Degradation rate of astaxanthin from Haematococcus pluvialis

Abstract

Astaxanthin is an antioxidant that is sensitive to environmental conditions. This study aimed to determine the effect of temperature and lighting on the concentration of astaxanthin, then derive the kinetic equation for its degradation. The half-life was calculated to determine the astaxanthin degradation time at which its concentration drops to half of its initial concentration. Standard astaxanthin was dissolved in acetone and left to stand under three different conditions. The results indicated that temperature and lighting can both cause degradation of astaxanthin. Degradation appeared to follow the second-order kinetics. The calculation showed that lower storage temperatures and less intense light exposure extended the astaxanthin half-life.