Column Chromatography
Column Chromatography of Plant Pigments
Paul Ibarbia, Gene Paolo Jasmin, Gianpaolo Jimenez and Lorenzo Labicane*
Department of Biology, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines
Abstract
Column chromatography of plant pigments is the separation of plant pigments extracted from Capsicum frutescens (siling labuyo). No slurry is prepared of the eluent; eluent with the stationary phase is set and then carefully poured into the column. The eluent are the solvents which are responsible for the pigments to be divided. The organic material inside the column is advanced by the eluent slowly passing through the inside of the column. Throughout the entire chromatography process, the eluent is collected in series of fractions. The eluent’s flow composition can be observed and each fraction is analysed to what specific color it will show.
Introduction
The Capsicum frutescens (siling labuyo) of the family Solanaceae, is a short-lived perennial with woody stems that reach a height of two meters, glabrous or pubescent leaves, has two or more greenish-white flowers per node, and extremely pungent fruit. This plant is cultivated in the tropics and warmer regions of the United States and is found throughout the Philippines, planted but also thoroughly established in open, waste places in settled areas.
Capsicum species are cold sensitive and normally grow best in well-drained, sandy or silt-loam soil. Plantings are established by transplanting or seeding. Hot and dry weather is necessary for fruit ripening. Fruit is generally handpicked as it ripens, and then allowed to dry in the sun. The fruit may be ground intact or after the removal of seeds, placenta parts, and stalks, increasing the fruit color and lowering the pungency.
The concentration of capsaicinoids, primarily of capsaicin which is an active component of chili peppers, in the fruit is dependent of the level of its pungency or spiciness. The concentration of capsaicinoids is used to commercially classify
Paul Ibarbia, Gene Paolo Jasmin, Gianpaolo Jimenez and Lorenzo Labicane*
Department of Biology, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines
Abstract
Column chromatography of plant pigments is the separation of plant pigments extracted from Capsicum frutescens (siling labuyo). No slurry is prepared of the eluent; eluent with the stationary phase is set and then carefully poured into the column. The eluent are the solvents which are responsible for the pigments to be divided. The organic material inside the column is advanced by the eluent slowly passing through the inside of the column. Throughout the entire chromatography process, the eluent is collected in series of fractions. The eluent’s flow composition can be observed and each fraction is analysed to what specific color it will show.
Introduction
The Capsicum frutescens (siling labuyo) of the family Solanaceae, is a short-lived perennial with woody stems that reach a height of two meters, glabrous or pubescent leaves, has two or more greenish-white flowers per node, and extremely pungent fruit. This plant is cultivated in the tropics and warmer regions of the United States and is found throughout the Philippines, planted but also thoroughly established in open, waste places in settled areas.
Capsicum species are cold sensitive and normally grow best in well-drained, sandy or silt-loam soil. Plantings are established by transplanting or seeding. Hot and dry weather is necessary for fruit ripening. Fruit is generally handpicked as it ripens, and then allowed to dry in the sun. The fruit may be ground intact or after the removal of seeds, placenta parts, and stalks, increasing the fruit color and lowering the pungency.
The concentration of capsaicinoids, primarily of capsaicin which is an active component of chili peppers, in the fruit is dependent of the level of its pungency or spiciness. The concentration of capsaicinoids is used to commercially classify