One-step method for quantitative and qualitative analysis of fatty acids in marine animal samples

In the one-step method, fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) have been prepared without prior lipid extraction. Each oyster, clam, and squid sample was esterified with 14% boron-trifluoride (BF3) in methanol at 100 °C for 120 min, and hexane was used to help dissolve the lipids. This method gave a higher recovery of fatty acids as compared to the conventional method. Using an internal standard, the fatty acid content of the sample can be determined quantitatively and qualitatively. Due to its simplicity, speed, and reduced organic solvent usage, the one-step method should be useful for the determination of fatty acid composition in marine biological samples.