Determination of Antioxidant Properties and β-Carotene in Orange Fruits and Vegetables by an Oxidation Voltammetric Assay

Abstract

Recently, the evaluation of antioxidant properties using voltammetric techniques based on electrooxidation has attracted considerable attention. In this study, the antioxidant capacity, total phenolic compounds, and β-carotene content of orange-fleshed fruits and vegetables, including carrots, persimmons, and pumpkins, were evaluated by standard and electrochemical methods. The antioxidant capacity, evaluated by the ABTS and DPPH measurements, and the total phenolic compounds were determined spectrophotometrically. The results were expressed as Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) and gallic acid, respectively. The β-carotene contents of the samples were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Electrochemical measurements were performed with differential pulse voltammetry at a sensor formed by attaching single-walled carbon nanotubes onto the glassy carbon electrode surface. Trolox, gallic acid, and β-carotene were determined electrochemically with high sensitivity, repeatability, and low detection limits. Regression analysis was performed to correlate the results of the spectrophotometric assays and HPLC with those obtained electrochemically and satisfactory results were obtained.