In situ transesterification of fatty acids from Iberian pig subcutaneous adipose tissue

The purpose of this study was to optimize a rapid method for fatty acid ana lysis in Iberian pig subcutaneous adipose tissue. An in situ transesterific ation method was used to avoid the lengthy lipid extraction step. Samples w ere in situ transesterified with 5% HCl/methanol at 70 degrees C, and tolue ne was used to help dissolve lipids. The method had advantages over other i n situ methods since only 45 min were required to completely transesterify the fatty acids, and 10 min to obtain the fatty acid profile. A sample size of 25 mg of adipose tissue was suitable. The in situ transesterification g ave higher fatty acid concentrations than conventional lipid extraction and transesterification, the differences being significant for all the fatty a cids. Relative fatty acid contents were similar to those found by the conve ntional method. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd All rights reserved.