Evaluation of some carotenoids in grapes by reversed- and normal-phase liquid chromatography: a qualitative analysis

J Agric Food Chem. 2004 May 19;52(10):3182-8. doi: 10.1021/jf0499469.

Abstract

Carotenoids in grapes of three Port winemaking cultivars were investigated. Extracts were obtained with n-hexane/diethyl ether mixtures (0/100; 20/80; 50/50; 100/0) and analyzed by normal and reversed phase HPLC-DAD. Selection and identification of peaks were based on spectroscopic characteristics - lambda(max), (%III/II) and k' values, leading to 28 probable carotenoids. Using pure standards, it was possible to identify seven compounds previously described (neochrome, neoxanthin, violaxanthin, flavoxanthin, zeaxanthin, lutein, and beta-carotene), one more type of neochrome reported here, for the first time, and in addition, two geometrical isomers of lutein and beta-carotene were tentatively described. The remaining 17 need to be further identified. High polarity solvent mixtures lead to qualitatively richer chromatograms. Reversed-phase separations allowed the detection of flavoxanthin and the possible geometrical isomer(s) of beta-carotene. Under normal phase, zeaxanthin was detected, and neochromes were better separated from neoxanthin. Extraction with 50/50 n-hexane/diethyl ether mixtures and reversed-phase conditions was the best combination for analysis of the carotenoids, known as precursors of compounds with high aroma impact in wines.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Carotenoids / analysis*
  • Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid*
  • Drug Stability
  • Fruit / chemistry*
  • Vitis / chemistry*
  • Wine

Substances

  • Carotenoids