Naslov
Reflectance colorimetry as a simple method for estimating carotenoid content in corn grain

Autori
Kljak, Kristina ; Grbeša, Darko ; Karolyi, Danijel

Izvornik
Journal of cereal science (0733-5210) 59 (2014), 2; 109-111

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Radovi u časopisima, članak, znanstveni

Ključne riječi
corn grain; carotenoids; reflectance colorimetry; CIE L*a*b*

Sažetak
Yellow corn grain is the only cereal containing appreciable amounts of carotenoids, compounds that can act as antioxidants, pigments or vitamin A precursors. Current methods for determining carotenoids in corn grain are costly and time-consuming, so the aim of the present research was to evaluate whether simple grain color measurement might serve as a fast, low-cost and reliable method for predicting carotenoid content. The six commercial corn hybrids were analyzed for carotenoid profile using HPLC and color parameters using reflectance colorimetry (CIE L*a*b*). The hybrids varied substantially in carotenoid content and color parameters. Levels of zeaxanthin correlated positively with redness (a*) and hue angle (hab), while levels of lutein, β-cryptoxanthin and β-carotene correlated positively with yellowness (b*) and chroma value (Cab*). The level of total carotenoids correlated positively with all color parameters except hab. Multiple linear regression was carried out in which scalar color coordinates (L*, a* and b*) and angular coordinates (L*, hab and Cab*) were considered independent variables, and equations with R2 > 0.9 were obtained. The results show that individual and total carotenoid content of corn grain can be accurately predicted using colorimetry, making it a fast and inexpensive method for carotenoid estimation in this crop.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Poljoprivreda (agronomija)

POVEZANOST RADA