In this work, we demonstrated proof-of-concept for the use of ion-selective electrodes (ISEs) as a promising tool for the assessment of total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Novel membrane sensors for 2,6-dichlorophenolindophenolate (DCPIP) ions were prepared and characterized. The sensors membranes were based on the use of either CuII-neocuproin/2,6-dichlorophenolindo-phenolate ([Cu(Neocup)2][DCPIP]2) (sensor I), or methylene blue/2,6-dichlorophenolindophenolate (MB/DCPIP) (sensor II) ion association complexes in a plasticized PVC matrix. The sensors revealed significantly enhanced response towards DCPIP ions over the concentration range 5.13 × 10-5-1.0 × 10-2 and 5.15 × 10-5-1.0 × 10-2 M at pH 7 with detection limits of 6.3 and 9.2 µg/mL with near-Nernstian slope of -56.2±1.7 and -51.6±2 mV/decade for sensors I and II, respectively. The effects of plasticizers and various foreign common ions were also tested. The sensors showed enhanced selectivity towards DCPIP over many other phenolic and inorganic ions. Long life span, high potential stability, high reproducibility, and fast response were also observed. Method validation was also verified by measuring the detection limit, linearity range, accuracy, precision, repeatability and between-day-variability. The sensors were introduced for direct determination of TAC in fresh and canned juice samples collected from local markets. The obtained results agreed fairly well with the data obtained by the standard method.
Keywords: 2,6-dichlorophenolidophenolate (DCPIP); ascorbic acid; flow analysis; ion-selective electrodes; potentiometry; total antioxidant capacity (TAC).