A novel method for flow injection analysis of total antioxidant capacity using enzymatically produced ABTS and biamperometric detector containing interdigitated electrode

Application of interdigitated array microelectrodes as electrochemical sensors for determination of antioxidant capacity is reported. Electrochemical measurements with interdigitated electrodes (IDE) were studied in both stationary solutions and the flow system. The method is based on biamperometric measurements using ABTS⁺|ABTS redox couple in phosphate buffer solution, pH 7.40. During analysis, the ABTS radical cation was enzymatically produced by peroxidase in a tubular flow-through reactor. The performance of bioreactor was tested at different concentrations of immobilized enzyme, ABTS and hydrogen peroxide. The influence of flow rate on proper operation of the bioreactor was also studied. The results of antioxidant activity were determined using Trolox as a standard. The applied IDE detector accomplished good sensitivity of 0.3 nA/μM of Trolox and offered linear range between 20 to 500 μM of Trolox.The comparison of results (R² = 0.9915) for antioxidant activity between spectroscopic and FIA biamperometric measurements by interdigitated electrodes confirmed the applicability of the proposed method for determination of antioxidant capacity.     

Optimization and validation of post-column assay for screening of radical scavengers in herbal raw materials and herbal preparations

On-line method, which combines HPLC distribution and post-column reaction, was designed for the search of individual antioxidants. Optimization of the assay was performed evaluating optimal ABTS(+) radical cation concentration in the reactor, reaction time, impact of flow rate, reaction coil length. HPLC-ABTS assay validation in this work was performed by assessing reference antioxidant negative peak areas in radical scavenging chromatogram. Sample free radical scavenging activity is expressed as trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC). Optimized and validated method was applied in detection of compounds possessing free radical scavenging ability in complex mixtures. Antioxidant compounds were studied in perilla (Perilla frutescens (L.) Britton var. crispa f. viridis) herbal raw material and its preparations. The HPLC-separated antioxidant compounds were identified using HPLC-photodiode array coupled to mass spectrometer, using a reference mass for determining accurate masses. Radical scavenging characteristics of rosmarinic acid, which is the dominant phenolic compound in medicinal herbal raw material of perilla and its preparations, were confirmed by the calculated TEAC values. Compounds responsible for antioxidant effect in herbal raw materials and herbal preparations were identified, evaluated and compared.     

A novel amperometric method for antioxidant activity determination using DPPH free radical

A new method for the determination of antioxidant activity based on the amperometric reduction of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) at the glassy carbon electrode is proposed. All experiments were done in three-electrode electrochemical cell at 140 mV vs. Hg(2)Cl(2) | 3 M KCl using ethanolic solution (phi=40%) and 0.033 M KCl in 0.033 M phosphate buffer, pH=7.4. The linear range obtained for Trolox in 100 microM DPPH ethanol-water solution was up to 30 microM, with a limit of detection of 0.05 microM. The developed method was applied for the evaluation of antioxidant activity of some water or ethanol soluble pure compounds of antioxidants and of the samples of tea, wine and some other beverages. The good correlation of measurements (R(2)=0.9993) expressed as Trolox equivalent was obtained between the proposed amperometric method and classic spectroscopic method.     

A new approach for the sequential injection spectrophotometric determination of the total antioxidant activity

A sequential injection system based on the ABTS (2,2′-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic-acid) methodology was developed. The proposed method, incorporating a mixing chamber in the side port of the selection valve, was evaluated to measure the total antioxidant activity of several beverages and foods.The ABTS⁺ is generated by oxidation of ABTS with potassium persulfate and is reduced in presence of hydrogen-donating antioxidants converting into a colourless product. The applicability of the developed method was tested by measurement of the antioxidant activity of pure compounds as well as by analysing complex food and beverage samples. The antioxidant activity was presented as l(+) ascorbic acid equivalence. The values obtained by this methodology were not significantly different from the results obtained by the original spectrophotometric ABTS assay. For most of the studied antioxidants, antioxidant activity varied with pH and dilution. The proposed SIA system is suitable for screening direct or diluted total antioxidant activity of pure compounds or food samples.     

Simple DPPH.‐Based Electrochemical Assay for the Evaluation of the Antioxidant Capacity: a Thorough Comparison with Spectrophotometric Assays and Evaluation with Real‐World Samples

An assay based on the electrochemical detection of 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH^.) for the evaluation of the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was optimized. The assay is interchangeable with the classic spectrophotometric tests for TAC based on the same radical. In addition, it can be used for the analysis of dilute samples with low antioxidant capacities. A good linear correlation (R²=0.97) was obtained between the results obtained with the proposed electrochemical assay and the Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity test based on ABTS radical. The assay was successfully used to evaluate the antioxidant capacity of two red wines obtained by six different maceration‐fermentation techniques.     

