@misc{9222809,
  abstract     = {{Introduction: Shea butter is a kernel derived fat which includes several classes of compounds including lipids like tri- and diacylglycerols as well as unsaponifiable components. 
Background: Accurate determination of the compound class composition of shea butter is important for industry to quantify the levels of wanted compounds. Size exclusion chromatography (SEC) coupled with refractive index detection (RID) can be utilized to separate and quantify lipids based on their molecular size. 
Aim(s): The aim of the project was to establish and validate as SEC-RID method for quantifying compound class distributions in shea butter. The project aimed to determine the content of triacylglycerols (TAGs), diacylglycerols (DAGs), karitene and the combined amount of monoacylglycerols, free fatty acids and unsaponifiable compounds. An additional aim was evaluating the viability of using charged aerosol detection (CAD) for the analysis of shea butter by comparing the response factors of coeluting shea analytes. 
Methods: The primary method used for the project was SEC coupled with RID. The method employed a Styragel HR2 column connected in series with two Styragel HR1 columns. To optimize separation, parameters such as flow rate, temperature and injection volume were varied. Validation of the method was planned following the Codex Alimentarius guidelines for fats in food products. A CAD was also utilized. 
Results: The method was unable to achieve the resolution necessary to separate the TAGs and DAGs. Significant band broadening was found to originate from the columns. The calculated response factors of standard solutions using CAD showed differences in response for some of the coeluting analytes. Large confidence intervals were observed for several standards which decrease the reliability of the result. 
Conclusion: Measures taken to increase resolution were unsuccessful and the method was therefore not validated. Differences in response factor in CAD indicate that calibration of an entire analyte class is not possible.}},
  author       = {{Ulvenlund, Albert}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{Determination of main compound classes in shea butter using size exclusion chromatography and refractive index detection}},
  year         = {{2026}},
}