EN 18206:2026

• Abstract:

  This document specifies a laboratory method for the determination of the carotenoid content in microalgae. This method is based on the principles of chlorophyll a determination described in EN 18034. This method has been validated for the microalgae species Nannochloropsis and Phaodactylum. This standard is only validated for betacarotene and fucoxanthin but could be used for other carotenoids as well. Given small adaptations to be able to measure smaller concentrations, this method could also be; used for macro algae.; NOTE this method has been validated in an interlaboratory study for the following carotenoids for levels of approximately 0.1 to 10 mg/g by weight:; • beta carotene;; • fucoxanthin.; For the validation, the following matrices were used:; • Nannochloropsis sp .;; • Phaedactylum.; For detailed information on the validation, see Clause 9 and Annex C. Additionally, lutein was tested and Saccharina latissima was used as an additional matrix. However, these results could not be validated. The results of these studies have been included in informative Annex D.

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 08-Sep-2026
• ICS: 13.020.55 - Biobased products
• Technical Committee: CEN/TC 454 - Algae and algae products
• Drafting Committee: CEN/TC 454/WG 6 - Product test methods
• Current Stage: 6060 - Definitive text made available (DAV) - Publishing
• Start Date: 09-Sep-2026
• Due Date: 27-Oct-2025
• Completion Date: 09-Sep-2026
• Mandate: M/547 - [C(2016)1582] Standardisation request to CEN on Algae and their products
• Ref Project: SIST EN 18206:2026 - Algae and algae products - Methods of sampling and analysis - Determination of beta carotene and fucoxanthin content in microalgae

• Referred By: EN ISO/ASTM 52945:2024 - Additive manufacturing for automotive - Qualification principles - Generic machine evaluation and specification of key performance indicators for PBF-LB/M processes (ISO/ASTM 52945:2023)
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026

Overview

EN 18206:2026 is a European standard developed by CEN that specifies a laboratory method for determining the content of beta carotene and fucoxanthin in microalgae. The standard provides a validated analytical procedure, primarily designed for the microalgae species Nannochloropsis and Phaeodactylum. The methodology is based on principles established for chlorophyll a determination (EN 18034) and can potentially be adapted for other carotenoids or macroalgae with minor modifications.

As the algae industry expands across diverse sectors such as food, feed, cosmetics, biopolymers, fertilizers, and biofuels, reliable and standardized testing is essential for quality control, regulatory compliance, and supporting sustainable growth in bio-based products.

Key Topics

• Validated Analytical Methodology: EN 18206:2026 outlines a detailed protocol for extracting and quantifying carotenoids (specifically beta carotene and fucoxanthin) in microalgae samples, using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).
• Sample Handling and Preparation: The standard highlights the importance of strict sample handling procedures. Samples must be protected from light, handled at low temperatures, and processed soon after collection to prevent degradation of target analytes.
• Calibration and Quality Control: The standard prescribes the use of carotenoid standards for calibration curves, ensuring measurement accuracy. Interlaboratory studies confirm the reproducibility and reliability of results for validated microalgae species.
• Applicability to Other Carotenoids and Macroalgae: While validated for beta carotene and fucoxanthin, the method may be adapted for other carotenoids or macroalgae types, provided adjustments are made to accommodate lower concentrations found in some matrices.

Applications

EN 18206:2026 is a critical reference for laboratories, researchers, and industries working with algae and algae-based products. Key applications include:

• Quality Assurance in Production: Enables manufacturers to verify carotenoid content, supporting product labelling and meeting nutritional or regulatory benchmarks.
• Research and Development: Facilitates comparative studies in biotechnology, aquaculture, and bioresource optimization by providing a consistent approach for carotenoid analysis.
• Food and Feed Safety: Supports compliance with safety and quality standards for ingredients derived from microalgae in food or animal feed.
• Cosmetic and Pharmaceutical Testing: Assures the consistency of bioactive pigment content for cosmetic formulations and health-related algae extracts.
• Environmental and Sustainability Assessments: Provides data for monitoring and improving the cultivation processes of algae, contributing to circular bioeconomy and sustainable resource utilization.

Related Standards

For comprehensive analysis and terminology in algae and algae product testing, EN 18206:2026 should be used alongside the following European and international standards:

• EN 18034: Algae and algae products - Methods of sampling and analysis - Determination of chlorophyll a content
• EN 17399: Algae and algae products - Vocabulary
• EN 17605:2022: Algae and algae products - Methods of sampling and analysis - Sample treatment

By following EN 18206:2026 and the related standards, organizations in the algae sector can ensure consistency, safety, and international recognition for their measurement and quality control procedures, supporting the credibility and marketability of algae-derived products in Europe and globally.

