Effect of storage temperature and extraction methods in chlorophyll content in Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.)

Subject Areas : biology

Maryam Khoshsokhan-Mozaffar ¹ (Department of Biology, Qom Branch, Islamic Azad University, Qom, Iran)

Received: 2023-01-13 Accepted : 2023-02-13 Published : 2023-02-13

Keywords: Chlorophyll, Dimethyl sulfoxide, Acetone, dimethylformamide, natural dye,

Abstract :

Introduction: Since the synthesis of some chemical compounds is difficult and expensive, it is necessary to find ways to increase their production in plants. One of these materials is color compounds. Chlorophyll, as a natural pigment, plays an important role in the green appearance of plants. This color is used in food, cosmetics, etc industries. Purpose: The purpose of this project is investigation of different methods of chlorophyll extraction for more chlorophyll content in alfalfa plantsMaterials and methods: To carry out this project, alfalfa cultivated and then the aerial part was harvested for biochemical analysis and kept at different temperatures (-20 and 4). chlorophyll was extracted using acetone and ethanol solvents by grinding method and methanol, DMSO and DMF solvents by soaking method and then its amount was measured by spectrophotometer at the respective wavelengths.Results : Based on the obtained results, it can be said that acetone solvent with high ability and producing more extractable chlorophyll concentration than other solvents was chosen as the appropriate solvent. Also, samples kept at minus 20 temperature showed more chlorophyll due to less possibility of destruction. Conclusion: maintaining of the aerial part of the plant at -20 keeps more chlorophyll than at 4°C and extracting chlorophyll by grinding in acetone has a better performance compared to other solvents.