The use of organic solvents, UV- visible spectrophotometry and HPLC methods in extraction and quantification of Lycopene from Watermelon

Carotenoids are unsaturated fatty acids composed of isopernoid units. Lycopene a carotenoid, with open-chain hydrocarbon exists in vegetables and fruits and recognized as a strong antioxidant in animal and plant systems. This compound has been received much attention for wide applications in pharmaceuticals, foods and health industries. The purpose of this study is to optimize extraction and quantification of Lycopene from Watermelon.Different ratio of solvents such as hexane, acetone, ethanol, tetrahydrofuran and as Di isopropyl ether were used to extract the freshly squeezed tissues of Watermelon. The extracted Lycopene was quantified using UV- visible spectrophotometry as well as HPLC methods. The best ratio of solvents for Lycopene extraction from Watermelon was found in hexane/ acetone/ethanol (16:7:7 V/V/V). Using this solvent, the amount of lycopene detected by HPLC 2.62 mg/l and by UV- visible spectrophotometry This was 2.32 mg/l. A proper ratios of the solvent, high quantify lycopene was extracted from Watermelon.