Antioxidants determination with laccase

The spectrophotometric method of antioxidants determination using recombinant laccase Polyporus pinsitus (rPpL) and Myceliophthora thermophila (rMtL) was developed. The method includes simultaneous oxidation of the antioxidant and high reactive laccase substrate producing chromophoric radical cation. As laccase substrates ABTS and other high reactive phenoxazine derivatives: 2-phenoxazin-10-yl-ethanol (PET), 3-phenoxazin-10-yl-propane-1-sulfonic acid (PPSA) and 3-phenoxazin-10-yl-propionic acid (PPA) were used. The kinetic data were analysed using a scheme of simultaneous oxidation of the antioxidant and the substrate.In a range of (0.9-7.3) × 10⁻⁶ M of Trolox the measurings recovered 91 and 99% of the antioxidant if ABTS and both laccases were used. The recovery varied between 82 and 124% if phenoxazine derivatives were used. The antioxidant activity determined in rich with antioxidants food samples, i.e. date-palm, black raisin, golden raisin, skin of red grape, dice of red grape, fitted the literature data.     

Effect of acid and base catalyzed hydrolysis on the yield of phenolics and antioxidant activity of extracts from germinated brown rice (GBR)

The influence of both acidic and basic hydrolysis on the yield, total phenolic content and antioxidative capacity of methanolic extract of germinated brown rice (GBR) was studied. Total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), 2,2'-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging, 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) radical cation scavenging, and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) tests were used for the measurement of antioxidant ability. There was a significant difference p < 0.05) in the TPC and DPPH radical scavenging assay results when comparing neutral with acidic and basic catalysed hydrolysis. The yield of the crude extract was slightly higher in acidic hydrolysis than in basic hydrolysis p > 0.05). The TPC and TFC were highest in acidic hydrolysis. A significant correlation was observed between ABTS radical cation scavenging and FRAP. The antioxidant activity measured using DPPH radical scavenging assay showed high activity in acidic hydrolysis, while the ABTS radical cationscavenging activity and FRAP showed the highest values in basic hydrolysis. The samples were further evaluated using HPLC to determine the individual phenolic concentrations in different hydrolytic media contributing to the antioxidant effects. This study revealed that acidic and basic hydrolysis can improve the yield, phenolic content, and antioxidant activity of germinated brown rice.     

Synthesis and antioxidant activities of new nickel(II) complexes derived from 4-benzyloxysalicylidene-S-methyl/propyl thiosemicarbazones

Six nickel(II) complexes of the N₂O₂ chelating thiosemicarbazones were synthesized using N¹-4-benzyloxysalicylidene-S-methyl/propyl thiosemicarbazone and methoxy-substitute-salicylaldehydes in the presence of Ni(II) ion by template reaction. The structures of thiosemicarbazones and nickel(II) complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, UV-Vis, IR, and ¹H-NMR spectroscopies. The structure of the N¹-4-benzyloxysalicylidene-S-propyl thiosemicarbazone ( 2 ) was determined by X-ray single-crystal diffraction method. The total antioxidant capacities of synthesized compounds were evaluated by using cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) method. The thiosemicarbazones exhibited more potent antioxidant capacity than Ni(II) complexes. Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) of 1c was found highest in tested nickel(II) complexes. In addition, antioxidant activities of tested compounds were evaluated by using the hydroxyl radical, DPPH radical, and ABTS radical scavenging abilities of these compounds.     

Impact of High-Pressure Processing on Antioxidant Activity during Storage of Fruits and Fruit Products: A Review

Fruits and fruit products are an essential part of the human diet. Their health benefits are directly related to their content of valuable bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols, anthocyanins, or vitamins. Heat treatments allow the production of stable and safe products; however, their sensory quality and chemical composition are subject to significant negative changes. The use of emerging non-thermal technologies, such as HPP (High Pressure Processing), has the potential to inactivate the microbial load while exerting minimal effects on the nutritional and organoleptic properties of food products. HPP is an adequate alternative to heat treatments and simultaneously achieves the purposes of preservation and maintenance of freshness characteristics and health benefits of the final products. However, compounds responsible for antioxidant activity can be significantly affected during treatment and storage of HPP-processed products. Therefore, this article reviews the effect of HPP treatment and subsequent storage on the antioxidant activity (oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assay), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging capacity assay, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay, 2,2′-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging capacity assay or Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) assay), and on the total phenolic, flavonoid, carotenoid, anthocyanin and vitamin contents of fruits and different processed fruit-based products.     

