An HPLC method developed for determination of all-trans-lutein in food supplements was used for the analysis lutein in 15 different food supplements (tablets and capsules). The results proved the necessity of the determination of lutein in food supplements: 4 samples contained no lutein at all, 3 samples contained about 140 % and only 6 samples were in the 85-115% range of the declared content, 2 samples contained about 51% of the declared value of lutein in the form of lutein esters. Some cis isomers of lutein and small amounts of all-trans-zeaxanthin were also detected in all samples.
F.02 Acquisition of new scientific knowledge
COBISS.SI-ID: 4030234We developed new extraction, isolation procedure for the isolation of the enzymes pectin methylesterase (PME) and polygalacturonase (PG) from fresh tomato fruit. One of the main forms of tomato PME that is applicable to the food industry and one form of PG were isolated using short monolithic columns (CIM disks, Bia Separations).
F.02 Acquisition of new scientific knowledge
COBISS.SI-ID: 3561754An innovative approach based on the complementary techniques (TLC in HPLC-UV-MS) using normal and reversed phase enabled separation and identification of twelve biologically active compounds, ten triterpenoids (?-amyrin, ß-amyrin, ?-amyrin, lupeol, lupenon, lupeol acetate, cycloartenol, cycloartenol acetate, ursolic acid and oleanolic acid) and two sterols (stigmasterol and ß-sitosterol) for the first time. The separation of four isomeric triterpenols (?-amyrin, ß-amyrin, cycloartenol and lupeol) without pre-chromatographic derivatization was achieved by TLC for the first time as well.
B.03 Paper at an international scientific conference
COBISS.SI-ID: 4011290We participated in the documentary transmission »Truth and untruth about vitamins and minerals« presented on the 1. programme of TV Slovenia on the 5th of October 2009. The group from the Laboratory for Food Chemistry (National Institute of Chemistry) made a contribution about the carotenoid lycopene and vitamin C in foods and food supplements.
F.35 Other
COBISS.SI-ID: 2656881In the frame of this research project two undergraduate students from University of Ljubljana [Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology (Darja Groznik, co-supervisor dr. Breda Simonovska) and Faculty of Education (Katja Zavrl, co-supervisor dr.Irena Vovk)] did experimental work and prepare diploma thesis. The researchers were also actively involved in the education process by supervising involved young researchers (Mitja Martelanc, Vesna Glavnik, Alen Albreht, PeterBerne).
D.10 Educational activities
COBISS.SI-ID: 7094857