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The chemistry behind antioxidant capacity assays
Dejian Huang1, Boxin Ou, Ronald L Prior
1Food Science and Technology Program, Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117543, Singapore. chmhdj@nus.edu.sg
Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry
|March 17, 2005
Summary
This review covers antioxidant capacity assays, classifying them into hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) and electron transfer (ET) methods. It recommends specific assays for accurate antioxidant measurement, emphasizing the need for validated methods.
Area of Science:
- Chemistry
- Biochemistry
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Antioxidants play a crucial role in preventing oxidative damage.
- Understanding antioxidant capacity is vital for various scientific disciplines.
- Autoxidation is a key process influenced by antioxidants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and analyze antioxidant capacity assays.
- To classify assays based on their underlying chemical principles (HAT vs. ET).
- To provide recommendations for assay selection and highlight the need for validated methods.
Main Methods:
- Classification of assays into Hydrogen Atom Transfer (HAT) and Electron Transfer (ET) based methods.
- Analysis of kinetic models for inhibited autoxidation.
- Summary of various established antioxidant capacity assays (e.g., ORAC, FRAP, DPPH, FCR).
Main Results:
- HAT assays (e.g., ORAC) measure radical scavenging, while ET assays (e.g., FRAP, FCR) measure reducing capacity.
- Specific assays are better suited for different aspects of antioxidant activity.
- The Folin-Ciocalteu reagent (FCR) assay is recommended for reducing capacity, and ORAC for peroxyl radical scavenging.
Conclusions:
- The choice of assay is critical for accurately determining antioxidant capacity.
- Validated and specific assays are essential for comprehensive antioxidant research.
- Further development of reliable assays is needed to fully characterize antioxidant properties.