A New Method for the Extraction of R Lipopolysaccharides

TLDR

R form lipopolysaccharides are glycolipids. The study presents a method specifically designed to extract lipopolysaccharides from R‑form bacteria. The method uses a monophasic aqueous phenol–chloroform–petroleum ether mixture that solubilizes lipophilic R‑form LPS while excluding S/T‑form LPS, proteins, nucleic acids, and polysaccharides, and can be performed at temperatures below 10 °C. Yields are higher than with phenol‑water extraction, the products are usually water‑soluble, and the method has successfully extracted LPS from all R‑form bacteria tested.

Abstract

A method is described which is specific for the extraction of lipopolysaccharides from R form bacteria. The extraction mixture which is monophasic, consists of aqueous phenol, chloroform and petroleum ether. R form lipopolysaccharides (glycolipids). due to their lipophilic nature, are completely soluble in the mixture. S and T form lipopolysaccharides as well as proteins, nucleic acids, and polysaccharides, are insoluble, and they are excluded from the extracts. The method is mild, as it can be carried out at below 10°. The yields are generally higher than those obtained by phenol‐water extraction, and the products are usually water‐soluble. Lipopolysaccharides have been successfully extracted from all R form bacteria so far attempted.