title: Simplified and rapid method for extraction of ergosterol from natural samples and detection with quantitative and semi-quantitative methods using thin-layer chromatography.
abstract: A new and simplified method for extraction of ergosterol (ergosta-5,7,22-trien-3beta-ol) from fungi in soil and litter was developed using pre-soaking extraction and paraffin oil for recovery. Recoveries of ergosterol were in the range of 94-100% depending on the solvent to oil ratio. Extraction efficiencies equal to heat-assisted extraction treatments were obtained with pre-soaking extraction. Ergosterol was detected with thin-layer chromatography (TLC) using fluorodensitometry with a quantification limit of 8 ng. Using visual evaluation of images of TLC plates photographed in UV-light the quantification limit was 16 ng.
authors.affiliation: Department of Terrestrial Ecology, National Environmental Research Institute, Vejlsøvej 25, DK-8600 Silkeborg, Denmark. thl@dmu.dk
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Larsen
authors.forename: Jørgen
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Axelsen
authors.forename: Helle
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Weber Ravn
mesh_terms: D002855:Chromatography, Thin Layer; D004875:Ergosterol / Q000032:analysis / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D000431:Ethanol; D009821:Oils; D010232:Paraffin; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013997:Time Factors; D014867:Water
chemical_list: D009821:Oils; D014867:Water; D000431:Ethanol; D010232:Paraffin; C015418:paraffin oils; D004875:Ergosterol