Chain separation of monounsaturated fatty acid methyl esters by argentation thin-layer chromatography

A technique for separating methyl esters of monounsaturated fatty acids by argentation chromatography using silver nitrate-impregnated TLC plates is d escribed. Monounsaturated fatty acid methyl esters are separated from polyu nsaturated and saturated fatty acid methyl esters and the monounsaturated f atty methyl esters are resolved according to chain length, cis isomers are well resolved from the corresponding trans isomers. R-F values for individu al monounsaturated fatty acids are very reproducible. The potential of the technique in metabolic studies is demonstrated in the chain elongation of [ C-14]-18:1(n-9) and delta-9 desaturation of [C-14]-18:0 by human skin fibro blasts. Recoveries of individual [C-14]-fatty acids for scintillation count ing exceed 94%. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.