Spectrophotometric study on betanin photodegradation

The most commonly occurring betacyanin plant pigment in nature is betanin (5-O-glucoside of betanidin). Its main source is red beet root (Beta vulgaris L.), used for production of food colorants on a commercial scale [1]. Due to photo-lability of betacyanins, an eff ect of UV-irradiation on betanin degradation in various solutions containing organic solvents was investigated. Organic solvents are used frequently in many stages of pigment preparation or isolation, therefore, knowledge of betalain stability and degradation characteristics in these solutions is essential. Pigment solutions at a concentration of 1 mg/ml were prepared in diff erent solvents: water as well as aqueous solutions of 50% (v/v) acetonitrile, 50% (v/v) methanol or 50% (v/v) ethanol, at the pH range 3–8. Acetate, phosphate and citrate buff ers were used for the experiments. As a result of the pigment photo-decomposition, numerous decarboxylated and dehydrogenated derivatives were formed. Spectrophotometric studies enabled determination of the pigment retention (percentage of the pigment residue relative to its initial concentration after decomposition time). The studies demonstrated betanin high lability in all solvents, not only at extreme pH values, but also in the middle pH range which, in general, provides higher stability of betalains.