Semiquantitative color catcher and smartphone-based analysis of synthetic food dyes in alcohol containing beverages

Solid phase extraction, based on the use of color catcher sheets, was successfully employed for the preconcen-tration of food dyes from alcohol containing beverages. The photos of color catcher sheets with the adsorbed dyes were taken with a mobile phone. The smartphone-based image analysis of the photos was performed using Color Picker application. The values of several color spaces were collected. Specific values from RGB, CMY, RYB and LAB color spaces were proportional to the dye concentration in the analyzed samples. The described inexpensive, simple and elution free assay enables analysis of dyes concentration in various solutions.

Automated summary

Solid phase extraction using color catcher sheets was used to preconcentrate food dyes in alcohol containing beverages. The photos of the adsorbed dyes on the sheets were analyzed using a Color Picker application on a smartphone, and values from various color spaces were collected. Proportional values in RGB, CMY, RYB, and LAB color spaces were found to correspond to the dye concentration in the samples. This inexpensive and simple method allows for analysis of dye concentration in diverse solutions without the need for elution.