Using High Performance Liquid Chromatography To Detect Carotenoid And Chlorophyll Pigments In The Peel And Flesh Of North Carolina Apple Varieties: Degradation Of Beta-Carotene And Implications For Sample Storage

Apples have high nutrient content in part due to their organic pigments, such as carotenoids and chlorophylls. Not found naturally in the human body, carotenoids and chlorophylls, must be consumed through the diet. The quantification of these compounds is important because they act as antioxidants and prevent multiple chronic diseases. A method was developed using reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to quantify beta-carotene, zeaxanthin, chlorophyll a, and chlorophyll b in apple extracts. Method optimization steps were taken to improve peak resolution and shape. The linear range for zeaxanthin, chlorophyll a, and chlorophyll b was 1 mg/L - 10 mg/L. However, beta-carotene was not linear and often produced multiple peaks in the chromatogram that potentially are attributed to isomers or degradation products. An internal standard has been obtained, and further method validation is in progress prior to the analysis of apple samples.