EFFECTS OF ENZYMATIC TREATMENTS OF MARIGOLD FLOWERS ON LUTEIN ISOMERIC PROFILES

Reversed-phase C-30 HPLC was applied to study the identity of lutein i somers and to monitor the effects of solids content and elimination of water-soluble substances on the isomeric carotenoid profiles of marig old (Tagetes erecta) samples treated with enzymes. The tentative ident ity of four lutein isomers present in saponified marigold extracts was confirmed. Enzymatic treatment on a 5% solids slurry produced the mar igold meal with the highest all-trans-lutein content [25.1 g/kg dry we ight(dw)]. We did not observe variations in the distribution in percen tage of lutein isomers due to enzymatic treatment; the elimination of water solubles had a significant but small effect on such variations. The solids content was the principal factor that affected the caroteno id profiles. An analysis of the distribution showed that 15% solids ga ve the highest all-trans-lutein percentage in treated meals. Interesti ngly, with 20% solids both the degradation of lutein and the percentag e of all-trans-zeaxanthin were the highest.