Localization of double bond positions in complex lipids by hyphenated mass spectrometric techniques

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Heiko Hayen
• Subject Area: Analytical Chemistry
• Term: from 2016 to 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 325071976

Analysis of complex lipids like phospho- or glycolipids has made great progress in recent years mainly due to mass spectrometric techniques. However, the determination of the double bond positions is still a challenge. Therefore, the aim of the project is the development of two methods for the localization of the double bond positions in complex lipids. On the one hand, an online conversion based on the Paternò Büchi-reaction with acetone in a photochemical reactor will be performed. On the other hand, the reactivity of a dielectric barrier discharge plasma shall be utilized for double bond oxidation. The introduction of heteroatoms shall direct the mass spectrometric fragmentation and thus, double bond position can be deduced. Both methods will be coupled online to a HPLC separation, characterized by analysis of reference compounds and applied to complex lipid extracts (human breast cancer cell culture extracts).

• DFG Programme: Research Grants