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Updated: May 3, 2026
11:56
A Rapid and Specific Microplate Assay for the Determination of Intra- and Extracellular Ascorbate in Cultured Cells
Published on: April 11, 2014
12.7K
[Evaluation of prooxidant properties of ascorbic acid]
Biofizika
|January 25, 2014
Summary
Ascorbic acid exhibits antioxidant properties, but its oxygen-dependent transformation products in Fenton solutions display prooxidant activity, influencing chemiluminescence yields. This study clarifies the dual role of ascorbic acid in oxidative environments.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Biochemistry
Context:
- Investigated chemiluminescence of ascorbic acid within Fenton solutions across a wide acid concentration range.
- Observed enhanced chemiluminescence yields exceeding spontaneous light under specific ascorbic acid concentrations (10^-4 - 10^-3 mol/l) in the presence of dissolved oxygen.
Purpose:
- To elucidate the chemiluminescent behavior of ascorbic acid in Fenton reactions.
- To determine the role of dissolved oxygen in the observed chemiluminescence and prooxidant effects.
Summary:
- Chemiluminescence was significantly enhanced in the presence of oxygen, indicating prooxidant properties of ascorbic acid transformation products.
- Absence of oxygen negated this effect, supporting the antioxidant nature of ascorbic acid itself.
- Oxidation process simulations corroborated experimental findings, confirming ascorbic acid's antioxidant role and its derivatives' prooxidant behavior.
Impact:
- Provides a deeper understanding of ascorbic acid's complex redox behavior in biological and chemical systems.
- Highlights the critical role of oxygen in mediating the prooxidant effects of ascorbic acid metabolites.
- Offers insights into chemiluminescence-based analytical methods involving ascorbic acid and Fenton chemistry.
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