Coulometric Determination of the Antioxidant Capacity of Tea Extracts Using Electrogenerated Bromine

A coulometric procedure based on the reaction between aqueous extracts of tea with electrogenerated bromine compounds was proposed for the rapid estimation of the antioxidant capacity of different kinds of tea. The antioxidant properties of tea with respect to bromine are mainly due to naturally occurring flavonoids, tannins, and some vitamins. Photometric and coulometric data for black teas exhibit good correlation.     

Voltammetric evaluation of the antioxidant capacity of tea on electrodes modified with multi-walled carbon nanotubes

The characteristics of the voltammograms of tea polyphenols on a glassy carbon electrode modified with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MCNT-GCE) were evaluated. With the use of atomic force microscopy, it was found that MCNTs are oriented as rows 0.8–1.0 μm wide with alternating hills to 586 nm in height. Polyphenols other than of tannin are reversibly oxidized at the first step. Corresponding electrode reaction schemes are proposed. A voltammetric procedure for the estimation of the antioxidant capacity (AOC) of tea based on the oxidation of its polyphenol compounds was developed. The voltammograms of tea exhibited clearly defined peaks and oxidation steps whose potentials depend on the type of tea. The area of oxidation peaks was chosen as the parameter that characterizes antioxidant properties. The AOC of tea was expressed in terms of catechin equivalents per 100 mL of a beverage. 27 tea samples were analyzed. It was found that the AOC of green tea is 79% higher than that of black tea (290 ± 40 and 54 ± 22 mg/100 mL, respectively, P < 0.05). The AOC of oolong tea (70 ± 5 mg/100 mL) is considerably lower than that of green tea and statistically insignificantly higher than that of black tea. The AOC of white tea is comparable with the AOC of green tea (255 ± 11 and 290 ± 40 mg/100 mL, respectively, P > 0.05).     

Coulometric titration with air transported sample

Air transported samples of a mixture containing the analyte and a supporting electrolyte are consecutively propelled into a microconduit system through a titration cell, a coil and a detector cell. Different amounts of electrochemically generated titrant are obtained in the separate samples while they are passing through the titration cell. Various quantities of the titrant are achieved by changing the duration of the titrant generating process that is done by various time for the sample solution staying in the titration cell (different sample movement rate). The titrated sample is then homogenised in the coil and detected in an electrochemical detector cell that supplies necessary data for the analyte determination. The declared method is experimentally verified on coulometric titration of hydrochloric acid (HCl) with electrogenerated sodium hydroxide and a titration of aniline with bromine generated in a bromide solution.     

Effect of milk caseins on the concentration of polyphenolic compounds in tea

The effect of caseins (milk proteins) on the concentration of free polyphenols responsible for the antioxidant effect in tea was examined. It was shown by micellar electrokinetic chromatography that the addition of milk to tea decreases the concentration of free polyphenols because of their binding with milk caseins.     

Immobilised tyrosinase-based biosensor for the detection of tea polyphenols

An amperometric principle-based biosensor containing immobilized enzyme tyrosinase has been used for detection of polyphenols in tea. The immobilized tyrosinase-based biosensor could detect tea polyphenols in the concentration range 10–80 mmol L⁻¹. Immobilization of the enzyme by the crosslinking method gave good stable response to tea polyphenols. The biosensor response reached the steady state within 5 min. The voltage response was found to have a direct linear relationship with the concentration of polyphenols in black tea samples. Enzyme membrane fouling was observed with number of analyses with a single immobilised enzyme membrane. The tyrosinase-based biosensor gave maximum response to tea polyphenols at 30°C. The optimum pH was 7.0. This biosensor system can be applied for analysis of tea polyphenols. Variation in the biosensor response to black tea infusions gave an indication of the different amounts of theaflavins in the samples, which is an important parameter in evaluating tea quality. A comparative study of the quality attributes of a variety of commercially available brands of tea were performed using the biosensor and conventional analytical techniques such as spectrophotometry.     

Modification of milk using immobilized enzymes

The preparation and use of immobilized enzyme systems for the modification of the principle components of milk—casein, lactose, and butterfat—are discussed. Design of a pilot-scale bioreactor is described. Also the use of tea polyphenols as a crosslinking agent is reported. A review of methods for hydrolyzing lactose and characteristics of a concentrated liquid sweetener derived from dairy byproducts is presented. Further, the application of immobilized esterases to modify milk, cream, and butterfat is reported.     

