Fast and Simple Free Fatty Acids Analysis Using UPC2/MS

Fatty acids, both free and as part of complex lipids, play a number of key roles in metabolism – as major metabolic fuel (storage and transport of energy), as essential components of all membranes, and as gene regulators. In LC/MS methods, although no sample derivatization is required, the runs typically involve labor-intensive and time-consuming sample preparation, and utilize toxic organic solvents, which are expensive to purchase and dispose. As described in this application note, the analysis of fatty acids in the free form instead of FAME derivatives results in easier and faster sample preparation. The organic phase extract containing all the FFA can be injected directly into the system, which results in significant savings in sample preparation and analysis time, solvent costs, and solvent waste disposal.