Extraction of β-carotene from peppers by means of certain organic solvents

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to present a study of certain characteristics of sweet peppers (genus Capsicum and species Annuum), grown in a private garden located in the North-Eastern region of the country (Razgrad District). 12 types of sown pepper seeds are considered. 11 types of them have annually been collected from the best quality fruits and selected by an amateur gardener. Only one group of pepper seeds (number 7) has been purchased commercially. Before conducting the experiment, the collected peppers have been stored in a refrigerator (5 °C) within a week. The following characteristics of the peppers were studied: moisture content, dry matter and ash content. Static extraction of β-carotene from the peppers was carried out in four organic solvents, used as extractants (isopropanol, isobutanol, 1,1-dichloromethane, 1,2-dichloroethane). The different organic solvents exhibited different extraction ability. The largest amount of β-carotene was extracted when polar organic solvents were used as extractants and first in terms of extraction ability was isopropanol, followed by isobutanol. The best organic solvent for extracting β-carotene from peppers proved to be isopropanol. The highest amount of β-carotene extracted by using isopropanol, was contained in sample № 7 (11.86±0.01 mg/100g of dry matter).