Electrochemical determination of synthetic antioxidants of bisdithiophosphonic acids

It has been found that bisdithiophosphonic acids with aryl substituents at the phosphorus atom quantitatively interact with electrogenerated halogens under the conditions of galvanostatic coulometry. Stoichiometric coefficients of the reaction between synthetic antioxidants and coulometric titrants-halogens have been determined. The corresponding reaction schemes have been proposed. The total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of the analytes has been estimated by their reaction with electrogenerated bromine. It has been demonstrated that bisdithiophosphonic acids bearing ionolic fragments demonstrate the highest TAC. It has been established that bisdithiophosphonic acids are irreversibly oxidized on a glassy carbon electrode at a potential of 800 mV with 0.1 M NaClO₄ in acetonitrile as the supporting electrolyte. The quantification limit and the analytical range of the analyte determination have been found.     

Biomimetic one-pot preparation of a black tea polyphenol theasinensin A from epigallocatechin gallate by treatment with copper(II) chloride and ascorbic acid

Chromatographic separation of black tea polyphenols is too difficult to supply sufficient quantities of pure compounds for biological experiments. Thus, facile methods to prepare black tea constituents were desired. Treatment of epigallocatechin gallate with copper(II) chloride efficiently afforded an unstable quinone dimer, dehydrotheasinensin A, and subsequent treatment with ascorbic acid stereoselectively yielded theasinensin A. The latter is a dimer with an R-biphenyl bond, one of the major polyphenols found in black tea. The method is simpler and more effective than enzymatic preparation.     

Production and degradation mechanism of theacitrin C, a black tea pigment derived from epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate via a bicyclo[3.2.1]octane-type intermediate

Black tea is rich in polyphenols and has been shown to have various health benefits; however, its components have not yet been clarified in detail. Enzymatic oxidation of epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate, the most abundant polyphenol in tea, is thought to contribute significantly to the production of black tea polyphenols. We identified theacitrin C, an unstable black tea pigment, as an enzymatic oxidation product of epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate. Degradation of theacitrin C afforded theacitrinin A and 2,3,5,7-tetrahydroxychroman-3-O-gallate. Furthermore, theacitrinin B, which was isolated from black tea, is deduced to be a degradation product of theacitrin A, the desgalloyl analogue of theacitrin C. The structures of theacitrinins A and B were elucidated based on spectroscopic data. This is the first time that a degradation product of theacitrin has been isolated from black tea. We also examined the influence of esterification of the epigallocatechin C-3 hydroxyl group on the decomposition of bicyclo[3.2.1]octane-type intermediates.     

A new mechanism for oxidation of epigallocatechin and production of benzotropolone pigments

Enzymatic oxidation of (−)-epigallocatechin gave two new quinone dimers, dehydrotheasinensin C and proepitheaflagallin. Dehydrotheasinensin C has a hydrated cyclohexenetrione structure and its oxidation-reduction dismutation reaction yielded black tea polyphenols, theasinensins C and E, and desgalloyl oolongtheanin. The structure of proepitheaflagallin was determined based on spectroscopic data of its quinoxaline derivatives prepared by condensation with o-phenylenediamine. Proepitheaflagallin was decomposed on heating to give epitheaflagallin and hydroxytheaflavin. The former is a known black tea pigment and the latter is a new pigment with 1′,2′,3′-trihydroxy-3,4-benzotropolone moiety. The results revealed a new mechanism for the production of these pigments from epigallocatechin.     

Structures of enzymatic oxidation products of epigallocatechin

To understand the structures of uncharacterized black tea polyphenols, the oxidation products of (−)-epigallocatechin were investigated. Enzymatic oxidation and subsequent heating of the reaction mixture afforded four new oxidation products (6, and 9–11) along with theasinensins C (4) and E (5), dehydrotheasinensin E (12), epitheaflagallin, hydroxytheaflavin, and desgalloyl oolongtheanin. The structures of the new compounds were determined chemically and spectroscopically. Isotheasinensin E (6) is a C-2 epimer of 5, and compounds 9 and 10 are oxidation products of 12. Another new compound, 11, is a yellow pigment and presumed to be a degradation product of proepitheaflagallin. The results disclosed new oxidation mechanisms that occur during black tea production.     

