Escudo de la República de Colombia
Accesibility Panel

Method for the determination of total carotenoid

content in pumpkin using FTIR-ATR spectroscopy

(copy 5)

Needs Addressed (copy 1)

This technique enables the estimation of carotenoid content in pumpkin, a matrix whose main nutritional value lies in its contribution of these provitamin A compounds.

 

About the Technology (copy 1)

Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) is a promising alternative for simplifying the analysis of food constituents. This method was developed to estimate the total carotenoid content in pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata and Cucurbita maxima cultivars). It is based on measuring the infrared spectrum from 920 to 3000 cm⁻¹ in freeze-dried pumpkin samples and applying an algorithm using Partial Least Squares (PLS) regression models. The method shows a strong correlation with UV-Vis spectrophotometry of solvent-extracted samples (R²CAL = 0.95, R²PRED = 0.93, RPD = 3.78), making it a reliable tool for future agricultural applications.

 

Keywords (copy 1)

Pumpkin, carotenoids, ahuyama, FTIR-ATR, chemometrics, PLS, rapid quality analysis.

 

Market Opportunities (copy 1)

Companies that market spectroscopic sensors for the industry.

Food companies that use pumpkin as an ingredient.

Advantages (copy 1)

Traditional carotenoid quantification relies on UV-Vis spectrophotometry and chromatography, which require complex extraction protocols with organic solvents. This approach for carotenoid determination in pumpkin and squash eliminates the need for organic solvents, making it a more sustainable and efficient alternative.

 

Maturity Level (copy 1)

TRL4

 

Contact (copy 1)

Prof. Carlos Alberto Fuenmayor Bobadilla

cafuenmayorb@unal.edu.co

+57-6013165000 ext. 19211