Separation of lipids by Silica Gel G column chromatography

Abstract

A column chromatographic procedure utilizing Silica Gel G is described for separating lipid components of serum and lipoproteins into individual fractions containing hydrocarbons (I), cholesterol esters (II), triglycerides (III), cholesterol (IV), free fatty acids (V), and phospholipids (VI). Silica Gel G required no pretreatment except adjustment of moisture content to 10%. The method affords a rapid, complete separation of all major lipid classes except diglycerides. Recoveries of serum and tissue phospholipids were approximately 60–80%, whereas those of the other major lipid classes were essentially quantitative.