Résumé:
The aim of this work is the study of the forced molecular degradation of a polyphenol; Hesperidin by exposure to solar, ultraviolet and infrared radiation. A spectrophotometric monitoring of the variation of absorbance as a function of time allows us to highlight the changes that occur within the molecule, in response to each of the stress factors. A second analysis technique, which is HPLC coupled to mass spectrometry, was used to identify the fragments, likely to be formed during the degradation of the molecule.
To confirm the results obtained experimentally, we performed theoretical calculations using the DFT method. The energy of each fragment obtained by mass spectrometry was calculated to compare the stability of these fragments.
This study showed that hesperidin, free or contained in orange juices, undergoes degradation, following exposure to radiation; this is why adequate preservation during transport and storage is required.
