Vitaminas y Minerales

Analysis of Tocopherol Using Chromatographic and Electrochemical Techniques

Abstract

Ozsoz M, Ibrahim AU and Said Z

Vitamin E is made of tocochromanols which consists of two distinct compounds known as tocopherols and tocotrienols which are produced by plants and serve as an antioxidant that scavenge free radicals. Tocopherol is a vital fat-soluble vitamin which exist in 8 different isoforms namely tocopherol and tocotrienol. These isoforms are widely found present in vegetables, vegetable oil, nuts, grains, seeds, cyanobacteria and supplements. Bioactive compounds are extracted using solvent extraction, ultrasonic assisted extraction, maceration, pressurized liquid extraction and supercritical fluid extraction. Previously, scientist relies on HPLC techniques to determine vitamin E isomers, but these techniques have some challenges such as high cost, longer steps and less sensitivity. Scientists now employ electrochemical method such as differential pulse voltammetry, cyclic voltammetry, Square wave anodic stripping voltammetry and chrono-amperometry to determine antioxidant activity of sample due to affordability, high sensitivity, simplicity, less detection limit and diversification of electrochemical techniques and procedures.