This high purity anteiso-hexadecanoic methyl ester is ideal for use as a standard in the verification of samples1 and for use in biological studies. Many types of bacteria and marine organisms produce anteiso-fatty acids which can be used to characterize the various organisms.2 Some bacteria have iso- but not anteiso-fatty acids while others have anteiso- but not iso-fatty acids. anteiso-Fatty acids are also found in ruminant animals (from the rumen microorganisms) and in ruminant milk mainly from the food chain but also due to some de novo synthesis. Branched chain fatty acids have been found in the gut of newborn animals where they have a role in the microorganism gut colonization.3 Some bacteria handle stress (such as heat and toxicity) by changing the ratio of anteiso/iso-fatty acids in the cell membrane. Although anteiso-fatty acids are not usually found in plant oils the waxy surface of leaves can contain significant amounts of these fatty acids.
