ARS | Publication request: A SIMPLE, RAPID METHOD FOR HPLC ANALYSIS OF LYCOPENE ISOMERS

Submitted to: Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: May 18, 2000
Publication Date: January 10, 2001
Citation: Ishida, B.K., Ma, J., Chan, B. 2001. A simple, rapid method for hplc analysis of lycopene isomers. Phytochemical Analysis, Vol 12, p. 194-198.

Interpretive Summary: Lycopene is a major compound that is responsible for the red color in tomato fruit and is a major carotenoid in North American and European diets. It is found in highest concentration in tomatoes and tomato products. Interest in lycopene has increased rapidly since epidemiological studies implicated lycopene in lowering the risk of prostate cancer. Because research in this field is increasing, a rapid method for analyzing lycopene geometric isomers is of great interest. We describe a simple, rapid method that uses a reversed-phase HPLC with a C-30 column and a mobile phase of 40% MTBE (ethyl t-butyl ether), 50% methanol, and 10% ethyl acetate. This system separates cis and trans isomers of lycopene in about 23 min. The effects of light, temperature, and an antioxidant on lycopene isomerization were also measured.

Technical Abstract: A rapid method for the extraction, separation, and analysis of lycopene geometric isomers and beta-carotene from tomato fruit is described. Carotenoids iin tomato were separated and eluted, using a reversed-phase HPLC with a C-30 column and a mobile phase of 40% MTBE, 50% MeOH, and 10% EtOAc. This system provided sharp resolution of cis and trans isomers of lycopene within approximately 23 min. The effects of light, temperature, and the addition of an antioxidant on lycopene isomerization were also measured.