Lipidomics Sample Preparation

Lipidomics involves the large-scale study of the lipidome—the complete set of lipids in a biological system or organism. Lipids are hydrophobic molecules that provide structural support to cellular membranes, regulate metabolic processes, and act as messengers in cellular signaling pathways. Their composition and function are dynamic, influenced by diet, environmental factors, and diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disorders [1].

Gas chromatography (GC) or liquid chromatography (LC) combined with mass spectroscopy (MS) are fundamental analytical techniques in lipidomics. These analytical methods enable researchers to identify and quantify lipids with high sensitivity and precision [1]. However, proper sample preparation, which includes lipid extraction, concentration, and derivatization, is essential before analysis.

Fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) are derivatives of fatty acids formed through transesterification with methanol. FAMEs are widely used in quality control within the food industry, biodiesel production, pharmaceutical research, environmental monitoring, and seen in products such as cosmetics and detergents. In lipidomics research, FAME analysis is essential for profiling fatty acid composition within biological samples.

Applications of FAME Analysis

- Food Quality Control: The fatty acid composition of edible fats and oils are integral to the nutritional value, flavor, and shelf life of food products. The analysis of saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acids ensure that food composition is safe and satisfies consumers needs.

- Biodiesel Production: FAMEs are key components in renewable fuel production due to their low emissions and biodegradability. FAME analysis ensures fuel efficiency and optimizes performance.

- Environmental Monitoring: Within this field, FAME analysis is important for identifying pollutant degradation pathways and studying microbial systems. Monitoring these changes overtime allows scientists to assess the impact of pollution, climate change and land use on ecosystem health.

- Biomedical Research: FAME analysis helps characterize lipid metabolism changes associated with diseases such as metabolic disorders and cardiovascular conditions. Improved understanding of the relationship between fatty acids, lipids, and disease may enable the development of novel therapeutic approaches.

- Pharmaceutical Development: This area of research is focused on lipid-based drug delivery systems and their stability and bioavailability. Evaluation and monitoring of the quality and composition of dietary supplements containing lipids are also performed to ensure compliance with product regulations.

Organomation offers a variety of specialized equipment designed to streamline sample preparation for lipidomics research:

Nitrogen Blowdown Evaporators

Organomation’s nitrogen evaporators, such as the N-EVAP, MICROVAP, and MULTIVAP systems, are ideal for concentrating lipid extracts by gently evaporating solvents under a stream of nitrogen gas. This method minimizes oxidation and thermal degradation while ensuring consistent sample preparation across multiple sample tubes.

Key Benefits:

- Efficiency: Reduces sample preparation time by up to 75%, allowing researchers to process high-throughput studies.

- Versatility: Accommodates various tube sizes and solvent types.

- Precision: Maintains consistent temperature control to preserve sensitive lipids during evaporation. 

Lipid Extractor

Organomation also offers custom equipment tailored to specific lipid extraction protocols. For example, the lipid extractor designed for AOCS methods Ce 2c-11 and Ce 12-16 provides optimized workflows for extracting lipids from complex matrices. These methods are tailored to specific applications. Method Ce 2c-11 prepares FAMEs directly from food matrices and method Ce 12-16 measures phytosterols in foods and dietary supplements with saponification and acid hydrolysis procedures.

Neuroscience

Studies examining the impact of DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) on brain function rely on nitrogen blowdown evaporators to prepare tissue samples for GC-MS analysis. This research has identified significant links between dietary lipid intake and cognitive performance, highlighting potential implications for the prevention of both cardiovascular diseases and neurological disorders. Organomation’s N-EVAP has played a key role in these sample preparations. With more than 30 years of dependable performance, the N-EVAP continues to deliver outstanding durability, reliability, and efficiency for long-term laboratory needs.

Environmental Monitoring

Researchers monitoring persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in environmental and biological samples rely on precise lipid extraction and concentration techniques. Due to their high lipid solubility, POPs accumulate in fatty tissues and pose serious health and environmental risks, including cancer, reproductive disorders, and harm to wildlife. Detecting these compounds at trace levels is essential for protecting ecosystems and public health. Nitrogen evaporation plays a vital role in this process, particularly as a key step in EPA Method 1613. By enabling accurate and efficient sample concentration, nitrogen evaporators support critical efforts in environmental monitoring and contamination control.

Plant Lipid Research

Researchers at the University of North Texas employ MULTIVAP nitrogen evaporators for isolating lipid droplets from plant tissues. The system is instrumental in concentrating samples for TLC and GC analysis, enabling comprehensive profiling and identification of lipid compositions. MULTIVAP nitrogen evaporators have been utilized in this laboratory for over 25 years, showcasing the reliability and durability of these systems in plant lipid research.

At Clemson University's Plant and Environmental Science Department, researchers are investigating tolerance mechanisms of crop plants to stressors like heat and drought. The lab relies on Organomation’s N-EVAP system to concentrate plant lipid extracts, benefiting from its versatility to accommodate various sample tube sizes while maintaining efficient evaporation performance. According to researchers, the system has "saved countless hours of lab time while ensuring consistent results across experiments".

Lipidomics research demands precise sample preparation techniques to unlock insights into complex lipid profiles. With Organomation’s nitrogen evaporators and custom solutions, researchers are provided with reliable tools for extracting, concentrating, and analyzing lipids such as FAMEs. By supporting advancements in lipidomics, Organomation contributes to breakthroughs in biomedical science, environmental health monitoring, and renewable energy production and sustainability.

Citations:

1. Johannes V. Swinnen, Jonas Dehairs; A beginner’s guide to lipidomics. Biochem (Lond) 8 February 2022; 44 (1): 20–24. doi: https://doi.org/10.1042/bio_2021_181.