title: High-throughput analysis of algal crude oils using high resolution mass spectrometry.
abstract: Lipid analysis often needs to be specifically optimized for each class of compounds due to its wide variety of chemical and physical properties. It becomes a serious bottleneck in the development of algae-based next generation biofuels when high-throughput analysis becomes essential for the optimization of various process conditions. We propose a high-resolution mass spectrometry-based high-throughput assay as a 'quick-and-dirty' protocol to monitor various lipid classes in algal crude oils. Atmospheric pressure chemical ionization was determined to be most effective for this purpose to cover a wide range of lipid classes. With an autosampler-LC pump set-up, we could analyze algal crude samples every one and half minutes, monitoring several lipid species such as TAG, DAG, squalene, sterols, and chlorophyll a. High-mass resolution and high-mass accuracy of the orbitrap mass analyzer provides confidence in the identification of these lipid compounds. MS/MS and MS3 analysis could be performed in parallel for further structural information, as demonstrated for TAG and DAG. This high-throughput method was successfully demonstrated for semi-quantitative analysis of algal oils after treatment with various nanoparticles.
authors: U.S.-DOE Ames Laboratory, Ames, IA, 50011, USA. yjlee@iastate.edu
authors: Young Jin
authors: YJ
authors: Lee
authors: Rachael C
authors: RC
authors: Leverence
authors: Erica A
authors: EA
authors: Smith
authors: Justin S
authors: JS
authors: Valenstein
authors: Kapil
authors: K
authors: Kandel
authors: Brian G
authors: BG
authors: Trewyn
mesh_terms: D056804:Biofuels / Q000032:analysis*; D057166:High-Throughput Screening Assays / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods*; D008055:Lipids / Q000032:analysis*; D013058:Mass Spectrometry / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods*; D058086:Microalgae / Q000737:chemistry*; D010578:Petroleum / Q000032:analysis*; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D056804:Biofuels; D008055:Lipids; D010578:Petroleum