Optimized analysis and quantification of glucosinolates from Camelina sativa seeds by reverse-phase liquid chromatography

Gold-of-pleasure or false flax (Camelina sativa L. Crantz) is being developed as an alternative oil crop for biodiesel and for food use. The seed meal, which contains three relatively unique glucosinolates, is being evaluated for approval for use as an ingredient in animal feeds and for other uses. The objective of this research was to develop reproducible methods for the isolation of large quantities of pure camelina glucosinolates (glucoarabin, glucocamelinin, and 11-(methylsulfinyl)-undecylglucosinolate) and develop efficient methods for quantifying these compounds. The separation and purification of the camelina glucosinolates were achieved using a combination of reverse phase chromatography, counter-current chromatography and ion exchange chromatography. An efficient reverse phase HPLC separation method was used to quantitate the glucosinolate content in camelina seed and plant extracts. The quantitation methodology was used to measure glucosinolate levels in seeds from 30 cultivars grown in a U.S. field trial and measure glucosinolates levels in sprouted camelina seeds.

► Camelina is an emerging new biofuel crop in North America.
► Camelina glucosinolates were purified by a combination of preparative reverse-phase, ion-exchange, and counter-current liquid chromatography.
► An optimized HPLC analytical method was used to measure glucosinolates in camelina seeds and sprouts.