The Lipid Library

BOOK REVIEW - Lipid Analysis (Third Edition)

William W. Christie (2003) The Oily Press, Bridgwater, UK. ISBN 0-9531949-5-7, pp.416, price UK£85 or US$146. Volume 15 in The Oily Press Lipid Library.

Dr W.W. Christie is well-known for his pioneering work in lipid analysis, numerous publications, reviews and texts on chromatography of lipids. The completely rewritten third edition of Lipid Analysis extends the literature review to 2002 in some cases. The book is subdivided into four sections of equal size, which cover lipid structure and occurrence, general principles of chromatographic analysis, separation and analysis of individual lipid classes, analysis of fatty acids, and analysis of molecular species. All references are given at the end of the book in order of citation.

The organization of the discussion of the different chromatographic methods is arranged according to the type of detection employed, including mass spectrometry. This approach helps to identify immediately the salient points of each technique. Despite this type of writing, the text contains minimal repetition. The mastery of the subject is further reflected in the practical detail supplied and in the theoretical coverage of chromatography on a need-to-know basis. All sections are written in a user-friendly way and sprinkled with personal commentary. Abbreviations are kept to a minimum and even the common usage of PC and PE to identify phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine, respectively, is limited to figures only.

In many respects the book compares to a master menu of a computer, with frequent reference to slave menus for more detailed coverage of specific points by the author or his trusted correspondents in Advances in Lipid Methodology and elsewhere. Although some of the latter reviews would appear to be dated, they are still the best available at the moment.

The three basic chromatographic systems (TLC, HPLC and GLC) are covered in detail, but HPLC appears to be favoured. A lack of a universal detector, however, restrains it from conquering the world. The commercial demise of the flame ionization detector suitable for HPLC is rightfully deplored.

I found no errors of fact or any arguments with the good laboratory practices recommended. The book emphasizes a constant need to guard against sample peroxidation, especially during TLC, but the presence of metal ions in chromatographic column supports may also contribute to lipid oxidation. The text and bibliography are essentially free of typographical errors. The book concludes with a useful Index.

Despite rapid advances in direct inlet MS2 and MS3 methodology of lipid analysis and computerized data processing, chromatography is unlikely to be replaced entirely and will remain an essential part of lipid analysis for many years to come. Without a doubt, this is the definitive text on lipid analysis that should be present in any lipid laboratory.

Arnis Kuksis, University of Toronto, Canada

Reprinted from "Lipid Technology" with permission.