date:May 13, 2013
ed. The assay is based on ESI-MS (electrospray ionisation-mass spectrometry) and enables scientists to glean details about variations in specific triglycerides of interest, referred to as regioisomers. From that, users can develop ratios of regioisomers that can be used to determine whether the sample contains undisclosed oils.
The value of ESI-MS for analysing plant fatty acids has been recognized since at least 1994 but, said USDA, Lin's ESI-MS protocol helps make this application simpler.