A Review of Carotenoid Analysis Techniques in the Sri Lankan Context and Solution to Some Problems Therein

Abstract

Carotenoid analyses results are subject to much variation. In this study, problems of sampling, extraction, chromatography, spectral data, and chemical tests are discussed together with in-vitro bioaccessibility. In addition, problems in the in-vitro trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity assay will be discussed. Identifying carotenoids requires uv/vis spectra, spectral databases, chromatographic behavior on thin layer chromatography (TIc), high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), open column chromatography (OCC) and chemical tests all of which must be used in conjunction. Quantification can be done by OCC and HPLC but correction factors are needed in the latter.