Determination of lycopene in food by on-line SFE coupled to HPLC using a single monolithic column for trapping and separation.

A method that would eliminate the degradation of lycopene during analysis was developed. Supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) with carbon dioxide as the extraction medium was connected on-line to high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) where a single monolithic column was used for trapping and the subsequent separation of analytes. The method was linear over the studied range (0.1-2.5 microg), and it was repeatable (R.S.D. 3.9%), sensitive (LOD = 0.5 ng) and fast (35 min). Lycopene was determined in tomatoes, fruit and several food products. Because of the on-line construction, lycopene was not in contact with air or light during the whole procedure and the amount analysed should therefore correspond to the real amount in the sample.