Sample Preparation for LC‐MS Bioanalysis of Lipids

Lipid research has generated significant interest due to the important roles these molecules play in essential cellular structure and critical biological functions. Due to their diverse and complex structures, and the biological activities that these structures lend themselves to, there is a great necessity for the development of analytical methods for measurement of lipids. Sample preparation is one of the key steps to achieve sensitive and specific LC-MS analysis of lipids in biological samples. Common extraction methods for lipids from biological matrix include Folch method, liquid-liquid extraction, solid phase extraction, and protein precipitation. Chemical derivatization is a frequently used strategy, in combination with sample extraction procedure, for facilitating isomer separation and enhancing detection sensitivity for lipid analysis. In this chapter, common sample preparation procedure for LC-MS bioanalysis of lipids will be discussed with demonstration of typical protocols. Case studies of the application of lipid analysis in biological research will also be shown.