Improved antioxidant activity of BKOS Thai jasmine rice

Thai jasmine rice (Oryza sativa L. cv. KDML105) is highly valued due to its subtle aroma, robust seed characteristics and high nutritional quality. Low-energy ion-beam bombardment was chosen to improve the quality of jasmine rice by mutation induction. One mutated variety, named BKOS, was found to exhibit a deep purple colour due to an increased accumulation of anthocyanin. The total phenolic content and antioxidant activities of cooked and uncooked rice extracts were compared with KDML105, BKOS and other rice mutants created by a low-energy ion beam. The BKOS extracts showed the highest total phenol content (0.140 and 0.096?mg of gallic acid equivalent (GAE)?g(-1) dry extract from uncooked and cooked rice, respectively). The BKOS extracts also had improved antioxidant activities, determined using three standard methods: 2,2'-diphenyl-1-picrylhdrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging, ABTS radical cation (ABTS?(+)) decolourisation and ferric-reducing antioxidant power assays. BKOS extracts showed 2-2.5-fold increased levels for each method. Interestingly, there was no significant difference between the antioxidant activities of the cooked and uncooked BKOS rice extracts. The increased quantity of antioxidants in this anthocyanin-based natural product could allow antioxidants to be consumed by a wider population than what is currently possible.     

Chemical composition of Artemisia annua L. leaves and antioxidant potential of extracts as a function of extraction solvents

This study was conducted to investigate the chemical and nutritional composition of Artemisia annua leaves in addition to determination of antioxidant potential of their extracts prepared in different solvents. Chemical composition was determined by quantifying fat, protein, carbohydrate, fiber, tocopherol, phytate, and tannin contents. Extraction of A. annua leaves, for antioxidant potential evaluation, was carried out using five solvents of different polarities, i.e., hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, methanol and water. Antioxidant potential was evaluated by estimating total phenolic (TPC), flavonoid (TFC) contents, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), DPPH radical scavenging activity and lipid peroxidation. Efficiency of different solvents was compared for the yield of antioxidant extracts from leaf samples and a clear variation was observed. The highest TPC, TFC, TEAC, DPPH radical scavenging and lowest lipid peroxidation were observed in MeOH extracts, whereas aqueous extract exhibited high ferric reducing antioxidant power; suggesting MeOH to be the most favorable extractant.     

Stopped-flow method for assessment of pH and timing effect on the ABTS total antioxidant capacity assay

The pH and timing effect on the relative capacity of antioxidant compounds to scavenge the ABTS [2,2′-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid)] radical cation (ABTS⁺) expressed as the trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) is assessed for a wide range of antioxidants using a modification of the original ABTS assay at different pHs (4.6, 5.4 and 7.4).To study both fast and slow reacting antioxidants, a stopped-flow method based on a low cost laboratory-made system was used. For most of the tested antioxidants, total antioxidant capacity values were found to be a function of pH and time allowed for the reaction.Structurally similar compounds have the same time and pH-dependent behaviour even if they have significant differences in total antioxidant capacity values. The ABTS⁺ scavenging reaction rate was found to depend strongly on pH for p-coumaric acid, glutathione, BHT and albumin. Quercetin, gallic acid, (+)-catechin and (−)-epicatechin showed the higher activities at all pHs.The stopped-flow method can be utilized for screening of antioxidant compounds of unknown kinetics towards ABTS⁺ at different pHs and the results can be used to predict the total antioxidant capacity of structurally related compounds.     

Benzophenones and flavonoids from Hypericum maculatum and their antioxidant activities

The occurrence of three known benzophenones, namely annulatophenonoside, acetylannulatophenonoside and annulatophenone as well as a flavonol O-glycoside guajaverin in the aerial parts of Hypericum maculatum Crantz was established. In addition, hyperoside, isoquercitrin and miquelianin were isolated from this plant, as well. Radical scavenging and antioxidant activities of the isolated compounds were examined using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS) free radicals, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay and inhibition of lipid peroxidation in linoleic acid system by the ferric thiocyanate method. Isoquercitrin demonstrates the highest DPPH radical scavenging (96.6?±?0.3%), FRAP (23.8?±?0.2 Trolox equivalent, TE?mol?1) and antioxidant activity in linoleic acid system. Guajaverin and acetylannulatophenonoside show significantly strong ABTS radical scavenging activity (93.9?±?0.4% and 93.4?±?0.6%, respectively), which is comparable to that of ascorbic acid (96.2?±?0.4%).     