Simultaneous determination of platinum(II) and platinum(IV) by controlled-reagent coulometry

Both platinum(II) and the total amount of platinum were determined in the 5-μmole range with a precision of 0.3%. First, platinum(II) was determined dy oxidation with electrogenerated bromine,the equivalent quantity of electricity being measured. After reduction to platinum(II) with electrogenarated tin(II), the total amount of platinum was determined by a second oxidation with electrogenerated bromine.The reduction with tin(II) was too slow for manual control, and an electronic coulometric titrator was used.The construction of the tritator is described. The underlying coulometric principle, called controlled-reagent coulometry, and its adventages are discussed. A number of other substances were also tested.     

Camellia sinensis: Insights on its molecular mechanisms of action towards nutraceutical,anticancer potential and other therapeutic applications

The Camellia sinensis plant provides a wide diversity of black, green, oolong, yellow, brick dark, and white tea. Tea is one of the majorly used beverages across the globe, succeeds only in the water for fitness and pleasure. Generally, green tea has been preferred more as compared to other teas due to its main constituent e.g. polyphenols which contribute to various health benefits. The aim of this updated and comprehensive review is to bring together the latest data on the phytochemistry and pharmacological properties of Camellia sinensis and to highlight the therapeutic prospects of the bioactive compounds in this plant so that the full medicinal potential of Camellia sinensis can be realised. A review of published studies on this topic was performed by searching PubMed/MedLine, Scopus, Google scholar, and Web of Science databases from 1999 to 2022. The results of the analysed studies showed that the main polyphenols of tea are the four prime flavonoids catechins: epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), epicatechin gallate (ECG), epigallocatechin (EGC), and epicatechin (EC) along with the beneficial biological properties of tea for a broad heterogeneity of disorders, including anticancer, neuroprotective, antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antiobesity, antidiabetes and antiglaucoma activities. Poor absorption and low bioavailability of bioactive compounds from Camellia sinensis are limiting aspects of their therapeutic use. More human clinical studies and approaching the latest nanoformulation techniques in nanoparticles to transport the target phytochemical compounds to increase therapeutic efficacy are needed in the future.     

Chronoamperometric evaluation of the antioxidant capacity of tea on a polyquercetin-modified electrode

It was established that the components of tea are oxidized on a glassy carbon electrode modified with carbon nanotubes and electropolymerized quercetin in a phosphate buffer solution (pH 7.0) as a supporting electrolyte under conditions of differential pulse voltammetry. The oxidation potentials of the individual phenolic antioxidants of tea (gallic acid, rutin, quercetin, catechin, epigallocatechin gallate, and tannin) on the modified electrode were found. A method for the chronoamperometric determination of the antioxidant capacity (AOC) of tea was developed based on the oxidation of tea antioxidants at a potential of 0.20 V. The AOC of tea was evaluated using а difference between the oxidation currents of the analyte and a supporting electrolyte after 50 s of electrolysis in terms of gallic acid. The analytical range of gallic acid was 0.25?750 μM with a detection limit of 0.063 μM. Positive correlations of the AOC with antioxidant activity in a reaction with 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and the total phenolic content were found (r = 0.700 and 0.647 at r _crit = 0.396, respectively).     

A Convenient Synthesis of Theaspirone,An Odoriferous Principle of Black Tea

Theaspirone (10 a,b) was isolated for the first time by Ina and Sakata² in 1968. Although more than hundred compounds had been identified in tea flavour at that time none of them could be assigned to be responsible for its typical aroma. Ina et al. claimed that a 1:1 mixture of theaspirone and the lactone of 2-hydroxy-2,6,6-trimethyl-cyclohexylidene acetic acid³ had the fragrance of tea. Both compounds are found in this ratio in black tea in a total concentration of 30–40 ppb.     

傅里叶变换红外光谱法分析乳制品的成分

利用甲醇沉淀进口奶粉、国产奶粉和奶茶粉水溶液中的蛋白质,所得上清液用二氯甲烷萃取,再经傅里叶变换红外光谱法(FT-IR)分析沉淀物和各相中物质的成分.试验结果表明:3种样品沉淀物中均含有蛋白质和脂肪酸甘油三酯,在萃取时均有乳糖析出.三者上层(水+甲醇)均含有糊精;而下层(二氯甲烷-甲醇)进口奶粉中含有磷脂酰胆碱,国产奶粉中含有磷脂酰胆碱和长碳链伯酰胺,奶茶粉中含有咖啡因.     

