Comparison of four types of raman spectroscopy for noninvasive determination of carotenoids in agricultural products

Abstract

Carotenoids are one class of naturally-occurring pigments with antioxidant properties. They can absorb light energy for use in photosynthesis for plants, and act as antioxidants to reduce risk of cancer for human. Carotenoids are confirmed to exist in agricultural products as the main source for human. Raman spectroscopy is a new technique for determination of carotenoids in agricultural products as it is both noninvasive and rapid. Four types of Raman spectroscopy could be used for contact measurement of carotenoids in fruits and vegetables: (1) Fourier transform Raman spectroscopy; (2) Resonance Raman spectroscopy; (3) Raman microspectroscopy; (4) Spatially Offset Raman spectroscopy. The experimental setups, advantages and applications of the above-mentioned Raman spectroscopies are discussed.