Nigerian Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Biochemistry & Physiology: Open Access

Sulfur-Containing Compounds: Natural Potential Catalyst for the Isomerization of Phytofluene, Phytoene and Lycopene in Tomato Pulp

Abstract

Author(s):

he effects of some sulfur-containing compounds on the isomerization and degradation of lycopene, phytofluene, and phytoene under different thermal treatment conditions were studied in detail. Isothiocyanates such as allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) and polysulfides like dimethyl trisulfide (DMTS) had the effect on the configuration of PTF (phytofluene), PT (phytoene), and lycopene. The proportion of their naturally occurring Z-isomers (Z1,2-PTF and 15-Z-PT) decreased and transformed into other isomers including all-trans configuration, while Z-lycopene increased significantly after thermal treatment, especially for 5-Z-lycopene.