| Abstract: | The phospholipids of mussels (Mytilus edulis Linne) from the coast of Qingdao were extracted, fractionated and analysed over a 12 month period. The contents of total lipids, neutral lipids, polar lipids and phospholipids were measured. The composition of phospholipids was determined by high‐performance liquid chromatography, and their fatty acid composition was analysed by gas chromatography. The phospholipid content ranged from 3.6 to 6.4 g kg?1 soft tissue. PE (phosphatidyl ethanolamine) and PC (phosphatidyl choline) were the major constituents. C16:0, C20:5 and C22:6 were the major fatty acids. C20:5 (5.25–23.10%) and C22:6 (6.05–20.42%) varied regularly with the seasonal factors. Their total amounts were high from January to June, which would be an optimal time for the utilisation of the phospholipids of mussels. © 2002 Society of Chemical Industry |
