Carotenoid is a kind of important natural pigment. It is widely found in the yellow, orange or red pigments
of animals, higher plants, fungi and algae. Carotenoid is the precursor of vitamin A in vivo, and also has
the functions of antioxidant, immune regulation, anticancer, reducing cardiovascular disease and colorant.
The carotenoids of plants exist in various yellow plastids or colored substances, such as yellow leaves,
yellow flowers, yellow and red fruits and yellow tubers. Carotenoids in the sample are separated and
extracted by solvent extraction. There is a special absorption peak at 440 ± 10 nm.
Most of the chloroplasts of higher plants and algal microorganisms also contain carotenoids, which mainly
absorb blue violet light, while chlorophyll A and chlorophyll B absorb both red and blue violet light.
Therefore, in order to eliminate the interference of chlorophyll A and B on carotenoids, the content of
chlorophyll A and chlorophyll B is calculated first according to the empirical formula, and then the content
of carotenoids is further obtained. For tissues without chlorophyll, the carotenoid content can be calculated
directly according to the empirical extinction coefficient of carotenoids.
Reagents and Equipment Required but Not Provided.
Spectrophotometer, desktop centrifuge, 1 mL glass cuvette, scales, adjustable pipette, mortar/homogenizer,
10 mL centrifuge tube/test tube, distilled water and acetone.
