ABTS stands for 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), which is a chemical compound widely used in biochemical assays to measure the activity of enzymes, particularly those involving hydrogen peroxide. It is a chromogenic substrate that produces a colored product when oxidized, allowing the detection and quantification of enzyme activity.
This compound is commonly used in various scientific fields, including pharmaceutical, clinical, and food analysis, due to its high sensitivity and stability. ABTS is particularly utilized to measure the activity of peroxidase enzymes, which are widely distributed in nature and play significant roles in numerous biological processes.
The ABTS assay involves the reaction of ABTS with hydrogen peroxide in the presence of a peroxidase enzyme. The oxidized ABTS forms a green-blue colored radical cation that can be quantified spectrophotometrically. The intensity of the color produced is directly related to the amount of enzyme activity present in the sample.
Apart from its use in enzyme assays, ABTS can be employed as an antioxidant radical scavenger, making it a valuable tool in studying oxidative stress and antioxidant properties of various compounds. Additionally, ABTS is considered a safe and non-toxic reagent, making it suitable for a wide range of applications in laboratory research and industrial settings.
In summary, ABTS is a versatile biochemical compound used for quantifying enzyme activity, particularly in peroxidase enzyme assays, as well as in investigations related to oxidative stress and antioxidant properties.