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-november-2026
Alge in izdelki iz alg - Metode vzorčenja in analize - Ugotavljanje vsebnosti beta
karotena in fukoksantina v mikroalgah
Algae and algae products - Methods of sampling and analysis - Determination of beta
carotene and fucoxanthin content in microalgae
Algen und Algenprodukte - Verfahren zur Probenentnahme und Analyse - Bestimmung
des Gehalts an Fucoxanthin, Beta-Carotin und Lutein in Mikroalgen
Algues et produits à base d'algues - Méthodes d'échantillonnage et d'analyse -
Détermination de la teneur en fucoxanthine, bêta-carotène et lutéine
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 18206:2026
ICS:
13.020.55 Biološki izdelki Biobased products
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EN 18206
EUROPEAN STANDARD
NORME EUROPÉENNE
September 2026
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
ICS 13.020.55
English Version
Algae and algae products - Methods of sampling and
analysis - Determination of beta carotene and fucoxanthin
content in microalgae
Algues et produits à base d'algues - Méthodes Algen und Algenprodukte - Verfahren zur
d'échantillonnage et d'analyse - Détermination de la Probenentnahme und Analyse - Bestimmung des
teneur en fucoxanthine, bêta-carotène et lutéine Gehalts an Fucoxanthin, Beta-Carotin und Lutein in
Mikroalgen
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 19 July 2026.

CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this
European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references
concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre or to any CEN
member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by
translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management
Centre has the same status as the official versions.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway,
Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and
United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION

EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2026 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN 18206:2026 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

Contents Page
European foreword . 3
Introduction . 4
1 Scope . 5
2 Normative references . 5
3 Terms and definitions . 5
4 Principle . 6
5 Apparatus . 6
6 Reagents and materials . 7
7 Sampling and preparation of the sample . 8
7.1 Sampling . 8
7.2 Sample treatment . 8
8 Procedure . 8
8.1 Extraction . 8
8.2 Determination of the concentration of carotenoid standards . 9
8.3 Preparation of the calibration curve . 10
8.4 Quality assurance and quality control equipment . 10
8.5 HPLC analysis . 11
9 Calculation of carotenoid concentration . 13
9.1 General . 13
9.2 Interlaboratory reproducibility . 13
10 Test Report . 14
Annex A (informative) Carotenoid standards and standard curves for calibration . 15
Annex B (informative) Results of interlaboratory study for the determination of beta-
carotene, and fucoxanthin content in micro algae. 16
B.1 Introduction . 16
B.2 Material A – Nannochloropsis sp.: Results for beta-carotene . 16
B.3 Material B – Phaeodactylum sp.: Results for beta-carotene and fucoxanthin . 18
B.4 General conclusions . 19
Annex C (informative) Results of interlaboratory study for the determination of lutein
content in Nannochloropsis sp., and fucoxanthin content in Saccharina . 20
C.1 Introduction . 20
C.2 Material A – Nannochloropsis sp.: Results for lutein . 20
C.3 Material C – Saccharina: Results for fucoxanthin . 21
C.4 General conclusions . 22
Bibliography. 23

European foreword
This document (EN 18206:2026) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 454 “Algae and
algae products”, the secretariat of which is held by NEN.
This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an
identical text or by endorsement, at the latest by March 2027, and conflicting national standards shall be
withdrawn at the latest by March 2027.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CEN shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
This document has been prepared under a standardization request addressed to CEN by the European
Commission.
Any feedback and questions on this document should be directed to the users’ national standards body.
A complete listing of these bodies can be found on the CEN website.
According to the CEN-CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organisations of the
following countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia,
Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland,
Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of North
Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and the United
Kingdom.
Introduction
This document has been prepared by the experts of CEN/TC 454 'Algae and algae products'.
The European Committee for Standardization (CEN) was requested by the European Commission (EC) to
draft European standards or European standardization deliverables to support the implementation of
Article 3 of Directive 2009/28/EC for algae and algae-based products or intermediates.
This request, presented as Mandate M/547 , also contributes to the Communication on “Innovating for
Sustainable Growth: A Bio economy for Europe”.
The former working group CEN Technical Board Working Group 218 “Algae”, was created in 2016 to
develop a work programme as part of this Mandate. The technical committee CEN/TC 454 'Algae and
algae products' was established to carry out the work programme that will prepare a series of standards.
The interest in algae and algae-based products or intermediates has increased significantly in Europe as
a valuable source including but not limited to, carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and several pigments.
These materials are suitable for use in a wide range of applications from food and feed purposes to other
sectors, such as textile, cosmetics, biopolymers, biofuel and fertilizer/biostimulants. Standardization was
identified as having an important role in order to promote the use of algae and algae products.
The work of CEN/TC 454 should improve the reliability of the supply chain, thereby improving the
confidence of industry and consumers in algae, which include macroalgae, microalgae, cyanobacteria,
Labyrinthulomycetes, algae-based products or intermediates and will promote and support
commercialisation of the European algae industry.
Given the importance of carotenoids in algae and algae products, it is important to have a good
standardized method to determine the amount of the carotenoids. Since there are a lot of carotenoids,
only the determination of beta-carotene and fucoxanthin is incorporated in this document.

