State-of-the-art electrochemistry for the assessment of oxidative stress and integral antioxidant activity of biological environments

The present review focuses on the interplay between electrochemistry and life, events on the border of electrochemistry-biology-life science, electrochemistry as the basis, and the information source on oxidative stress (OS) or Red/Ox state of biological systems and food to be investigated. Electroanalytical chemistry provides rapid, relatively simple, and sensitive approaches to assess the redox characteristics and antioxidant activity of biologically active compounds in various samples.

OS is a relatively new physiological response concept, recognized in medicine and biology in the last three decades. This phenomenon is caused by an imbalance between (pro)oxidants and antioxidants in living organisms and it is related to the fundamental redox reactions that underlie health signaling and life processes in general. OS can contribute to many pathological conditions and diseases. In particular, it is recognized that a highly contagious infectious disease, coronavirus disease 2019, is associated with an inflammation process related to OS-induced cellular changes. Recent years have shown a marked increase in electrochemical studies of OS and quantitation of its reductant-oxidant markers (signaling agents), such as reactive oxygen species and antioxidants.

The goal of this overview is to cover the brief scope of modern electrochemical analysis and sensor devices for monitoring biomarkers of OS and antioxidant status of biological systems. By discussing the great potential of potentiometric and voltammetric methods for human health assessment, it is hoped to bridge between recent electrochemical research and medical diagnostic treatment in the 21st century.