FAQ

Thiobarbituric acid (TBA) is a chemical compound with the formula C₄H₄N₂O₂S, commonly used in biochemical and analytical applications.

Detection of Lipid Peroxidation:
TBA reacts with malondialdehyde (MDA), a byproduct of lipid peroxidation, to form a pink-colored complex. This reaction is the basis of the TBA Reactive Substances (TBARS) assay, which quantifies lipid peroxidation in biological samples (e.g., tissues, blood, or food products). Elevated TBARS levels indicate oxidative stress and lipid damage.

Assessment of Food Quality:
TBA is used to measure rancidity in fats and oils by detecting lipid oxidation products. It helps assess the freshness and shelf life of food items, especially meats and fats.

Diagnostic Tool in Medicine:
Increased TBARS levels in biological fluids (e.g., plasma, urine) are associated with oxidative stress-related diseases, such as atherosclerosis, neurodegenerative disorders, and diabetes. TBA assays help researchers and clinicians monitor oxidative damage.

Research in Oxidative Stress:
TBA is employed in studies investigating the role of oxidative stress in aging, inflammation, and cancer. It aids in understanding how reactive oxygen species (ROS) contribute to cellular damage.

Industrial Applications:
Beyond biochemistry, TBA is used in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and as a reagent in analytical chemistry for detecting thiols and other sulfur-containing compounds.

Mechanism of Action:
The TBA assay involves heating a sample with TBA under acidic conditions. MDA (or other aldehydes) reacts with TBA to form a chromophore, which absorbs light at 532 nm. The intensity of the color is proportional to the MDA concentration, allowing quantification.

Limitations:

The TBA assay lacks specificity, as it can react with other aldehydes besides MDA.
Interference from sample components (e.g., hemoglobin, sugars) may affect accuracy.
Modern techniques like HPLC or gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) offer higher specificity but are more complex.