Food Industry FAMEs on Rt-2560 by AOCS Method Ce-1j-07 using H2 (Original Method)

Importance of the Topic

The analysis of fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) is critical for the food industry to ensure product quality, authenticity, and compliance with nutritional labeling. Accurate profiling of FAMEs supports quality control, regulatory compliance, and the detection of adulteration in edible oils and fats.

Aims and Study Overview

This application note presents the separation and quantitation of a 36-component food industry FAME mix using AOCS Method Ce-1j-07 on a Restek Rt-2560 column with hydrogen carrier gas. The study aims to demonstrate resolution, retention behavior, and quantitative performance under optimized conditions.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The method employs gas chromatography with flame ionization detection to separate FAMEs ranging from C6:0 to C22:6. Samples were prepared in hexane at a total concentration of 10,000 µg/mL and injected using a 1 µL split (20:1) mode.

Used Instrumentation

• Column: Rt-2560, 100 m × 0.25 mm ID, 0.20 µm film thickness
• Gas chromatograph: Agilent 7890A GC
• Detector: FID at 250 °C
• Inlet liner: Topaz 4.0 mm ID Precision inlet liner with wool
• Carrier gas: Hydrogen at 2.5 mL/min constant flow
• Oven program: 180 °C (hold 32 min) to 215 °C at 20 °C/min (hold 30.25 min)
• Make-up gas: Constant hydrogen at 52 mL/min, air at 400 mL/min

Main Results and Discussion

The method achieved clear baseline separation of 36 FAME components, including critical resolution of cis-11-C20:1 and cis-9,12,15-C18:3 (Rs = 2.03). Retention times spanned from 4.74 min (C6:0) to 42.51 min (C22:6). Quantitation was demonstrated at concentrations between 200–600 µg/mL for individual esters.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Robust separation supports routine quality control in edible oil production and blends.
• Hydrogen carrier gas reduces analysis time and improves efficiency compared to helium.
• High resolution enables detection of minor unsaturated isomers and contaminants.

Future Trends and Opportunities

Advances in fast GC and UHPLC may further reduce run times while maintaining resolution. Integration with mass spectrometry and automated data processing will enhance throughput and compound identification, enabling comprehensive lipid profiling in food research and authentication.

Conclusion

This method demonstrates reliable separation and quantitation of a wide range of food industry FAMEs using hydrogen carrier gas on an Rt-2560 column. It provides a practical, high-resolution approach for quality control laboratories.

Reference

AOCS Official Method Ce-1j-07. Restek Corporation application note: Food Industry FAMEs on Rt-2560 using H2.