Hello. I am wondering if there is some simpler techniques for omega-3 determination in plants than HPLC, after a quick search I could not find anything else. Thank you
Voltammetry Options:
- Differential pulse voltammetry at carbon paste electrodes to detect signals from oxidation of unsaturated bonds in omega-3 fatty acids extracted into an organic solvent
- Use boron-doped diamond electrodes to achieve direct oxidation of omega-3s from homogenized plant samples. Compare peak currents.
- Modified electrodes using silver nanoparticles or other catalysts to achieve lower overpotentials for oxidizing omega-3s
Potentiometry Approaches:
- Ion selective electrodes made with fatty acid responsive ionophores can quantify total free fatty acids extracted into a solution
- Enzyme modified membranes containing lipoxygenases to break down omega-3s into peroxides and alter membrane potential used as the analytical signal
- Lipid sensitive electrodes based on layered metal hydroxides or Cu-complexes
Gas Chromatography
Gas Chromatography equipped with Flame Ionization Detector (GC-FID) - Requires a lipid extraction step first, but provides separation and quantification of fatty acid methyl esters including omega-3s like ALA, EPA, and DHA. Much faster and economical alternative to HPLC.
Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy
(FTIR) - Can detect characteristic functional groups and bonds in omega-3 fatty acids. Simple sample preparation and the fingerprint region scans provide qualitative composition analysis. Can use chemometrics to model and predict concentrations.
Iodine Value (IV) Wijs Method -
Rapid indirect estimation of unsaturation in extracted oils and fats. The iodine absorption correlates well with levels of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Gives total combined omega-3 amounts rather than individual ones.
NMR & GC-MS -
More complex structural characterization to verify and quantify specific omega-3 fatty acids at small concentrations with high specificity. Requires more dedicated equipment and training.
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