new method for carotenoid extraction and analysis by hplc-dad-ms/ms in freeze-dried citrus and mango pulps

Carotenoid analysis in citrus is still a challenge due to their complex carotenoid profile and matrix acidity, which can promote isomerization and epoxide-furanoid rearrangements of these compounds. a new method for carotenoid extraction from freeze-dried citrus was developed. extraction was carried out by magnetic stirring using ethyl acetate and methanol as solvents and na2co3 to neutralize organic acids. liquid-liquid partition was achieved by centrifugation. carotenoid quantification was accomplished by both uv-vis and high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection (hplc-dad). method repeatability (2.9 to 8.5%) and recovery (82 to 88%) were similar to reported values for procedures including all the carotenoid analysis steps. in ‘valencia’ orange pulp, xanthophylls accounted for 98% of the total carotenoid content and the predominant carotenoids were (9z)-violaxanthin, (all-e)-lutein and (9z)-antheraxanthin. this method was further applied for carotenoid analysis in freeze-dried ‘tommy atkins’ mango pulp. the developed method is precise, accurate, fast and able to maintain epoxy-carotenoids stability during analysis.