Available at http://ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/mandates/index.cfm?fuseaction=refSearch.search#
1 Scope
This document specifies a laboratory method for the determination of the carotenoid content in
microalgae. This method is based on the principles of chlorophyll a determination described in EN 18034.
This method has been validated for the microalgae species Nannochloropsis and Phaodactylum. This
document is only validated for betacarotene and fucoxanthin, but could be used for other carotenoids as
well. Given small adaptations to be able to measure smaller concentrations, this method could also be
used for macro algae.
NOTE This method has been validated in an interlaboratory study for the following carotenoids for levels of
approximately 0,1 to 10 mg/g by weight:
− Beta-carotene;
− fucoxanthin.
For the validation, the following matrices were used:
− Nannochloropsis sp.;
− Phaedactylum.
For detailed information on the validation, see 9.2 and Annex B. Additionally, lutein was tested and Saccharina
latissima was used as an additional matrix. However, these results could not be validated. The results of these
studies have been included in informative Annex C.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
EN 17399, Algae and algae products - Vocabulary
EN 17605:2022, Algae and algae products - Methods of sampling and analysis - Sample treatment
3 Terms and definitions
For the purpose of this document, the terms and definitions given in EN 17399 and the following apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
• ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp
• IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/
3.1
carotenoid
accessory pigment of the class of tetraterpenoids including carotenes and xanthophylls
3.2
carotene
unoxygenated (oxygen free) carotenoid
EXAMPLE 1 α-carotene.
EXAMPLE 2 β-carotene.
EXAMPLE 3 lycopene.
3.3
carotenoid standard
solution with defined concentration of the carotenoid of interest that is used to determine the analyte of
interest with the help of standard curves
Note 1 to entry: This is explained in further detail in Annex A.
3.4
pigment
any colouring matter in the cells and tissues of photosynthetic organisms
3.5
xanthophyll
carotenoid molecule containing oxygen
EXAMPLE 1 lutein.
EXAMPLE 2 zeaxanthin.
4 Principle
The carotenoids are extracted from the samples with methanol and separated using HPLC. The separated
components are analysed at 440 nm using a photodiode array detector. This method specifically aims at
determining beta-carotene and fucoxanthin content.
5 Apparatus
Usual laboratory apparatus and, in particular, the following:
5.1 Analytical balance, with an accuracy of preferably 0,01 mg.
5.2 High Performance Liquid Chromatograph (HPLC) with refrigerated sample changer and a
Photodiode Array detector (PDA).
5.3 Centrifuge.
5.4 Vortex.
5.5 Spectrophotometer.
5.6 Fume hood.
6 Reagents and materials
6.1 HPLC reagents
All reagents should be HPLC grade. For the triple gradient see 8.5.2.
6.1.1 Mixture of methanol with a volume fraction of 80 % and 0,5 M ammonium acetate buffer (pH
7.2) in purified water with a volume fraction of 20 %.
6.1.2 Mixture of acetonitrile with a volume fraction of 90 %, and purified water with a volume
fraction of 10 %.
6.1.3 Ethyl acetate
For the double gradient see 8.5.3.
6.1.4 Mixture of methanol with a volume fraction of 70 %, and 0,028 M tetrabutylammonium
acetate (TBAA) in purified water.
6.1.5 Methanol
6.1.6 Glass beads, ∅ 0,75 mm to 1 mm
6.2 HPLC column
For the triple gradient see 8.5.2.
6.2.1 C18 stationary phase, e.g. Nova-pak 4 μm (3,9 × 150 mm)
For the double gradient see 8.5.3.
NOTE Nova-pak is an example of a suitable product available commercially. This information is given for the
convenience of users of this document and does not constitute an endorsement by CEN of the product named.
Equivalent products may be used if they can be shown to lead to the same results.
6.2.2 C8 stationary phase e.g. Zorbax Eclipse XDB-C8 3,5 μm (4,6 × 150 mm)
NOTE Zorbax Eclipse is an example of a suitable product available commercially. This information is given for
the convenience of users of this document and does not constitute an endorsement by CEN of the product named.
