Effect of type of oxidation on beta-carotene loss and volatile products formation in model systems

Abstract

The effect of different types of oxidation on β-carotene loss and the formation of volatile products was investigated by autoxidation in a microcrystalline cellulose model system, which was compared with photosensitized and chemical oxidations in solution. Beta-carotene loss was faster during autoxidation at 80°C, followed by chemical oxidation, photosensitized oxidation and autoxidation at 20°C. Similar volatile degradation products were found for the different types of oxidation, however, their relative concentrations varied. Autoxidation at 20°C and chemical oxidation led to several volatile oxidation products, originating mainly from cleavage at bonds 7–8, 9–10 and 8–9 of the β-carotene molecule. However, autoxidation at 80°C and photosensitized oxidation led to more specific oxidation products: dihydroactinidiolide and β-ionone, respectively.