Carotenoid Analysis Service

What are Carotenoids?

Carotenoids are a class of natural pigments synthesized by plants, algae, and some bacteria. These compounds are responsible for the vibrant red, orange, and yellow hues observed in various fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Structurally, carotenoids consist of a polyene chain with alternating single and double bonds, conjugated with end groups such as cyclic rings or ketones. This unique structure allows carotenoids to absorb light in the visible spectrum, contributing to their vivid colors.

There are over 700 known carotenoids, classified into two major groups: carotenes and xanthophylls. Carotenes are hydrocarbons and include well-known compounds such as β-carotene, α-carotene, and lycopene. Xanthophylls, on the other hand, contain oxygen atoms and include compounds like lutein, zeaxanthin, and β-cryptoxanthin. Each carotenoid has a distinct color and plays specific biological roles in different organisms.

Analyzing carotenoids is crucial for understanding their functions, biosynthesis pathways, and potential applications in various industries. Carotenoids serve as antioxidants, protecting organisms from oxidative damage caused by reactive oxygen species. Additionally, these pigments play a critical role in photosynthesis, capturing light energy and transferring it to chlorophyll molecules.

Carotenoids also have significant nutritional value. In humans, certain carotenoids are converted into vitamin A, an essential nutrient for vision, growth, and immune function. Moreover, carotenoids have been associated with a reduced risk of chronic diseases, including certain types of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and age-related macular degeneration. Understanding the composition and levels of carotenoids in different foods and supplements is crucial for developing strategies to enhance their health benefits.

Creative Proteomics: Carotenoid Metabolism Analysis Projects

Carotenoid Profiling: Our comprehensive carotenoid profiling service enables the identification and quantification of carotenoids in various samples, including plants, algae, and microorganisms. By employing high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with mass spectrometry (MS), we can accurately analyze and characterize a wide range of carotenoids, providing detailed information about their composition and abundance.

Metabolic Pathway Analysis: Creative Proteomics specializes in elucidating carotenoid biosynthesis pathways in different organisms. Through a combination of targeted and untargeted metabolomics approaches, we can identify key intermediates, enzymes, and regulatory factors involved in carotenoid metabolism. This knowledge is invaluable for understanding the regulation of carotenoid production and potentially engineering pathways to enhance carotenoid content in crops.

Stability and Degradation Studies: Carotenoids are susceptible to degradation due to various environmental factors, such as light, heat, and oxygen. Creative Proteomics offers stability and degradation studies to assess the effects of these factors on carotenoid stability and identify degradation products. This information can aid in the development of proper storage and processing techniques to preserve carotenoid content in food and cosmetic products.

Carotenoid Analysis Techniques

• High-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (HPLC-MS): This technique combines the separation power of HPLC with the detection and identification capabilities of MS. It allows for the accurate separation and quantification of carotenoids in complex samples, providing high-resolution data on their molecular structures and concentrations. Instruments such as Agilent 1290 Infinity II LC and Thermo Scientific Q Exactive series MS are commonly utilized for carotenoid analysis.
• Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS): GC-MS is another powerful technique employed in carotenoid analysis. It involves the separation of volatile carotenoid compounds by gas chromatography, followed by their detection and characterization using mass spectrometry. Instruments such as Agilent 7890B GC and Waters Xevo TQD MS are commonly used in this context.

Workflow for Plant Metabolomics Service

List of Carotenoids Analyzed (including but not limited to)

Carotenes

Xanthophylls

Why Choose Us?

• High-throughput, multiple types of carotenoid markers available
• High sensitivity, detection accuracy down to the ng level
• Absolute quantification of standard samples, providing standard curves for each compound

Sample Requirements for Carotenoids Assay