Emerging Researchers National (ERN) Conference

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FAME Extraction: Refining the Technique for Extracting Fatty Acids from Mexican Native Plant Seeds

Undergraduate #231
Discipline: Ecology Environmental and Earth Sciences
Subcategory: Plant Research

Adria Peterkin - Howard University
Co-Author(s): Danielle Mcletchie, Howard University, Washington, DC


Unusual fatty acids are currently considered as a credible alternative to petrol-based products due to their physicochemical properties that make them suitable for industrial applications. These unusual fatty acids are thought to accumulate in unusual/exotic plants. Our aim is to analyze fatty acid profiles of seeds of native plants of Mexico in order to identify unusual fatty acid accumulators. The fatty acid profile technique that is used includes, extraction from the plant seeds, simultaneous saponification and methylation process and later analysis with GC, gas chromatography; In order to produce FAME it is necessary to identify its existence, its quantity, and its properties. In our results, we expect to find a peak at 13 min, which will indicate the standard fatty acid from the sample used, olive oil. The continuation of this research will involve obtaining these Mexican native plants seeds and performing extraction using a Soxhlet Apparatus. Furthermore, FAME extraction will be a beneficial addition to industry because it provides scientist and engineers with an environmentally friendly reagent to be used in industry.

Funder Acknowledgement(s): National Science Foundation

Faculty Advisor: Elie El Kassis,

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This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF) under Grant No. DUE-1930047. Any opinions, findings, interpretations, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of its authors and do not represent the views of the AAAS Board of Directors, the Council of AAAS, AAAS’ membership or the National Science Foundation.