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  Home > JCE Print > Journal of Chemical Education > Issues > 2009  > November  >
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In the Laboratory
Effects of Storage Conditions on Lycopene Stability in Tomato Extracts
An Undergraduate Experiment
Amanda L. Miller and Pamela Vaughan
Department of Chemistry, University of West Florida, Pensacola, FL 32514

Tara M. Sirvent
Department of Chemistry, Vanguard University, Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Cover
November 2009
Vol. 86 No. 11
p. 1304

Abstract
Lycopene isomers can be isolated in samples of fresh tomato fruits, Lycopersicon esculentum L. Following homogenation the fruit tissue was extracted using organic solvents. Analysis of dried extracts was performed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with photodiode array detection (PDA). Initial analysis indicated only one isomer of lycopene (all-trans-lycopene). However, when the extract was incubated at room temperature (25 °C) under ambient light conditions for seven days and analyzed again via HPLC, a more bioactive form of lycopene, the cis isomer, was present in both low- and high-oxygen environments. This procedure is inexpensive and scaled for classroom laboratory applications. It demonstrates the importance of sample preparation and storage conditions on compound stability.
Supplement
Student handouts; Instructor notes

See also JCE Featured Molecules.

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Citation
Miller, Amanda L.; Vaughan, Pamela; Sirvent, Tara M. J. Chem. Educ. 2009, 86, 1304.
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Keywords
Analytical Chemistry; Biochemistry; Food Science; Hands-On Learning / Manipulatives; HPLC; Inquiry-Based / Discovery Learning; Laboratory Instruction; Photochemistry; Plant Chemistry; Separation Science; Upper-Division Undergraduate
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History
Created:
Last Updated:
9/16/2009
9/25/2009
 Caution! 
Experiments, laboratory exercises, lecture demonstrations, and other descriptions of the use of chemicals, apparatus, instruments, computers, and computer interfaces are presented in the Journal of Chemical Education as illustrative of new or improved ideas or concepts in chemistry instruction and are directed at qualified teachers. Although every effort is made to assure and encourage safe practices and safe use of chemicals, the Journal of Chemical Education cannot assume responsibility for uses made of its published materials. Many chemicals are hazardous. Precautions for the safe use of hazardous chemicals and directions for their proper disposal are described in the Material Safety Data Sheets and on the labels. We strongly urge all those planning to use materials from our pages to make choices and to develop procedures for laboratory and classroom safety in accordance with local needs and situations.
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