Bioactive screening of complex tea samples using the ferric reducing antioxidant power assay incorporating reaction flow HPLC columns for post column derivatisations

The simplicity of sample analysis and chemical profiling using RF columns and selective detection was the focus of this study via the analysis of antioxidants in tea using the FRAP reagent. The main advantage of RF-PCD is the ability to split flows for simultaneous detection with minimal post column dead volume contributions, making peak matching between detectors much easier. To date, few studies exploit the power of RF-PCD multiplexed detection to differentiate and identify bioactive compounds in various complex samples. Applications of the approach developed in this study may include antioxidant screening and profiling of natural products, foods and beverages.