Colorimetric determination of food colourants using solid phase extraction into polymethacrylate matrix

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Food Science

Background:

• Food dyes such as Brilliant Blue, Sunset Yellow, Ponceau 4R, and Tartrazine are widely used in food and beverages.
• Accurate quantification of these dyes is essential for quality control and regulatory compliance.
• Existing analytical methods may be complex or require specialized equipment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a simple colorimetric method for determining four specific food dyes.
• To assess the method's performance using transparent polymer optodes.
• To compare the results with a standard analytical technique (HPLC).

Main Methods:

• A colorimetric method utilizing transparent polymer optodes was employed.
• Optimal conditions were established for dye determination.
• The method's linear range and correlation coefficients were evaluated.
• Analysis of food dyes in commercial beverages and juices was performed.

Main Results:

• The method demonstrated acceptable linear ranges from 0.01 to 3.0 mg/L for the analyzed food dyes.
• High correlation coefficients (higher than 0.995) were achieved under optimal conditions.
• The results obtained from analyzing commercial samples showed good agreement with HPLC.

Conclusions:

• The developed colorimetric method using transparent polymer optodes is a simple and effective tool for quantifying Brilliant Blue, Sunset Yellow, Ponceau 4R, and Tartrazine.
• The method offers high accuracy and reliability, suitable for analyzing food dyes in various food products.
• This technique provides a viable alternative to more complex methods like HPLC for routine analysis.