Better than bench top

Abstract

This study is based upon a recently established method for quantification of the antioxidant capacity of natural samples via a HPLC separation and a hyphenated selective detection (post-column derivatization with cupric reducing antioxidant capacity reagent) technique. This protocol demonstrated the main improvements to transform the quantitative protocol into a high-speed qualitative automated assay to screen samples for their potential total antioxidant capacity, typically performed via manual mixing of the sample and derivatisation and measured on a 96 well plate reader/bench top UV–Vis spectrophotometer. This approach with automated mixing is a more informative alternative for total antioxidant capacity as the antioxidant peaks are profiled for each sample within four minutes. This antioxidant profile may be used for routine analysis of raw materials and/or a guide for targeted approaches for structure elucidation for laboratories interested in early drug discovery, natural product research and the search of alternative antioxidant additives in consumer goods/therapeutics. This technique could also be used to monitor the stability, alteration or adulteration of manufactured goods containing antioxidants.