, cholesterol, wax esters, diacylglycerols, cholesteryl e sters, and triacylglycerols. The oils were derived from characteristic species including shark, seal, edible and trash fish. The supercritic al fluid chromatography (SFC) method used for the separation of the li quids utilize carbon dioxide as the mobile phase, a non-polar capillar y column, and flame ionization detection. The SFC methods have proved capable of making a considerable contribution to the continuing invest igations into the structure and composition of marine oils. Furthermor e SFC analyses, with their very simple sample preparation requirements , may serve as alternatives or supplements to the existing range of ch romatographic and non-chromatographic analysis methods used in the exa mination of these oils.