An Antioxidant Assay for the Real World

Researchers at the French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (Centre de coopération internationale en recherche agronomique pour le développement, CIRAD) have used an Infinite M1000® PRO multimode microplate reader to develop a simple CAT (conjugated autoxidisable triene) assay allowing direct measurement of the antioxidant capacity of plant extracts and pure molecules. Based on UV absorption, this rapid test is performed in a microemulsified system and uses an oxidisable lipid substrate, stripped tung oil, to more accurately reflect in vivo activity.

Mickaël Laguerre, who developed the CAT assay, explained: "The aim was to create a simple, relevant method that could be easily transferred to other labs or even used for routine measurements in industry. The method requires a microplate reader with very precise temperature regulation, and Tecan’s Infinite M1000 PRO was the best fit for our needs, combining format flexibility and excellent temperature control with monochromator-based optics. This set-up is ideally suited to assay development, as it allows complete freedom in wavelength selection, and also makes it more versatile for other research activities. The ability to evolve the instrument as your needs change – adding fluorescence, luminescence or polarisation functions – is also a significant advantage, as your assay development choices are not limited by the reader."