High-Precision TLC-Densitometry of Membrane Lipids

Abstract

A series of colorimetric determinations specific for each lipid are generally employed in a test tube for quantification of lipids isolated by conventional column chromatography or TLC. All classes of lipids could be analysed by such complicated methods, but appreciable amounts of samples would be required. If every kind of lipid is analysed based on a single principle, comparative studies on different classes of lipids may be performed in a more precise manner than employing many color reactions. In that sense, a flame ionization detector can be a versatile detector which gives the same responses per carbon atom for all organic molecules. Gas chromatography has been tried to delineate total lipid patterns by Kukusis et al.(1968). It may not always be applied to complex lipids because of difficulties in vaporization. HPLC employing a flame ionization detector was successfully applied to determination of neutral lipids and phospholipids by Stolyhwo and Privett(1973). The method, however, is not so popular yet probably due to some problems in the instrumentation.