Quick regiospecific analysis of fatty acids in triacylglycerols with GC using 1,3-specific lipase in butanol

A new micro-procedure for the quick regiospecific analysis of triacylglycer ols (TAG) with a 1,3-specific lipase, Lipozyme IM 20 (produced from strains of Muccor miehei) is described. After dissolution of triacylglycerols in b utan-1-ol or butan-2-ol 250 mg of Lipozyme IM 20 were added and the whole m ixture was agitated. This operation was repeated 5-10 times and the esterif ied fatty acids in the form of butyl esters (FABE) were dissolved in pentan e and washed with water. The pentane layer was dried over sodium sulfate an d the solvent was removed under vacuum to a constant weight. The residue wa s analysed using GC-MS. The same triacylglycerols were converted to fatty a cid methyl esters (FAME). The FAME were analysed by gas chromatography (GC) .