The ABTS assay is a cornerstone in many biochemical laboratories, particularly for detecting peroxidase activity and assessing antioxidant capacities. At its core lies the reaction between ABTS ammonium salt (CAS 30931-67-0), a chromogenic substrate, and peroxidase enzymes. Understanding the underlying science is key for anyone who needs to purchase or utilize this crucial reagent.

Peroxidases are enzymes that catalyze the oxidation of various substrates, often using hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) as an oxidizing agent. In the case of the ABTS assay, ABTS ammonium salt is the substrate. When a peroxidase enzyme is present along with H2O2, it oxidizes the ABTS molecule. This oxidation results in the formation of a stable, intensely colored radical cation, typically blue-green in solution. The intensity of this color is directly proportional to the activity of the peroxidase enzyme or the concentration of the enzyme-linked conjugate in an immunoassay.

The Mechanism of Color Formation

The chemical transformation involves the ABTS molecule losing electrons and protons to become oxidized. The resulting ABTS radical cation (ABTS•+) has characteristic absorbance maxima in the visible spectrum, commonly around 414 nm, 650 nm, 734 nm, and 800 nm, though the exact peaks can depend on the reaction conditions. The blue-green color at approximately 405 nm or 415 nm is often used for quantitative measurements in common assays like ELISA. This predictable color development makes ABTS ammonium salt an ideal choice for purchase by diagnostic kit manufacturers and research labs alike.

Role in Antioxidant Capacity Assays

Interestingly, the ABTS radical cation itself is a potent oxidizing agent. This property is leveraged in antioxidant capacity assays. Antioxidants present in a sample can donate electrons to the ABTS radical cation, neutralizing it and causing the blue-green color to fade. The degree of decolorization, or the rate at which it occurs, quantifies the sample's antioxidant potential. This mechanism underscores the importance of high-purity ABTS ammonium salt when conducting these vital analyses, especially for those in the food and agricultural sectors who buy this reagent to evaluate product efficacy.

Why Source from a Reputable Manufacturer?

The reliability of the ABTS assay hinges on the quality of the ABTS ammonium salt used. Impurities can lead to inconsistent color development, false positives, or reduced sensitivity. NINGBO INNO PHARMCHEM CO.,LTD. ensures that its ABTS ammonium salt meets stringent purity standards (≥99.0%), making it a dependable choice for your laboratory. As a manufacturer and supplier, we are committed to providing the scientific community with high-quality reagents. If you need to buy ABTS ammonium salt, we offer competitive pricing and a commitment to excellence.