Equivalent products may be used if they can be shown to lead to the same results.
6.3 Pyrex screw capped tubes, 10 mL (1 / test portion) and 20 mL (1 / test portion)
6.4 Micropipettes
6.5 Pasteur pipettes
6.6 HPLC vials and caps
6.7 Syringe with volume of 1 mL and PTFE or PVDF filters (0,20 μm, ∅ 15 mm)
6.8 Methanol with a volume fraction of ≥ 99,0 %
6.9 Quartz cuvettes
6.10 Carotenoid standards: for the identification and quantification of carotenoids (in particular: beta-
carotene and fucoxanthin content), that shall comply to the following quality parameters:
— a concentration range from 0,5 to 1,5 μg/ml;
— dissolved in solvent;
— transported on dry ice by the supplier;
— stored after arrival at least at −20 °C and preferably at −80 °C.
Recommendations for carotenoid standards are given in Annex A.
6.11 Aluminium foil
7 Sampling and preparation of the sample
7.1 Sampling
The sample received by the laboratory shall not be damaged or changed during transport or storage
Sampling is not part of the method specified in this document.
7.2 Sample treatment
Sample treatment is not part of the method specified in this document. A recommended sample handling
procedure is given in EN 17605:2022 with the following adaptations / additions:
— fine grinding shall be conducted as defined in 3.13 in EN 17605:2022;
— transport shall be performed on dry ice;
— storage shall be at −80 °C.
Extensive storage times of the test sample should be avoided. In case this could not be avoided, the test
sample should be freeze-dried again before usage.
Three test portions from the test sample shall be analysed as to be able to calculate the mean and standard
deviation. A maximum relative standard deviation of 10 % shall be obtained.
The samples shall be protected from light at any time before and during the analysis, by using e.g.
aluminium foil. The samples shall be protected from air by using e.g. a nitrogen blanket.
Samples shall not be stored for over one month, because storage can degrade carotenoids, even when the
samples are frozen.
8 Procedure
8.1 Extraction
The whole extraction procedure, except for the weighing, shall be performed under a fume hood.
The extraction procedure shall be conducted through the following steps:
1) Weigh a test portion of approximately 25 mg of the test sample in a 10 mL pyrex screw capped tube
(i.e. weight test portion);
2) Record the weight to the nearest 0,01 mg;
3) Add approximately 850 mg glass beads;
4) Add 5 mL methanol;
5) Vortex for 30 s;
6) Centrifuge at 450 g for 10 min;
7) Transfer the solvent to a 20 mL volumetric flask, e.g. by using a Pasteur pipette;
8) Leave the pellet in the 10 mL pyrex tube;
9) Repeat step 4) to 8) three more times, which should result in a pooled extract of 4 consecutive
extractions;
10) Add methanol to the volumetric flask until a volume of 20 mL is reached;
11) Transfer the contents of the volumetric flask to a 20 mL pyrex screw capped tube, e.g. by using a
Pasteur pipette;
12) Homogenize the pooled extract with a total volume of 20 mL by turning the tube upside down;
13) Transfer the extract to the HPLC vial with a syringe using a 0,20 μm filter.
The carotenoids concentration decreases during the storage of extracts, even at temperatures of −20 °C
and −80 °C. Therefore, extracts should be put on HPLC as soon as possible after the extraction.
8.2 Determination of the concentration of carotenoid standards
Before the preparation of the calibration curves, the concentration of the different carotenoid standards
shall be measured spectrophotometrically as described below using published extinction coefficients
found in Table 1.
Keep the different carotenoid standards in fume hood and far away from direct light.
The absorbance of each of the carotenoid standards is measured in a 1 cm cuvette at the standard’s
wavelength λ (given in Table 1) A (λ ) and at 750 nm A (750) to correct for light scattering. Note that
max i imax i
the absorbance at known λ of the carotenoids should be in the range of 0,2-0,8. If the absorbance is
max
outside this range then dilute the solution until the absorbance is within this range.
Also for newly purchased standards the concentration should be measured spectrophotometrically,
because some degradation can already have taken place after the concentration determin
...