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 triacylglycerols (TAG) with a 1,3-specific lipase, Lipozyme IM 20 (produced from strains of Muccor miehei) is described. After dissolution of triacylglycerols in butan-1-ol or butan-2-ol 250 mg of Lipozyme IM 20 were added and the whole mixture was agitated. This operation was repeated 5-10 times and the esterified fatty acids in the form of butyl esters (FABE) were dissolved in pentane and washed with water. The pentane layer was dried over sodium sulfate and the solvent was removed under vacuum to a constant weight. The residue was analysed using GC-MS. The same triacylglycerols were converted to fatty acid methyl esters (FAME). The FAME were analysed by gas chromatography (GC).