Separation of Lipid Classes by Solid Phase Extraction for Subsequent Analysis

Selective recovery of the desired compounds in a mixture can be obtained by combining an appropriate solid adsorbent and an eluting solvent to isolate the components of interest. This process is designated as solid-phase extraction (SPE). Three protocols using SPE for the separation of lipid classes are described. A simple procedure (protocol 1) allows the separation of main lipid classes, namely, nonpolar and polar lipids, free fatty acids, glycolipids, and phospholipids. Protocol 2 allows the separation of neutral lipid classes (cholesterol, cholesterol esters, monoglycerides, diglycerides, triglycerides, and free fatty acids) and polar lipids. The last one is dedicated to the isolation and purification of phospholipids in edible oil for further analysis (protocol 3).