Fatty Acid Analysis Services

BOC Sciences provides one-stop services for fatty acid analysis, including sample preparation, gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, data analysis and report presentation. We offer a comprehensive range of techniques and methods to analyze and characterize fatty acids, providing valuable insights into their structure, composition and function.

What is Fatty Acid?

Fatty acids are hydrocarbon molecules with a carboxyl group at one end. They can be saturated (no double bonds) or unsaturated (one or more double bonds). Common examples include palmitic acid, oleic acid, and linoleic acid. Fatty acids play a vital role in maintaining cell integrity and function. Fatty acids are precursors for the synthesis of various bioactive molecules. For example, they are components of prostaglandins. Additionally, fatty acids can be converted into eicosanoids, which play a crucial role in immune response and inflammation. Currently, the unique properties of fatty acids make them attractive candidates for drug development. Their ability to penetrate cell membranes and target specific cellular pathways has been exploited for therapeutic purposes.

Fig. 1. Classification of fatty acids.

Classification of Fatty Acids

1. According to the degree of saturation and unsaturation of the hydrocarbon chain

• Saturated fatty acids: refers to fatty acids that do not contain unsaturated bonds.
• Monounsaturated fatty acids: refers to fatty acids containing one unsaturated bond.
• Polyunsaturated fatty acids: refers to fatty acids containing two or more double bonds. According to the different positions of double bonds, polyunsaturated fatty acids can be divided into Omega-3, Omega-6 and other categories.

2. According to the length of the carbon chain

• Short-chain fatty acids: refer to fatty acids with the number of carbon atoms in the carbon chain between 1 and 6.
• Medium chain fatty acids: refers to fatty acids with 6-12 carbon atoms in the carbon chain.
• Long-chain fatty acids: refer to fatty acids with more than 12 carbon atoms in the carbon chain.

Our Fatty Acid Analysis Services

Long-chain Fatty Acid Analysis

Long-chain fatty acids, also known as higher fatty acids, refer to fatty acids containing 14 or more carbon atoms. As the number of carbon atoms increases, the melting point gradually increases and the solubility decreases. Since two carbons are always used as the expansion unit in the biosynthesis of fatty acids, the number of carbon atoms in natural long-chain fatty acids is an even number. Saturated fatty acids such as myristic acid C14:0, palmitic acid C16:O, stearic acid C18:O, arachidic acid C20:0, behenic acid C22:0 and lignoceric acid C24:0 are solid at room temperature. BOC Sciences' long-chain fatty acid analysis services leverage state-of-the-art technology and expertise to provide accurate and comprehensive information on the composition, profile and properties of fatty acids. This information can be applied in various fields including nutrition, food science, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.

Short-chain Fatty Acid Analysis

Short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), also known as volatile fatty acids (VFA). According to the number of carbon atoms in the carbon chain, organic fatty acids with less than 6 carbon atoms are called short-chain fatty acids, mainly including acetic acid, propionic acid, isobutyric acid, butyric acid, isovaleric acid, pentanoic acid, hexanoic acid, etc. Current research has found that SCFAs have important functions such as regulating blood sugar and hybridizing with monosaccharide molecules for controlled release of drugs. In addition, SCFAs also have the role of oxidative energy supply, and also have important roles in maintaining water and electrolyte balance, anti-pathogenic microorganisms and anti-inflammatory, regulating intestinal flora balance, improving intestinal function, regulating immunity, anti-tumor and regulating gene expression. BOC Sciences utilizes advanced analytical technologies to accurately quantify and analyze SCFAs. We use gas chromatography (GC) combined with mass spectrometry (MS) or flame ionization detection (FID) to determine the concentration and composition of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) in samples.

Total Fatty Acid Analysis

BOC Sciences provides total fatty acid analysis covering a wide range of fatty acids, including saturated fatty acids (SFA), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). We can analyze fatty acids with different chain lengths and degrees of unsaturation. BOC Sciences capabilities also extend to the analysis of specific fatty acids, such as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, to determine the relative proportions of different fatty acids and calculate important ratios.

Free Fatty Acid Analysis

Free fatty acid analysis from BOC Sciences provides accurate and reliable results for determining the composition and concentration of free fatty acids in a variety of samples. We can provide customized analytical services, detection limits and reporting formats to meet our customers' specific requirements. These services are available to industries involved in research, development and quality control of products containing or producing free fatty acids, including the food industry, biofuel production, the pharmaceutical industry and environmental analysis.

Other Fatty Acid Analysis

In addition to the above commonly used fatty acid analysis services, we also provide fatty acid analysis services with special chemical structures or functions:

• Omega-3 fatty acid analysis
• Omega-6 fatty acid analysis
• Esterified fatty acid analysis
• Saturated fatty acid analysis
• Straight-chain fatty acid analysis
• Volatile fatty acid analysis
• Cis/trans fatty acid analysis
• Whole-cell fatty acid analysis

Fatty Acid Applications

• Lipid drug delivery system
• Anti-inflammatory agent development
• Anticancer agent development
• Neurological disease drug development

In addition to fatty acid analysis services, BOC Sciences also provides lipid analysis and characterization services, including identification, quantification, and analysis of various lipid classes, such as glycerolipids, phospholipids, glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids, and sterols. Our lipid analysis services are highly customizable to meet specific research or industry requirements. Our team of experienced scientists ensures accurate, timely results, allowing researchers and industry to gain a complete understanding of lipid samples.