A suitable indicator for the analysis of sodium copper chlorophyllin (Cu-Chl-Na) in foods was investigated by HPLC with a photodiode array detector. Cu-Chl-Na was extracted with ethyl ether from the homogenized sample after pH adjustment to 3-4 by adding 0.1
N hydrochloride. The extracted solution was concentrated to dryness, then the residue was dissolved in methanol as the test solution. Measurement of Cu-Chl-Na was achieved on a Inertsil ODS-2 column with a mobile phase of methanol-H
2O (97:3) containing 1% acetic acid, at a wavelength of 405nm.
Cu-Chl-Na on the market was a mixture that mainly consisted of copper chlorin e
6 and copper chlorin e
4, i. e., Cu-Chl-Na is not a single substance. In some cases, copper chlorin e
6 disappeared, depending on the influence of pH and heat treatment during the manufacturing process of foods. On the other hand, copper chlorin e
4 was relatively stable under these conditions. Therefore, copper chlorin e
4 could be used as an indicator substance for the analysis of Cu-Chl-Na.
Cu-Chl-Na in boiled bracken, agar-agar and chewing gum was analyzed by using copper chlorin e
4 as an indicator substance.
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