J. Phys. IV France 125 (2005) 825-828
DOI: 10.1051/jp4:2005125190

Photoacoustic measurement of lutein in biological matrix

D. Bicanic¹, S. Luterotti², M. Becucci³, V. Fogliano⁴ and P. Versloot<sup>5

1</sup>  Laser Laboratory for Photothermal Science, Biophysics Division, Department of Agrotechnology and Food Sciences, Wageningen University, Dreijenlaan 3, 6703 HA Wageningen, The Netherlands
²  Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Zagreb, Ante Kovacica 1, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
³  European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy LENS, University of Florence, via Nello Carrara 1, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
⁴  Dipartimento di Scienza degli Alimenti, Universita di Napoli "Federico II", Parco Gussone Edificio 84, 80055 Portici, Italy
⁵  Division of Human Nutrition, Department of Agrotechnology and Food Sciences, Wageningen University, Bomenweg 2, 6703 HD Wageningen, The Netherlands

Abstract
Photoacoustic (PA) spectroscopy was applied for the first time to quantify lutein in a complex biological matrix. Standard addition of lutein to a biological low-lutein matrix was used for the calibration. The PA signal was found linearly proportional (R > 0.98) to lutein concentration up to 0.3% (w/w). The dynamic range of concentrations extends to 1% (w/w) lutein. For a given experimental set-up the responsivity of PA detector within the range of linearity was estimated to 1.1 mV/1% lutein. Precision of repeated analyses is good with average RSD values of 4 and 5% for blanks and spiked samples, respectively. The analytical parameters indicate that the PA method is fast and sensitive enough for quantification of lutein in supplementary drugs and in the lutein-rich foods.

© EDP Sciences 2005