Fractionation of lipids and purification of γ-linolenic acid (GLA) from Spirulina platensis

The microalgae, Spirulina platensis, is an excellent source of γ-linolenic acid (GLA), an essential polyunsaturated fatty acid and a potent nutraceutical. The fatty acid composition of S. platensis ARM 740 was determined after transmethylation by gas chromatography (GC). Lipid fractionation was achieved on silica gel column chromatography and preparative TLC. Neutral lipids, glycolipids and phospholipids accounted for 77.0%, 15.6% and 7.4%, respectively, of the total lipid fraction. S. platensis ARM 740 was found to contain 94% of the total GLA in the glycolipid fraction. Attempts were made to purify GLA methyl ester by using urea to form inclusion complexes with the saturated and the less unsaturated FAMEs (fatty acid methyl esters), which enhanced the purity of GLA methyl ester to 84%. A further approach to isolate GLA methyl ester with higher purity involved the use of argentated silica gel chromatography. An initial PUFA concentration step frequently adopted by most researchers to increase GLA purity was not necessary in the isolation of GLA from S. platensis. A GLA methyl ester with a purity of >96% and a recovery of 66% was obtained. Purity of the isolated GLA methyl ester was confirmed by GC and IR analysis with respect to authentic standard.