Question

What is meant by the statement that “the Folin-Ciocalteu assay is non-specific”? How might this affect its application in testing foods?

Answer 1

Answer=

"the Folin-Ciocalteu assay is non-specific” means that

Folin ciocalteu assay is also called as Gallic acid equivalence method is a mixture of phosphomolybdate and phosphotungstate used for the colorometric in vitro assay of phenolics and polyphenolic antioxidants.

it is non specific because it does not measure only phenols ,but will react with any reducing substance ,it therefore measures the total reducing capacity of sample,not just phenolic compounds.

is a part of lowry protein assay ,& will also react with some nitrogen containing compounds such as Hydroxylamine and Guanidine.

The reagent has also reactive towards thiols,many vitamins,the base guanine,some inorganic ions.