Analytical Approaches to the Rapid Characterisation of Marine Glycolipids in Bioproduct Discovery

Glycolipids are structurally diverse amphiphilic molecules with potential as non-petrochemical-derived bioproducts, including surfactants, emulsifiers, and antioxidants. The different bioactivities associated with this range of glycolipid structures also present opportunities for dietary supplements, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Marine glycolipids are underexplored due to challenges with purification and structural characterisation. Analytical approaches enabling efficient sample purification, isolation, and identification of target glycolipids are crucial to determining the bioactivity and functions of organisms such as shellfish and seaweed. This review summarises advances in analytical methods applicable to marine glycolipids, including extraction and enrichment methods tailored to specific subclasses. Thin-layer chromatography (TLC)-based rapid detection techniques developed for specific subclasses in complex biological samples are discussed, alongside structure identification methods based on liquid chromatography (LC)–electrospray ionisation (ESI)–tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). Hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC), reverse-phase liquid chromatography (RPLC), and supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) coupled with MS detection are reviewed for their application to glycolipids. The application of two-dimensional liquid chromatography (2D-LC) and advanced MS-based approaches that facilitate both the rapid resolution and comprehensive characterisation of molecular species are also reviewed.