TITLE:
Isolation and Identification of Beta-Carotene from Carrots
AUTHORS:
Aida Smajlagić, Majda Srabović, Melita Huremović, Ekrem Pehlić, Zahida Ademović, Ermina-Čilović Kozarević, Merima Ibišević, Jasmina Siočić
KEYWORDS:
Carotenoids, Isolation, Beta-Carotene, UV, TLC, FTIR, HPLC
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Applied Sciences,
Vol.14 No.11,
November
5,
2024
ABSTRACT: Carotenoids are a group of natural pigments that are isolated from plants and are known for their great importance in maintaining human health. Beta-carotene is an organic compound, from yellow to red-orange colour, which is found in many plants, fruits and vegetables. All carotenoids, especially beta-carotene, which is the subject of this research, are used in the pharmaceutical, food and cosmetic industries. It is also important in medicine as it prevents the occurrence of many diseases. Beta-carotene is a precursor of vitamin A and is used in various research due to its strong antioxidant effect. The highest amount of beta-carotene is found in carrots, followed by apricots, tomatoes, asparagus, broccoli, pumpkins, plums, etc. This plant pigment was isolated from carrots using a reflux extraction method using the organic solvents methanol and methylene chloride. The isolated carotenoid was confirmed by UV, TLC, FTIR, and HPLC methods. The absorption maxima of the UV spectrum of the isolated compound (β-carotene) range from 200 to 280 nm and 400 to 500 nm. The identification of beta-carotene was done by analysis using the FTIR method, where functional groups that are present indicate the isolated compound. HPLC method is rapid, effective and sensitive for carotenoid analysis. Analysis of the HPLC method confirms the isolated compound with an absorption maximum of 448 nm, which was compared with the standard.