Spectrophotometric Determinations of Chloroplastidic Pigments in Physalis angulata L. Leaves Using Different Methodologies

The aim of this study was to compare different protocols for extraction and quantification of photosynthetic pigments, considering different solvents, extraction time and temperature, to determine the best methodology for Physalis angulata L. leaves. The efficiency of immersion of leaf discs in 95% ethanol, 80% acetone and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) was evaluated for 24, 48 and 72 hours. The effect of temperature on extraction with DMSO was also evaluated, with the samples incubated at room temperature and in a water bath at 65 °C. These protocols were compared with the classical methods of plant tissue maceration in 80% acetone followed by filtration, which proved to be the most efficient for Physalis angulata plants and indicated for use in the laboratory. The use of high temperatures (65 °C) is not necessary for the chlorophyll extraction process with DMSO, the room temperature is most efficient in the extraction of carotenoids. Considering the total chlorophyll content, the leaf discs immersion technique in a solvent is acceptable, with 95% ethanol and 24 hours incubation and the most economically viable alternative.