The source of fatty acid in microbial cells is lipids, mainly from phospholipids, glycolipids, lipid A and lipoteichoic acid. The fatty acid content of all lipids is determined by the specific biosynthetic pathway of a specific species. Microbial cell fatty acids composition and content analysis are very important and they reflect the metabolic status of the cell. CD BioGlyco provides whole-cell fatty acids analysis services in microorganisms for our clients worldwide.

Background

With the development of molecular biology, people have a lot of knowledge about the structure and function of microorganisms, especially bacteria. Microbial grease, also known as single-cell grease, is a glycerolipid produced by microorganisms under certain conditions and stored in the bacteria. Its fatty acids composition is mainly C16 and C18 FAs. The microbial oil is esterified to obtain biofuel. Fatty acid content and composition are used as indicators for the classification and identification of microorganisms. In metabolomics research, the dynamic changes of the fatty acids composition and content in microbial cells reflect the metabolic state of the cells.

The lipid concentration of bacteria is 0.2-50%, usually 5-10% of dry weight. Bacterial fatty acid chains usually contain 9-20 carbons. They may be straight, branched, cyclic, saturated, unsaturated, or contain 2 or 3 hydroxyl groups. The chain length, position and number of double bonds, and substituent groups of fatty acids have taxonomic significance and are an important classification feature. The fatty acid analysis is fast, convenient, and highly automated. Moreover, it is suitable for the rapid analysis of a large number of strains.

Fig.1 Comparison of different chromatographic techniques for the analysis of fatty acid methyl esters in microalgae. (Niemi, 2019)

Our Services

The fatty acid analysis is a useful tool for identifying and classifying microbial pathogens. At CD BioGlyco, we analyze and determine the fatty acids composition and content of microorganisms using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Our analytical process includes:

• Microbial samples: Process microbial samples.
• Fatty acid methyl ester extraction: Extract fatty acids from samples using specific methods.
• GC-MS analysis: Analysis of extracts of fatty acid methyl esters by GC-MS.

Advantages of Us

• High resolution, stability, and good reproducibility
• Fast and accurate
• One-stop whole-cell fatty acid analysis service
• 24 hours after-sales service

Applications

• Chemical taxonomy tools
• Rapid identification of microorganisms
• Epidemiology and medical analysis

CD BioGlyco has finished many fatty acids analysis projects and has a wealth of experience. Meanwhile, we continue to update our analysis technology and solution to meet customers' needs. If you are interested in our services, please feel free to contact us.

References:

1. Kunitsky, C.; et al. Identification of microorganisms using fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) analysis and the MIDI Sherlock Microbial Identification System. Encyclopedia of rapid microbiological methods. 2006, 3: 1-8.
2. Niemi, C.; et al. Comparisons of analysis of fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) of microalgae by chromatographic techniques. Algal Research. 2019, 39: 101449.