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Title: A rapid spectrophotometric method to determine B-carotene content in Cucumis melo germplasm

Author
item Davis, Angela
item Fish, Wayne
item PERKINS-VEAZIE, PENELOPE - North Carolina State University

Submitted to: Cucurbit Genetics Cooperative Report
Publication Type: Trade Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/13/2009
Publication Date: 7/2/2010
Citation: Davis, A.R., Fish, W.W., Perkins-Veazie, P. 2010. A rapid spectrophotometric method to determine B-carotene content in Cucumis melo germplasm. Cucurbit Genetics Cooperative Report. 31-32:5-7.

Interpretive Summary: Beta-carotene is a carotenoid that has antioxidant properties, is a precursor of Vitamin A, and imparts the orange pigment in some fruits and vegetables. This compound is the major carotenoid in cantaloupe. Because of its health benefits, B-carotene content in fruits is of interest to the food industry. Current methods to assay B-carotene content in fruit are time consuming, expensive and use hazardous chemicals. A study was conducted to measure B-carotene content on cantaloupe purees using light absorbance. Absorbance values of the purees correlates with B-carotene content. Indicating this method may work for quantifying B-carotene content in purees of fresh cantaloupe. Since pureeing is the only processing required and no chemicals are needed, the method is rapid, inexpensive, and environmentally friendly.

Technical Abstract: The compound B -carotene is the predominant carotenoid in cantaloupe. Because of its antioxidant properties and health benefits, B-carotene content in fruits and vegetables is of interest to the food industry. Current methods to assay B-carotene content in fruit are time consuming, expensive and use hazardous organic solvents. Preliminary data is reported on a method to detect B-carotene content on cantaloupe purees using light absorbance measured with a xenon flash colorimeter/spectrophotometer. Absorbance values had a linear correlation coefficient (R2=0.7) with B-carotene content determined with hexane extraction/spectrophotometry. This indicates this method may work for quantifying B-carotene content in purees of fresh cantaloupe. Since pureeing is the only processing required and no chemicals are needed, the method is rapid, inexpensive, and environmentally safe.