New Method for Carotenoid Extraction and Analysis by HPLC-DAD-MS/MS in Freeze-Dried Citrus and Mango Pulps

Carotenoid analysis in citrus is still a challenge due to their complex carotenoid profile and matrix acidity, which can promote isomerization and epoxide-furanoid rearrangements of these compounds. A new method for carotenoid extraction from freeze-dried citrus was developed. Extraction was carried out by magnetic stirring using ethyl acetate and methanol as solvents and Na2CO3 to neutralize organic acids. Liquid-liquid partition was achieved by centrifugation. Carotenoid quantification was accomplished by both UV-Vis and high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection (HPLC-DAD)...