Determination of lycopene in food by on-line SFE coupled to HPLC using a single monolithic column for trapping and separation

摘要

A method that would eliminate the degradation of lycopene during analysis was developed. Supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) with carbon dioxide as the extraction medium was connected on-line to high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) where a single monolithic column was used for trapping and the subsequent separation of analytes. The method was linear over the studied range (0.1-2.5 mug), and it was repeatable (R.S.D. 3.9%), sensitive (LOD = 0.5 ng) and fast (35 min). Lycopene was determined in tomatoes, fruit and several food products. Because of the on-line construction, lycopene was not in contact with air or light during the whole procedure and the amount analysed should therefore correspond to the real amount in the sample. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.