The enrichment of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids using aminopropyl solid phase extraction columns.

A rapid, simple and reliable method is described for the preparation of concentrates of methyl or ethyl esters of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids by solid phase extraction using aminopropyl bonded silica columns. After applying mixtures of fatty acid esters in hexane, saturated and monounsaturated fatty acid esters are preferentially eluted with hexane whereas polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) can subsequently be eluted with dichloromethane. Concentrates containing 80-90% n-3 PUFA can thus be obtained using fish oil fatty acids esters as a starting material.