Retinoids extraction from biological samples

Regardless of the method chosen for the recovery of retinoids from biological samples, it is extremely important to remember that retinoids vary widely both in their solubility properties and in their stability. For these reasons, when an extraction method is being considered for the isolation of a given retinoid and/or its metabolites, two important points must be taken into account (1) whether the method chosen will result in a complete extraction of the retinoid of interest, and (2) whether it will contribute to the production of artifacts, either through hydrolysis of esters, isomerization, or production of nonphysiological compounds that may be mistaken for metabolites. 

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