A Comprehensive Review of Analytical Approaches for Carotenoids Assessment in Plant-Based Foods: Advances, Applications, and Future Directions
Carotenoids are essential bioactive compounds in plant-based foods, valued for their antioxidant properties and role in human health. Accurate quantification of these pigments is critical for food science, nutrition, and health research, yet their analysis remains challenging due to structural compl...
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MDPI AG
2025-03-01
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| author | Marcin A. Kurek Havva Aktaş Patryk Pokorski Ewelina Pogorzelska-Nowicka Jorge A. Custodio-Mendoza |
| author_facet | Marcin A. Kurek Havva Aktaş Patryk Pokorski Ewelina Pogorzelska-Nowicka Jorge A. Custodio-Mendoza |
| author_sort | Marcin A. Kurek |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Carotenoids are essential bioactive compounds in plant-based foods, valued for their antioxidant properties and role in human health. Accurate quantification of these pigments is critical for food science, nutrition, and health research, yet their analysis remains challenging due to structural complexity, susceptibility to degradation, and matrix interferences. This review comprehensively evaluates analytical techniques for carotenoid assessment, focusing on chromatographic advancements, emerging detection strategies, and sustainability considerations. High-performance liquid chromatography remains the gold standard due to its precision, while novel approaches such as supercritical fluid chromatography and core–shell particle technology enhance efficiency and environmental sustainability. Machine learning and lab-on-a-chip technologies are also emerging as promising tools for rapid, cost-effective, and miniaturized analysis. Challenges in standardization, regulatory gaps, and the limited availability of certified reference materials persist, emphasizing the need for fully validated analytical methodologies. Future research should prioritize green analytical techniques and interdisciplinary strategies to improve sensitivity, reproducibility, and environmental impact. This review provides a critical resource for researchers and industry professionals willing to refine carotenoid analysis for food science, nutrition, and biotechnology applications. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-4895281628824c5db71e1193c3d99ca2 |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 2076-3417 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-03-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Applied Sciences |
| spelling | doaj-art-4895281628824c5db71e1193c3d99ca22025-08-20T03:08:43ZengMDPI AGApplied Sciences2076-34172025-03-01157350610.3390/app15073506A Comprehensive Review of Analytical Approaches for Carotenoids Assessment in Plant-Based Foods: Advances, Applications, and Future DirectionsMarcin A. Kurek0Havva Aktaş1Patryk Pokorski2Ewelina Pogorzelska-Nowicka3Jorge A. Custodio-Mendoza4Department of Technique and Food Development, Institute of Human Nutrition Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Nowoursynowska 166, 02-787 Warszawa, PolandDepartment of Technique and Food Development, Institute of Human Nutrition Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Nowoursynowska 166, 02-787 Warszawa, PolandDepartment of Technique and Food Development, Institute of Human Nutrition Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Nowoursynowska 166, 02-787 Warszawa, PolandDepartment of Technique and Food Development, Institute of Human Nutrition Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Nowoursynowska 166, 02-787 Warszawa, PolandDepartment of Technique and Food Development, Institute of Human Nutrition Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Nowoursynowska 166, 02-787 Warszawa, PolandCarotenoids are essential bioactive compounds in plant-based foods, valued for their antioxidant properties and role in human health. Accurate quantification of these pigments is critical for food science, nutrition, and health research, yet their analysis remains challenging due to structural complexity, susceptibility to degradation, and matrix interferences. This review comprehensively evaluates analytical techniques for carotenoid assessment, focusing on chromatographic advancements, emerging detection strategies, and sustainability considerations. High-performance liquid chromatography remains the gold standard due to its precision, while novel approaches such as supercritical fluid chromatography and core–shell particle technology enhance efficiency and environmental sustainability. Machine learning and lab-on-a-chip technologies are also emerging as promising tools for rapid, cost-effective, and miniaturized analysis. Challenges in standardization, regulatory gaps, and the limited availability of certified reference materials persist, emphasizing the need for fully validated analytical methodologies. Future research should prioritize green analytical techniques and interdisciplinary strategies to improve sensitivity, reproducibility, and environmental impact. This review provides a critical resource for researchers and industry professionals willing to refine carotenoid analysis for food science, nutrition, and biotechnology applications.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/7/3506carotenoid analysisHPLCsupercritical fluid chromatographysample preparationgreen analytical chemistrymachine learning |
| spellingShingle | Marcin A. Kurek Havva Aktaş Patryk Pokorski Ewelina Pogorzelska-Nowicka Jorge A. Custodio-Mendoza A Comprehensive Review of Analytical Approaches for Carotenoids Assessment in Plant-Based Foods: Advances, Applications, and Future Directions Applied Sciences carotenoid analysis HPLC supercritical fluid chromatography sample preparation green analytical chemistry machine learning |
| title | A Comprehensive Review of Analytical Approaches for Carotenoids Assessment in Plant-Based Foods: Advances, Applications, and Future Directions |
| title_full | A Comprehensive Review of Analytical Approaches for Carotenoids Assessment in Plant-Based Foods: Advances, Applications, and Future Directions |
| title_fullStr | A Comprehensive Review of Analytical Approaches for Carotenoids Assessment in Plant-Based Foods: Advances, Applications, and Future Directions |
| title_full_unstemmed | A Comprehensive Review of Analytical Approaches for Carotenoids Assessment in Plant-Based Foods: Advances, Applications, and Future Directions |
| title_short | A Comprehensive Review of Analytical Approaches for Carotenoids Assessment in Plant-Based Foods: Advances, Applications, and Future Directions |
| title_sort | comprehensive review of analytical approaches for carotenoids assessment in plant based foods advances applications and future directions |
| topic | carotenoid analysis HPLC supercritical fluid chromatography sample preparation green analytical chemistry machine learning |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/7/3506 |
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