Photoacoustic measurement of lutein in biological matrix

Photoacoustic (PA) spectroscopy was applied for the first time to quantify lutein in a complex biological matrix. Standard addition of lutein to a biological low-lutein matrix was used for the calibration. The PA signal was found linearly proportional (R > 0.98) to lutein concentration up to 0.3% (w/w). The dynamic range of concentrations extends to 1% (w/w) lutein. For a given experimental set-up the responsivity of PA detector within the range of linearity was estimated to 1.1 mV/1% lutein. Precision of repeated analyses is good with average RSD values of 4 and 5% for blanks and spiked samples, respectively. The analytical parameters indicate that the PA method is fast and sensitive enough for quantification of lutein in supplementary drugs and in the lutein-rich foods.