Carotene analysis/quantification

[ntbhat]

Hi all:

I am looking to extract carotene from a mix of carotene and FDC blue. I also need to quantify it after extraction. I need to use HPLC for analysis. Any suggestions for HPLC or any other type of analysis will be greatly appreciated.

[Mark Tracy]

I have done carotene in a couple matrices: http://www1.dionex.com/en-us/acclaim_li ... 29720.html shows two, but there are others.

What is your matrix? I would try extraction with ethyl acetate first. Depending on the concentration, you should be able to directly inject the EtOAc extract with very little ill effect.

I have also done FDC dyes, and they are very hydrophilic and won't interfere with carotene. That example is in the data sheet for one of our new detectors: http://www1.dionex.com/en-us/webdocs/52 ... m%20VI.pdf

[ntbhat]

Thanks Mark Tracy.

The colors are in a polymer matrix. Any suggestions on separation/extraction of carotene from such a matrix?

[Mark Tracy]

Tricky. Depends on the polymer. Maybe ASE pressurized extraction. Maybe something else. Try milling it very fine and extracting with warm ethyl acetate. There are a lot of issues with carotenoids analysis; check the archives for previous discussions.