Supercritical Fluid Extraction of all-trans-Lycopene from Tomato

Abstract

A procedure is proposed for the supercritical fluid extraction of all-trans-lycopene from tomato using carbon dioxide at 40 degrees C without modifier. The present method minimizes the risk of degradation via isomerization and oxidation of health-promoting ingredients, such as lycopene. The effect of different experimental variables on the solvating power of the supercritical fluid was evaluated in terms of both the selectivity achievable in the process and the yield of the extraction of all-trans-lycopene. Satisfactory separations of the all-trans-lycopene isomers from the cis counterparts were achieved using a C(30) column. The obtained extract contained 88% all-trans-lycopene and 12% cis-lycopene.

Supercritical Fluid Extraction of Carotenoids

“…Furthermore, extraction at such high temperatures may result in destruction of the raw sample. Yi et al (2009) reported that the raw material utilized in their study became scorched after 90 min of extraction at 100 C. As reported by Gomez-Prieto et al (2003) even though extraction temperature was maintained as low as 40 C, the presence of cis-lycopene could still be observed; the authors attributed this outcome to the ease with which lycopene undergoes trans-to cis-isomerization when exposed to light and oxygen.…”

“…All-trans-β-carotene is very unstable and can be easily isomerized into cis-isomers, when exposed to heat and light. Inversely, lycopene commonly occurs in the all-trans configuration, which is the most thermodynamically stable form Gomez-Prieto et al (2003;Nobre et al 2009). Mezzomo et al (2010) have stated that due to the thermodynamic stability of translycopene, there is clearly an interest in avoiding the isomerization of trans-lycopene into its cis-form when lycopene is obtained for subsequent incorporation into functional foods and nutraceuticals.…”

“…Shi et al (2009a) also collected the samples obtained by supercritical CO 2 extraction in 25 mL brown vials to prevent UV-activated degradation of the samples. Storage of the raw materials prepared prior to supercritical CO 2 extraction, as well as of subsequent extracted compounds, at sub-zero temperatures is another common measure taken to prevent isomerization and degradation of lycopene, with À20 C being the most common temperature utilized for this purpose (Rozzi et al 2002;Machmudah et al 2012;Gomez-Prieto et al 2003;Nobre et al 2009;Yi et al 2009;De la Fuente et al 2006;Del Castillo et al 2003;Sabio et al 2003;Saldana et al 2010;Vaughn et al 2008).…”

New Developments in Lycopene Analysis by Spectroscopic and Chromatographic Techniques, Accompanied With Mathematical Modelling

“…SFE is compatible with supercritical fluid chromatography since both techniques can share the same mobile phase and devices, favoring the development of extraction and separation methodologies. This technique has been applied to successfully separate lycopene from other carotenoids in tomato fruits [43,[195][196][197][198][199].…”

“…The effect of CO 2 density on extraction of all-trans-lycopene from tomatoes was studied and a greater yield was found at the highest density (0.90 g/mL) [198].…”