In situ electrochemical analysis of anthocyanin activation by ROS in blueberries

Abstract

The in situ voltammetry of blueberry fruits and microparticulate deposits from their ethanolic extracts reveals the appearance of a prominent oxidation signal at ca. − 0.7 V vs. Ag/AgCl. This only appears in the presence of O2 under conditions in which the superoxide radical anion is generated initially. This feature, mainly associated with anthocyanins, is in agreement with SECM examination of blueberry thin epithelial films, and suggests that there is reactive oxygen species (ROS)-assisted promotion of the antioxidant capacity of anthocyanins accompanying the phenoxide-mediated ROS reactivity of these compounds.

Keywords

• Blueberry
• Anthocyanins
• Electrochemistry
• ROS activation