FAME – Fatty Acid Methyl Ester analysis
Understanding FAME Analysis and Its Importance
Fatty Acid Methyl Ester (FAME) analysis is a powerful technique for identifying and quantifying fatty acids in various samples. This includes oils, food products, environmental materials, and biological tissues. By converting fatty acids into their methyl esters, this method allows precise analysis using gas chromatography (GC). FAME analysis plays a crucial role in understanding lipid metabolism, assessing nutritional value, monitoring environmental conditions, and studying microbial populations. It also helps enhance food quality by improving taste, texture, and shelf life.
The Role of Gas Chromatography in FAME Analysis
Gas chromatography (GC) is the preferred technique for FAME analysis due to its high resolution, sensitivity, and ability to separate individual fatty acids. The process begins with fatty acid extraction, followed by esterification to form methyl esters. These derivatives are then injected into the GC, where they are separated based on their chemical properties. This results in a detailed fatty acid profile, providing valuable insights into the composition of the sample.
GOED Recommended FAME Analysis Equipment
The Global Organisation for EPA and DHA Omega-3 Fatty Acids (GOED) has recognized SCION Instruments as the recommended choice for FAME analysis. In its June 2020 guidance documents, GOED specifically highlighted the SCION Instruments 436-GC with PTV as the optimal equipment for precise fatty acid analysis. The 8300 GC, the next-generation version of the 436 model, delivers the same high-performance results. – Read full document
Achieving optimal analytical recovery of FAME components depends on selecting the right inlet system. The SCION PTV inlet is designed to minimize selective evaporation and thermal cracking, ensuring accurate analysis. This advanced design prevents the loss of polyunsaturated fatty acids like DHA and EPA. Achieving near 100% recovery. Because of its reliability and precision, the SCION PTV is the industry’s preferred choice for FAME analysis.
Description
Nutrition Quantification
FAMEs analysis is the primary technique for quantifying and characterizing fats and oils in food products, ensuring accurate nutritional labelling. With the increasing demand for the analysis of oils, fats, and fat-containing food products, particularly within the edible oils market, the need for precise measurements has grown. The most common analyses involve determining fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs), including cis- and trans-isomers and omega fatty acids. ISO-12966 (4) specifies the method for determining FAMEs using capillary gas chromatography. The method covers FAMEs from C8 to C24 and can be applied to crude, refined and hydrogenated fats/oils which are derived from both animal and vegetable sources, not including dairy or milk products. SCION Instruments have developed a method, using ISO12966 (4) specifications, for the determination of 37 FAMEs using base esterification for sample preparation. The documents below highlight applications in this field, including the determination of fatty acid methyl esters in edible argan oil and olive oil using GC-SQMS.
Biodiesel performance
Biodiesel is derived from oils such as vegetable oils, used cooking oils, and animal fats through a process known as transesterification. To be suitable for use as a motor fuel or for blending with petroleum diesel, biodiesel must adhere to specific standard specifications. These standards ensure that the biodiesel is of high quality, performs well, and is compatible with existing diesel engines. The verification of biodiesel’s compliance with these standards can be achieved through FAMEs analysis. FAMEs analysis involves the quantification and characterization of the fatty acid methyl esters present in the biodiesel, providing detailed insights into its composition and properties.
SCION Instruments offers state-of-the-art analytical instruments designed to facilitate this process. Highlighted in the applications below are specific examples of how FAMEs analysis is employed for biodiesel testing.