Impact of Physicochemical Parameters on the Stability of β, ε-Carotene-3, 3’-Diol (Lutein) Extracted from Marine Alga Chlorella salina

Abstract

Lutein is an important carotenoid component available in all higher plants and algae. In this study, Chlorella salina was used as the source of lutein and the main purpose of the study was to evaluate the stability of lutein extract against different storage conditions. Stability of the extracted lutein was tested at different temperatures (-20,4,25,32°C), irradiation with UV and supplementation of ascorbic acid (antioxidant) in light and dark conditions over a storage period of 3 weeks. Colour change of the lutein extract was monitored using UV-Vis Spectroscopy. Photostabiltiy of lutein resulted in faster decay of the sample when exposed continuously to white fluorescent light (4000 Lux) at 4°C. Similar patterns of degradation were observed when stored at higher temperature (32°C) without the addition of ascorbic acid. The experimental results found that the addition of ascorbic acid retarded lutein degradation at lower temperature (4°C and-20°C). In dark conditions, addition of ascorbic acid (0.01% w/v) displayed greatest pigment retention. Our experimental findings revealed that lutein was sensitive to light exposure and high temperature, which could be stabilized by lower concentrations of ascorbic acid.