Characterization of Carotenoids from Pineapples: An Integrated andModular Experiment for Practical Learning of UV-vis Spectroscopy,Chromatography, Mass Spectrometry, and Chemometrics br

ABSTRACT

In the past few decades, chemistry has evolved to interact withvarious disciplines to synergistically help tackle global challenges. This, in turn,requires that newer generations of chemistry students are trained to be moreflexible in accepting and coordinating new concepts. In this experiment, pineapplewas used as a key model to allow for the incorporation of multiple importantconcepts into the laboratory. Using carotenoid separation as a main goal, columnchromatography, UV-vis spectroscopy, thin-layer chromatography, high-perform-ance liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry, and principal component analysiscan be included in a cohesive laboratory experiment. On the other hand, theseactivities were also designed to be modular, thus allowing instructors to add,remove, or modify the contents in a highly customizable manner. This makes ithighly versatile and amenable to uncertain situations like unexpected universityclosure due to COVID-19 related lockdown. Overall, this laboratory experimentserves as a practical example of how chemistry can help solve real-world problems while also allowing highflexibility in teaching management