FAST CHEMILUMINESCENCE METHOD FOR DETECTION OF OXIDIZED LIPIDS

Because of the excellent correlation between the peroxide concentration defined by the method of Sully and the integral of the chemiluminescence light curves it is possible to determine the peroxide concentration by the chemiluminescence method. The detection limit of the chemiluminescence method for lipid hydroperoxides is far below that of the method of Sully. In a wide range of peroxide concentrations the chemiluminescence method also shows a good correlation with conventional measuring methods (ferric thiocyanate and iodometric method). The yield of light from the chemiluminescence reaction decreases on addition of different natural and synthetic antioxidants, the effect of BHA or NDGA being much greater than the effect of the tocopherols. Although luminescence efficiency is reduced by diverse ingredients, determination of hydroperoxides in commercial oils is possible. Since in this case there is no linear correlation with the iodometric method anymore, the peroxide concentrations can be determined after calibration only. A possible field of application of the chemiluminescence method is the routine analysis of similar fats and oils. The described method is not timeconsuming and reveals the possibility of automation. Because of its high sensitivity and simplicity it is particularly qualified as a screening-method for an early recognition of deterioration of fats and fatty foods.