Title:Analytical Tools for the Determination of Antioxidants and Antioxidant Capacity in Biological Samples, Principles and Applications
Volume: 21
Issue: 20
Author(s): Miroslav Pohanka*
Affiliation:
- Faculty of Military Health Sciences, University of Defence, Trebesska 1575, CZ-500 01 Hradec Kralove,Czech Republic
Keywords:
ABTS test, ascorbic acid, DPPH test, ferric reducing antioxidant power, flavonoid, FRAP, glutathione, oxidative stress.
Abstract: Background: There are two types of antioxidants – high molecular weight antioxidants like glutathione
peroxidase and superoxide dismutase and low molecular weight antioxidants like ascorbic acid, glutathione,
uric acid, melatonin. Both types of antioxidants are necessary in the system keeping oxidative homeostasis
and protecting against reactive oxygen and nitrogen species.
Objective: This review is focused on low molecular weight antioxidant assay which can serve as an important
tool for various diagnoses since the antioxidant level corresponds with pathological states and can indicate oxidative
stress. The assay of antioxidants is also a tool for food quality control because the antioxidant level is decreasing
due to aging and poor storage conditions. Disparate protocols were established in order to judge antioxidant
capacity.
Conclusion: In this review, spectrophotometric tests like 2,2'-azinobis(3-ethyl-benzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)
based assay (ABTS), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH), like ferric reducing antioxidant power
(FRAP), oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), electrochemical assays and instrumental analyses are described
and discussed. Survey of actual literature and principle of the analyses are provided as well.
