GC Analysis of Bacterial Acid Methyl Esters (BAMEs) on SUPELCOWAX 10 (15 m x 0.10 mm I.D., 0.10 μm), Fast GC Analysis

Food-borne microbial pathogens can cause illness in humans. Because each bacterium has a unique cellular fatty acid profile, GC analysis can be used to help with identification. Analysis is performed following derivatization of cellular fatty acids to methyl esters. These are called bacterial acid methyl esters (BAMEs) instead of fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) to signify the bacterial source. The chromatogram shown is the analysis of a standard mix containing 26 BAME compounds. The polar nature of the column, along with the use of Fast GC column dimensions and instrument conditions, allows good peak shape and resolution in just 7 minutes.