Pancreatic lipase hydrolysis of triglycerides by a semimicro technique

Procedures are described for rapid lipase hydrolysis of triglycerides, isolation of the hydrolytic products by TLC and their conversion to methyl esters and fatty acid analysis by GLC. The techniques are applicable to a few mg of triglycerides or fats. Examples of data obtained with purified triglycerides indicate that the specific action of pancreatic lipase for the 1,3 ester groups is nearly absolute and the technique may be used as a criterion of purity of di- and tri-acid triglycerides. Ca. 83% of the palmitic but only 10~12% of stearic and C18 unsaturated acids of commercial lard occur in 2-position.