Analysis and characterization of sophorolipids by liquid chromatography with atmospheric pressure chemical ionization

A reversed phase high performance liquid chromatographic method combined wi th atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass detection (LC/APCI-MS) has been developed for the separation and analysis of sophorolipids produced b y C. bombicola when grown on fatty acid mixtures. Using this method it was found that the incorporation of palmitic, linoleic, and linolenic acids int o the sophorolipid structure was dependent on the initial fatty acid conten t of these acids, whereas the incorporation of oleic acid was independent o f its initial content in the mixture. Also observed was the incorporation o f esterified glycerol into the sophorolipid structure, which has not been r eported previously.