Stability Studies of Fucoxanthin From Sargassum Binderi

Fucoxanthin is an important carotenoid component available in all brown algae. In this study, Sargassum binderi was used as the source of fucoxanthin and the main purpose of the study was to evaluate the stability of fucoxanthin extract against the different storage conditions. Stabilities of the extracted fucoxanthin were tested with different pH and with supplementation of antioxidant (i.e., ascorbic acid) in light and dark condition over a storage period of 4 weeks. Colour changes of the fucoxanthin extract were monitored using colour software CIE LAB system. The results revealed that fucoxanthin pigment exhibited the greatest stability when stored in dark condition. The pigments were more stable at alkaline pH region as compared to neutral and acidic condition. In dark condition, the addition of ascorbic acid greatly delayed fucoxanthin degradation and concentration ascorbic acid at 1.0% w/v displayed greatest pigment retention. In conclusion, fucoxanthin pigments were sensitive to light exposure and acidic pH condition and could be stabilised by higher concentration of ascorbic acid.