PENGGUNAAN SPEKTROFOTOMETER VISIBLE UNTUK PENENTUAN KADAR β-KAROTEN PADA PAPRIKA (Capsicum annum L.) Use of Visible Spectrophotometer for Determination of β-Karoten Content from Paprika (Capsicum annum L.)

Abstract

Spectrophotometer is an instrument used to measure the absorbance of a solution. The principle works is by passing the light with specific wavelengths in the sample in the cuvette. The light will be absorbed and the rest will be missed. Value absorbance of light that is passed will be proportional to the concentration of the solution in the cuvette. In this study, does validate method of analysis β-carotene with a visible spectrophotometer, which is used for the analysis of β-carotene content in paprika (Capsicum annum L.). β-carotene is a naturally occurring chemical found in fruits and vegetables that are red-orange-yellow-orange and dark green. The content of β-carotene in paprika work as antioxidants prevent cancer. From the results of this study by using a wavelength of 435 nm can be concluded that the greater the solvent used to dissolve the paprika then β-carotene concentration decreases, while β-carotene levels will be higher. This is due to the less solvent used, the more intense the color of paprika solution so that the color the greater penetrating power. However, the increase in concentration had no effect on levels rise, this depends on the amount of solvent that can dissolve the β-carotene in the sample. While the heating time, the greater the concentration of β-carotene is higher, while the β-carotene levels will decrease. This is due to the longer heating time, the greater the concentration of the sample and the more intense the color so that the color the greater penetrating power. However, the increase in concentration had no effect on levels rise, this depends on the heating time of the sample solution. Percent average error contained in the first variable depending solvent is 7.36% and the second variable depending on the heating time is 5.86%. Keywords: Spectrophotometer visible, β-carotene, Capsicum annum L, content