Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
70126 | Journal of Molecular Catalysis B: Enzymatic | 2012 | 7 Pages |
Enzymatic modification can be used to enhance the bioactive properties of phenolic compounds. The present study employed laccase from Trametes pubescens to catalyze the modification of ferulic acid in a monophasic or biphasic system, as a way of enhancing its antioxidant capacity. Two dimeric products (m/z 385.1) were purified and characterized as the β-5 and β–β dimers. In the monophasic system, the β-5 dimer was preferentially formed in dioxane while the β–β dimer formation was enriched in ethanol as co-solvent. In the biphasic system, formation of the dimers increased as the concentration of ethyl acetate was increased from 80% to 95%. The β-5 dimer showed higher antioxidant capacity than the substrate as demonstrated by standard antioxidant assays (DPPH and TEAC). These results demonstrate that alteration of reaction conditions influences the laccase-mediated oxidation of ferulic acid to form dimers with higher antioxidant capacity than the substrate.
Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Laccase-catalyzed oxidation of ferulic acid yields β-5 and β–β dimers. ► Product formation is influenced by the nature of co-solvent used. ► The β-5 dimer has higher antioxidant capacity than ferulic acid.