Total antioxidant capacity of plant infusions: Assessment using electrochemical DNA-based biosensor and spectrophotometric methods

• Bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacities of plants infusions were assessed.
• DNA-based sensor against HO and H2O2 was used to simulate an in vivo assay.
• Polyphenols and antioxidant activity measured by optical methods.
• Plant infusions as vital nutrient content: vitamins, polyphenols and antioxidants.
• Green and black tea, peppermint and senna: good source of bioactive compounds.

Nine plant infusions were assessed in terms of their polyphenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity properties by performing a “battery” of assays. Bioactive compounds (total phenolic and flavonoid content) were measured using spectrophotometric procedures and the total antioxidant capacity was determined by DPPH-RSA, FRAP and DNA-based biosensor against the reactive oxygen species: HO and H2O2. Although the optical methods are based on the donation of hydrogen or electrons between antioxidants and radicals, the DNA-based biosensor intends to simulate an in vivo assay by exposing DNA layer to biological ROS and antioxidants. In general, green and black tea showed higher polyphenolic content and antioxidant capacity evaluated by the described methods. All the analysed plant beverages showed to be a good source of bioactive compounds, particularly the green and black tea, peppermint and senna.