Development of a Smartphone-based Method for Measuring the Antioxidant Efficacy of Commercial Beverages

Background: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) in biological systems can damage cells by oxidizing membrane lipids, proteins, DNA, and enzymes. Antioxidants are essential in mitigating these effects and are extensively used in nutraceuticals, functional foods, and dietary supplements. They play a crucial role in the neutralization of reactive oxygen species (ROS), thereby preventing cellular damage, DNA mutations, and the development of diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and coronary heart disease. To effectively mitigate these diseases, it is essential to develop rapid and efficient methodologies for assessing antioxidant activity. Methods: The smartphone colorimetric biosensor system and DPPH radical scavenging assay were developed and employed to determine the antioxidant activity of various beverages. Results: A comparative analysis of the DPPH radical scavenging assay for beverages was conducted using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer (R2=0.9907) and a smartphone-based colorimetric biosensor application (R2=0.9929). The results demonstrated a strong correlation between the two methods across all beverages tested. Specifically, the antioxidant capacities were 15% for orange juice, 21% for Miero Fiber, and 12% for Coca-Cola. The linear correlation across different concentrations for all beverages showed an R2 value of 0.9929, validating the accuracy and effectiveness of the smartphonebased detection system. Conclusion: This study highlights the practicality of using smartphone-based technology for detecting antioxidants and opens avenues for more accessible and faster health diagnostics. By utilizing smartphone biosensor technology, the accessibility of antioxidant assessments is enhanced, further promoting the adoption of preventative health strategies.