Formation and decay of the ABTS derived radical cation: A comparison of different preparation procedures

Bleaching of a preformed solution of the blue‐green radical cation 2,2′‐azinobis (3‐ethylbenzothizoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) (ABTS^+·) has been extensively used to evaluate the antioxidant capacity of complex mixtures and individual compounds. The reaction of the preformed radical with free‐radical scavengers can be easily monitored by following the decay of the sample absorbance at 734 nm. The ABTS radical cation can be prepared employing different oxidants. Results obtained using MnO₂ as oxidant show that the presence of manganese ions increases the rate of [ABTS]^+· autobleaching in a concentration‐dependent manner. The radicals can also be obtained by oxidizing ABTS with 2,2^′‐azobis(2‐amidinopropane)hydrochloride (AAPH) or peroxodisulfate (PDS). The oxidation by AAPH takes place with a large activation energy and a low reaction order in ABTS. The data support a mechanism in which the homolysis of AAPH is the rate‐limiting step, followed by the reaction of ABTS with the peroxyl radicals produced after the azocompound thermolysis. On the other hand, the low activation energy measured employing PDS, as well as the kinetic law, are compatible with the occurrence of a bimolecular reaction between the oxidant and ABTS. Regarding the use of ABTS‐based methodologies for the evaluation of free radical scavengers, radical cations obtained employing AAPH as oxidant can be used only at low temperatures, conditions where further decomposition of the remaining AAPH is minimized. The best results are obtained with ABTS derived radicals generated in the reaction of PDS with an ABTS/PDS concentration ratio equal (or higher) to two. However, even with radicals prepared by this procedure, stoichiometric coefficients considerably larger than two are obtained for the consumption of the radical cation employing tryptophane or p‐terbutylphenol as reductants. This casts doubts on the use of ABTS‐based procedures for the estimation of antioxidant capacities. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 34: 659–665, 2002     

Polyphenol composition and antioxidant activity of selected medicinal herbs

The aim of this study was to characterize aqueous and alcoholic extracts [30%, 50% and 70% (w/v)] obtained from medicinal herbs (Calendula officinalis, Hypericum perforatum, Galium verum, and Origanum vulgare) used in traditional medicine from our country. Samples were examined for total and individual content of phenolics and antioxidant activities. The highest content of total polyphenols (9.9 ± 0.02 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE) L^–1 extract) and antioxidant activities expressed as Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity [307.51 TEAC mmol g^–1DW by the ABTS (2,2′-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) method and 20.90 TEAC mmol g^–1 DW by the DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) method] was found in Origanum vulgare (50%) extract. Polyphenolic compounds were quantified using RP-HPLC.     

Methodological aspects about in vitro evaluation of antioxidant properties

Several of the most commonly used methods for in vitro determination of antioxidant capacity are reviewed in the present paper. The chemical principles of methods based either on biological oxidants (peroxyl radical, superoxide radical anion, hydrogen peroxide, hydroxyl radical, hypochlorous acid, singlet oxygen, nitric oxide radical, and peroxynitrite) or on non-biological assays (scavenging of 2,2′-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonate) radical cation (TEAC assay), scavenging of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH assay), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP assay), Folin-Ciocalteu reducing capacity (FC assay), electrochemical total reducing capacity) are outlined and critically discussed. The scope of application, the advantages and shortcomings of each method are also highlighted.     

Quantification of Flavonoids,Phenols and Antioxidant Potential from Dropped Citrus reticulata Blanco Fruits Influenced by Drying Techniques

