Analysis of Carotenoids

From the day of first exploration, carotenoids are under study for multiple aspects. Worth of any scientific study relies upon its novelty of hypothesis followed by precision and repeatability of analysis. Carotenoids have interesting history of analysis that started from simple colorimetric assessment of its quantity as colorant agent. Every decade has added valued data in its advancement of precision. Currently it is being studied at metabolomics level for structural elucidation of pre-existing or newly discovered compounds. Spectrophotometry, chromatography, spectrometry are major technical tools adopted for biological analysis of carotenoids. While dealing with human samples extraction is not possible for the sake of analysis. Therefore, nondestructive techniques are adopted as preference. Infrared spectroscopy (NIRS/MIRS) and Raman Spectroscopy are being used as nondestructive techniques for carotenoid analysis. Another technical tool for enhanced analyticl precision is the coupling of techniques. For that purpose GC-MS, GC-NMR, NMR-MS, MS-MS etc. are being employed.