Effect of Physicochemical Parameters on Enzymatic Biodecaffeination During Tea Fermentation

We report for the first time the development of a biodecaffeination process for tea synchronised with tea fermentation process using enzymes isolated from Pseudomonas alcaligenes. Cell-free extract was used for biodecaffeination of tea during fermentation of tea and 80% of the caffeine in the tea dhool was degraded within 90 min of incubation. Several factors that tend to effect the biodecaffeination during this stage, like moisture, aeration, intermittent enzyme addition and mixing, were optimized, and inhibitory interactions of proteins with polyphenols, caffeine–polyphenol interactions, which directly influence the biodecaffeination process were prevented by the use of glycine (5% w/w) in the dhool. Tea decaffeinated through the enzymatic route retained the original flavor and aroma, and there was an increase in the total polyphenol content of the tea.     

Robust flow-batch coulometric/biamperometric titration system: determination of bromine index and bromine number of petrochemicals

A flow–batch system was constructed and evaluated to perform coulometric titrations with biamperometric end point detection. The flow section of the system is employed for sampling by injecting a sample volume (50–300 μL) in a flow injection-like system. About 1.5 mL of a suitable carrier solution is delivered by a peristaltic pump in order to quantitatively transfer the sample to the system titration cell (2.0 mL total inner volume). The carrier contains the coulometric precursor for the titrant species. The cell contains two pairs of platinum electrodes used for coulometric generation of reagent and biamperometric detection and is actively stirred. The titrant species is generated and the titration is performed by the usual batch procedure with the excess of titrant being detected by biamperometry following the analysis of the titration curve. System operation is computer controlled and all operations are automated, including titration curve analysis and cell cleaning after the titration is ended. The system is characterized by its robustness because its operation does not depend on flow rates, and the work using coulometric methods which generate gases at the counter-electrode is not troublesome. The flow–batch system has been evaluated for determination of bromine index and bromine number (relative to the total reactive olefin content) in petrochemicals according to an ASTM procedure. Typical precision (R.S.D.) is between 0.5 and 6% for different petrochemicals whose bromine number/index vary from 1000 to 10 mg of bromine per 100 g of sample, respectively. Recoveries for standard additions are between 92 and 123% for 10 mg of Br₂ per 100 g increments and 98 to 101% for 100 mg per 100 g increments. Accuracy of the proposed system was evaluated against results obtained by the standard ASTM with no significant difference detected at 95% confidence level.     

Electrochemical determination of the total antioxidant capacity of human plasma

Electrochemical reduction of oxygen at a glassy carbon electrode in a 0.05 mol L^–1 solution of (C₂H₅)₄NI in dimethylformamide leads to generation of the superoxide anion-radical. This product of reversible one-electron oxygen reduction reacts with antioxidants, a process which is based on protonation of the anion-radical by the antioxidant. Rate constants of this interaction have been calculated. Human plasma antioxidants also react with electrochemically generated superoxide anion-radical. A voltammetric method is proposed for estimation of the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of plasma on the basis of on this reaction. The TAC of plasma was also determined using constant-current coulometry with electrogenerated bromine as the active species. A correlation was observed between TAC data obtained by voltammetry ( , in -tocopherol units) and coulometry (Br₂ as titrant). TAC of plasma from patients with purulent infections was determined. Statistically significant differences were found between TAC of patients and control group. Treatment of purulent infections increases the TAC of plasma. So, use of electrochemical methods (voltammetry and coulometry) for determination of TAC can be used for estimation of the effectiveness of treatment.     

Simple and rapid UV spectrophotometry of caffeine in tea coupled with sample pre-treatment using a cartridge column filled with polyvinylpolypyrrolidone (PVPP)

We have applied a sample pre-treatment method with a cartridge column filled with polyvinylpolypyrrolidone (PVPP) to the effective removal of polyphenols and simple UV spectrophotometry of caffeine in tea. The absorption maximum length (lambda(max)) for caffeine was close to those for tea catechins in aqueous 1% acetic acid; therefore, the UV spectrum of a non-treated green tea sample had a large absorption wave. In contrast, the absorbance of the green tea sample was gradually reduced by PVPP cartridge treatment using PVPP from 0 to 50 mg, and was nearly constant using a pre-treatment cartridge with more than 100 mg PVPP, because tea catechins were effectively removed and caffeine was mostly recovered from a green tea sample by means of PVPP cartridge treatment. The PVPP pre-treatment cartridge also removed polyphenols successfully from oolong and black tea samples. Comparison with conventional HPLC analysis indicated that the present pre-treatment method with a PVPP cartridge was useful for the simple and selective UV spectrophotometric determination of caffeine in green, oolong and black tea samples.