Physiologically dropped immature Citrus reticulata Blanco fruits are regarded as waste and discarded in the citrus orchard but are a good source of bioactive compounds including flavonoids, antioxidants and total phenols. A study was undertaken to identify and quantify these bioactive compounds and to investigate the influence of different drying techniques, namely freeze drying and hot air oven drying, on flavonoids namely flavanone glycosides, antioxidant potential and total phenol content in immature dropped fruits of Citrus reticulata Blanco. Flavonoids were quantified in high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The antioxidant activity were investigated with three assays azino-bis [3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid]) (ABTS), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH), Ferric Reducing Ability of Plasma (FRAP) and total phenol content was determined. Freeze dried samples of 12 and 14 mm size retained maximum hesperidin flavonoid content (27.03% and 27.20%) as compared to the hot air dried samples (17.99%) and retained higher phenolic content ranged from 50.54–54.19 mg GAEL⁻¹. The antioxidant activity in freeze dried fruits was from 12.21–13.55 mM L⁻¹ Trolox and 15.27–16.72 mM L⁻¹ Trolox with ABTS, DPPH assay and FRAP values ranging from 7.31–9.07 mM L⁻¹ Trolox. Significant positive correlation was found between the flavonoid hesperidin with antioxidant assays and total phenolic content (TPC). The results showed that waste citrus fruits can act as potential source of bioflavonoids, especially hesperidin, and antioxidants for pharmaceutical as well as nutraceutical industry.     

Development of an HPLC post-column antioxidant assay for Solidago canadensis radical scavengers

The aim of this work was to modify and validate the post-column high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-ABTS and DPPH methods for evaluating the antioxidant activity of the methanolic extracts of Solidago canadensis (Canadian goldenrod) leaves and flowers. Separation of the analytes was performed via the HPLC-PDA method on a YMC analytical column using a gradient elution program. Three compounds with antioxidant properties – chlorogenic acid, rutin and isoquercitrin – and two unidentified antioxidants were established. The research showed that the coil temperature regimes and loop length combinations influence the optimised post-column assay method for detecting the antioxidant activity of goldenrod radical scavengers. Investigations established that the temperature in the reaction coil was a substantial factor contributing to the signal strength of the analytes after reacting with the DPPH and ABTS radicals.     

Automatic sequential determination of the hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity and evaluation of the antioxidant potential by the 2,2′-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical cation assay in wines by sequential injection analysis

An automatic system that performs two analytical procedures, allowing the evaluation of the relative antioxidant capacity of wine samples, was developed. Automation was carried out using a sequential injection analysis (SIA) system that allowed, thanks to its versatility, the development of two methodologies. One is based on the decolorization assay of the 2,2′-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical, using a spectrophotometric detector. A second methodology allowed the evaluation of the hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity by measuring the oxidation of homovanylic acid (HVA) to its fluorescent dimer, using a fluorescent detector.The developed automatic methodologies were evaluated using trolox as standard and subsequently using other antioxidant substances as gallic acid, caffeic acid, ascorbic acid, catechin and taxifolin which are abundant in wine and whose antioxidant activities were compared to that shown by trolox. The spectrophotometric and fluorimetric assays showed linearity intervals between 0.001 and 0.01 mM, and 0.001 and 0.008 mM of trolox, respectively.The evaluation of the antioxidant power of 20 white and red wine samples, from different Portuguese wine producing regions, was carried out sequentially, in the automatic system. The results were expressed in trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) and presented, for the ABTS and hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity methodologies, detection limits of 8.4 × 10⁻⁷ and 1.4 × 10⁻⁴ mM and relative standard deviation (R.S.D. (%)) in the range 0.6-2.4 and 1-1.8, respectively.     

Screening for antioxidants in complex matrices using high performance liquid chromatography with acidic potassium permanganate chemiluminescence detection

The use of high performance liquid chromatography with acidic potassium permanganate chemiluminescence detection to screen for antioxidants in complex plant-derived samples was evaluated in comparison with two conventional post-column radical scavenging assays (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) and 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical cation (ABTS(+))). In this approach, acidic potassium permanganate can react with readily oxidisable compounds (potential antioxidants), post-column, to produce chemiluminescence. Using flow injection analysis, experimental parameters that afforded the most suitable permanganate chemiluminescence signal for a range of known antioxidants were studied in a univariate approach. Optimum conditions were found to be: 1×10(-3)M potassium permanganate solution containing 1% (w/v) sodium polyphosphates adjusted to pH 2 with sulphuric acid, delivered at a flow rate of 2.5 mL min(-1) per line. Further investigations showed some differences in detection selectivity between HPLC with the optimised post-column permanganate chemiluminescence detection and DPPH and ABTS(+) assays towards antioxidant standards. However, permanganate chemiluminescence detection was more sensitive. Moreover, screening for antioxidants in green tea, cranberry juice and thyme using potassium permanganate chemiluminescence offers several advantages over the traditional DPPH and ABTS(+) assays, such as faster reagent preparation and superior stability; simpler post-column reaction manifold; and greater compatibility with fast chromatographic separations using monolithic columns.