Journal of Analytical & Bioanalytical Techniques
Open Access

Abstract

Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient in human dietary, as it has an important role in promoting carbohydrate and normal fat metabolism, as well as it is essential in the formation of red blood cells, and the normal functioning of the nervous system. Naturally occurring vitamin B12 is only found in animal products such as meat, milk, dairy products, fish, oysters and clams, but it is well-known for its absence in plant-based foods. Therefore, strict vegetarians (vegans) are at higher risk for developing cobalamin deficiency. Due to the need for investigation and accurate determination of vitamin B12 in plant matrices, a HPLC-UV method with a combined purification and concentration step by immunoaffinity column (IAC) was developed. The method demonstrated linear response with r2 > 0.994, with LOD and LOQ values 0.003 μg/ ml and 0.010 μg/ ml, respectively. The validation studies shows very good specificity and accuracy, as well as precision. Actinorhizal plants, such as Hippophae rhamnoides are symbiotic with actinobacteria Frankia Alni, they are potential hosts for vitamin B12. The method was applied in several plant samples, but significant amounts of vitamin B12 were detected only in Hippophaes rhamnoides (37 μg/ 100 g dry weight). These initial findings provide the basis for detection of vitamin B12 also in other plants, and can be a good measure of prevention for the vitamin B12 deficiency in vegetarians.

Biography

Michail Nakos is a PhD candidate in the Institute of Technical Chemistry at Leibniz University of Hannover. Currently is working in the development of analytical methods for the determination of active biomolecules from natural matrices. His research interests include extractions and isolations of biomolecules; development, and validation of analytical methods; chemical characterization of colloids, emulsions and interfacial chemistry.

Email: nakos@iftc.uni-hannover.de