The Use of APCI-MS with HPLC and Other Separation Techniques for Identification of Carotenoids and Related Compounds

Abstract

The heat labile carotenoids cannot be analyzed by gas chromatography (GC) and GC-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The only useful method appears to be high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with UV/visible (UV/Vis) or mass spectrometric detection (LC-MS). Reversed-phase HPLC (RP-HPLC) is a preferred method, which is frequently used with C18 stationary phase, usually with gradient elution. In contrast to other ionization techniques, xanthophylls and carotenes form both molecular ions and protonated molecules during positive ion APCI (atmospheric pressure chemical ionization). APCI is an ideal method of ionization for low-to medium-polar compounds, which include also carotenoids and related compounds. Since their molecular mass does not exceed 2000 amu even in the case of glycosides or esters with fatty acids, this method is exceedingly suitable for their analysis. The review summarizes the data on its use for this group of compounds.

HPLC‐PAD‐atmospheric pressure chemical ionization‐MS metabolite profiling of cytotoxic carotenoids from the echinoderm Marthasterias glacialis (spiny sea‐star)

“…APCI is an ideal method of ionization for low to medium polar compounds, which also include carotenoids and related compounds. Since their molecular mass does not exceed 2000 u, even in the case of glycosides or esters, this method is suitable for their analysis, as has been recently reviewed by Rezenka et al [7]. In this study, an HPLC-PAD-APCI-MS metabolite profiling analysis of the marine organism M. glacialis was carried out.…”

Composition of Carotenoids in Scenedesmus protuberans: Application of Chromatographic and Spectroscopic Methods

“…(Hao et al 2005;Kurz et al 2008;Rezanka et al 2009;Rivera et al 2011;Weller and Breithaupt 2003). The fragment pattern observed in the carotenoid mass spectra depends on the ionization technique and composition of the mobile phase used; characteristic carotenoid fragments have been observed with various ionization techniques.…”

Improvement of the Extraction Process for High Commercial Value Pigments fromDesmodesmussp. Microalgae

“…In addition, saponification also provides esterified pigments identification, as shown for the identification of xanthophyll esters. 16,17 Methanol (Figure 2c) and ethanol (Figure 2d) alkaline saponification also led to the disappearance of some peaks that were usually present in ordinary solvent extractions. Saponification reaction, either from dry biomass or acetone Pigment saponification allowed simplified non-esterified pigment chromatographic identification, emerging as an important strategy to be adopted for microalgae pigment analysis; however, it led to lower pigment yields.…”

“…Most of the methods use potassium hydroxide (KOH) alkaline saponification in ethanol or methanol. 1,9,[16][17][18] However, this treatment leads to degradation and loss of information about the native compounds. In turn, the non-saponified extracts present more complex chromatograms and more pigment information, such as esterified xanthophyll.…”