Algae Carotenoids Analysis

Microalgae are a great source of high-value products, including carotenoids. There is increasing interest in producing secondary carotenoids by microalgae because they are molecules of high commercial value, especially for the pharmaceutical industry and nutritional applications. These compounds have pigmentation properties and have a wide range of applications in the food and feed industries. They play a vital role in advanced animal nutrition, from aquaculture to farm animals, and provide protection due to their antioxidant activity in many organisms, including human health. Carotenoids are the most abundant pigments in nature and are found in all algae and photosynthetic bacteria. Carotenoids are natural pigments derived from five-carbon isoprene units that are enzymatically polymerized to form regular, highly conjugated 40-carbon structures with up to 15 conjugated double bonds. They represent the red, orange or yellow wavelengths of photosynthetic pigments. Carotenoids are generally divided into carotenoids and lutein, but accumulation in microalgae can also be divided into primary (necessary for survival) and secondary (through exposure to specific stimuli).

Fig. 1 Pigment communities among the 37 microalgae strains studied. (Serive B, et al., 2017)

Our Services

The scientists at CD BioSciences use HPLC analysis to quantify and identify native carotenoid in a variety of microalgae. By using UV spectroscopy, the total carotenoid content of each natural extract was also roughly estimated from their extinction coefficients at λmax of the main carotenoid pigments after dilution in appropriate solvents. Our services are listed as follows, but are not limited to:

• α-Carotene Analysis
• β-Carotene Analysis
• Zeaxanthin Analysis
• β-Cryptoxanthin Analysis
• Lutein Analysis
• Lycopene Analysis

UV/visible Absorption Data for Algae Carotenoids

Quality Control

• Report Results: Report results to two decimal places. Report average, standard.
• Duplicates: All samples were run in triplicate unless prohibited by the available sample volume (hydrolysis only).
• Precision and Bias: To report or calculate the relative percent difference (RPD) between two samples:

Precision and bias need to be determined by circular experiments using standard methods to validate biomass. The target RPD should be less than 10%.

• Sample size: 25 ± 2.5 mg per replicate.
• Sample storage: The hydrolyzate can be separated from the acid-insoluble solids and stored (still acidic) in the refrigerator (4℃) for up to two weeks.

CD BioSciences is a professional service provider for the marine biology industry. Our algae carotenoids analysis services can help you determine the value of your sample and its best use. We provide our customers with the most precise ingredient data and highly informed process expertise. Our team of biomass experts plays a key role in the formulation, optimization and commercial evaluation of biomass value-added processes in industry and academia. If necessary, please feel free to contact us.

Reference

• Serive B, Nicolau E, Bérard J B, et al. Community analysis of pigment patterns from 37 microalgae strains reveals new carotenoids and porphyrins characteristic of distinct strains and taxonomic groups[J]. PloS one, 2017, 12(2): e0171872.

Please kindly note that our services can only be used to support research purposes (Not for clinical use).