Logged in as: gdrochioiu

INNOCENTIVE 6151383
Rapid Phytosterol Analysis in
Plant Oil Samples
Theoretical-IP Transfer
$15,000 USD
POSTED: Apr 02, 2008
DEADLINE: Jun 02, 2008
STATUS: OPEN

The Submission Process

To submit your solution

proposal to InnoCentive, please
click the "Submit a Solution"
button.

Answering Your Questions

If you have questions regarding

this challenge please click the
"Message" button.

Solver Agreements

These are the Solver

Agreement(s) you have signed
for this Challenge:

Challenge-Specific Agreement

Additional Information
InnoCentive requests that all
solution proposals be submitted
in English.

Frequently Asked Questions

Need help translating your

document to English? Please
use the following link:
http://babelfish.altavista.com

This is your secure and confidential Project Room for this InnoCentive Challenge. From
here, you can review the challenge details, submit your solution proposal, ask questions,
and receive answers confidentially from the InnoCentive science team.

A rapid and precise analysis of phytosterol in plant oil samples is desired. This requires
only a written proposal.

Phytosterols are minor components of vegetable oils. They are structurally related to
cholesterol, although they have different side chains and substitutions on the main ring
structure. Phytosterols differ somewhat between plant species. Within a species, the
phytosterols in seed oils exist either as free sterol or sterol esters, where the sterol ring is
conjugated to a fatty acid. Current techniques for the analysis of phytosterols require
solid phase separation of the free and esterified sterols, saponification, liquid-liquid
extraction of the non-saponifiable fraction containing the sterols, followed by
derivatization and separation/quantification by gas chromatography. While this approach
is sensitive and reproducible, it suffers from numerous steps and manipulations, and has a
limited sample throughput.

The seeker is looking for a simple, rapid, and sensitive analytical method for a precise
and accurate quantification of individual phytosterols in both their free and esterified
states. The ideal method would consist of a direct HPLC/UPLC method which allows for
a direct injection of oil sample (in a solvent) without any pre-injection cleanup and
derivatization. Method should be capable of a quantitative class separation of free vs.
esterified sterols, and preferably sub-fractionation into individual sterol
species/compound. Individual phytosterols would be comprised of -sitosterol,
brassicasterol, campesterol, and stigmasterol. Typical concentrations of these phytosterols
in oil samples would range from 20ug/g oil for free stigmasterol to >1200ug/g for free
and esterified -sitosterol. Typically, the distribution of free phytosterols ranges from 40
60% of the total phytosterol content. Method should be free of interference from other
common vegetable oil components such as tocopherols, free fatty acids, mono, di-, and
triglycerides, phospholipids, and other minor components such as wax and low molecular
weight phenolic compounds (sinapine, chlorogenic acid). Detection of the phytosterols
can be through ELSD (Evaporative Light Scattering Detectors) detection, although
electrochemical detection methods and LC/MS approaches may be considered.

Any proposed analytical method should address the following Technical Requirements
which are listed in the order of priority:

1. Be expected to measure individual phytosterols and afford a precision as

measured by CV of 10 % at a level of 2 g/mL.
a. should be capable of a quantitative class separation of free vs. esterified
sterols
b. prefer to be capable of sub-fractionation into individual sterol species/
compound

2. Time of analysis: < 10 minutes or more preferably < 5 minutes per sample using a
single instrument.
3. Equipment: Cost prohibitive equipment or instruments should be avoided.
a. Separation: preferably a direct HPLC/UPLC method, although instrument
such as gas chromatography can be considered.
b. Detection: preferably ELSD (Evaporative Light Scattering Detectors),
although electrochemical detection methods and LC/MS approaches may
be considered.

4. Sample preparation: Elaborate or labor-intensive sample preparation should be

avoided. Ideal method would allow for a direct injection of oil sample (in a
solvent) without any pre-injection cleanup and derivatization.
5. Preferably does not employ:
a. Excessively toxic or hazardous reagents and solvents (i.e. methylene
chloride, diazomethane)
b. Non-commercially available reagents.

The Seeker client is not looking for a literature review. The proposed method should offer
the Seeker client "freedom to practice". There should be no patent art preventing the use
of specific material for their commercial application.

A rapid and precise analysis of phytosterol in plant oil samples is desired. This requires
only a written proposal.
The proposal, which will be evaluated by the Seeker on a theoretical basis, should include
the following:

1. Detailed description of the equipment and instrument needed as well as analytical

method that can be expected to meet the Technical Requirements.
2. Explanation as to how and why the Solver believes that the proposed method will
work. This rationale should address each of the Technical Requirements and
should be supported with relevant examples and literature citations.