FAT ANALYSIS:

SOXHLET METHOD

By- Balu Krishnan

INTRODUCTION

 The total lipid content of foods is commonly

determined by organic solvent extraction
methods, which can be classified as
continuous (e.g., Goldfish), semicontinuous
(e.g., Soxhlet), discontinuous (e.g., Mojonnier,
Folch), or by GC analysis for nutrition labeling.
SAMPLE PREPARATION
 The sample preparation for lipid analysis depends on
the type of food and the type and nature of lipids in the
food
 For the best results, sample preparation should be
carried out under an inert atmosphere of nitrogen at low
temperature to minimize chemical reactions such as
lipid oxidation.
 Several preparatory steps are common in lipid analysis.
These act to aid in extraction by removal of water,
reduction of particle size, or separation of the lipid from
bound proteins and/or carbohydrates.
SOXHLET METHOD

 Semicontinuous Solvent Extraction

The Soxhlet method (AOAC Method 920.39C for

Cereal Fat; AOAC Method 960.39 for Meat Fat)
(8) is an example of the semicontinuous
extraction method
PRINCIPLE AND CHARACTERISTICS
 For semicontinuous solvent extraction, the solvent
builds up in the extraction chamber for 5–10 min and
completely surrounds the sample and then siphons
back to the boiling flask.
 Fat content is measured by weight loss of the sample or
by weight of the fat removed.
 This method provides a soaking effect of the sample
and does not cause channeling. However, this method
requires more time than the continuous method.
 Instrumentation for a more rapid and automated version
of the Soxhlet method is available.
PREPARATION OF SAMPLE

 If the sample contains more than 10%H2O, dry

the sample to constant weight at 95–100◦C
under pressure ≤ 100mmHg for about 5 h
(AOAC Method 934.01).
SOXHLET EXTRACTION APPARATUS.
PROCEDURE
1. Weighabout 2 g of predried sample into a predried extraction thimble,
with porosity permitting a rapid flow of ethyl ether. Cover sample in
thimble with glass wool.

2. Weigh predried boiling flask.

3. Put anhydrous ether in boiling flask. Add small pieces of metallic Na and
let hydrogen evolution cease .Petroleum ether may be used instead of
anhydrous ether.

4. Assemble boiling flask, Soxhlet flask, and condenser.

5. Extract in a Soxhlet extractor at a rate of five or six drops per second by

condensation for about 4 h, or for 16 h at a rate of two or three drops
per second by heating solvent in boiling flask.

6. Dry boiling flask with extracted fat in an air oven at 100◦C for 30 min,
cool in desiccator, and weigh.
CALCULATION
IMPORTANCE OF ANALYSIS

 An accurate and precise quantitative and

qualitative analysis of lipids in foods is
important for accurate nutritional labeling,
determination of whether the food meets the
standard of identity, and to ensure that the
product meets manufacturing specifications.
 Inaccuracies in analysis may prove costly for
manufacturers and could result in a product of
undesirable quality and functionality.
THANK YOU