Patent Description:
The measurement of some oxidation parameters in organic samples can offer very valuable information about the worth or the degradation state of said samples. Parameters such as antioxidant and pro-oxidant capacity, oxidation resistance under certain conditions, or the stability of said oxidation allow the user to discriminate those samples that fail to meet a series of basic requirements depending on the application in which they are going to be used. These measurements are simple in an aqueous mixture, but the methodology in an organic sample is much more complex.

Some methods intended for measuring the oxidation of an organic sample are known. Rancimat or PetrOxy are methods for measuring the oxidative stability of oils and fats based on the induction of oxidation of the sample by exposure to high temperatures and an air flow. This allows estimating the time of induction or time of oxidative stability, with this being the time after which the sample has exceeded the time during which it remains stable, and therefore being indicative of a loss of quality and service life of the sample. However, it is an indirect measurement, since only the volatile products generated (after applying temperature and air flow for several hours) are quantified, and furthermore the oxidation resistance and antioxidant capacity of the sample at time zero is not directly assessed. It is necessary to perform tests that last a considerable amount of time, for example in the case of Rancimat, for biodiesel samples the mandatory minimum testing time amounts to <NUM> hours, the testing lasting for a longer time in most cases.

Therefore, to perform both methods a lot of time is needed, and furthermore, the measurement that is taken is an indirect measurement, so it is not a completely reliable method.

Document <CIT> discloses an apparatus for measuring antioxidant properties of some particular examples. However, this apparatus and method cannot be applied to organic samples, such as oils.

Paper of SHABANI EGZONTINA et al, titled "Deep eutectic solvents (DES) as green extraction media for antioxidants electrochemical quantification in extra-virgin olive oils" discloses the use of DES to prepare samples in a measurement of some antioxidant properties of olive oils. However, it uses a very complex apparatus and method to do so.

The present invention intends to provide an alternative solution to this problem.

The present invention provides an alternative solution to the problem proposed above by means of a method for measuring oxidation parameters according to claim <NUM>. The dependent claims define preferred embodiments of the invention.

Unless defined otherwise, all the terms (both scientific and technical terms) used herein must be interpreted as one skilled in the art would interpret them. It is therefore understood that common terms must be interpreted as one who is familiar with the subject matter would interpret them, and not in an idealized or strictly formal manner.

Throughout the text, the word "comprises" (and its derivatives such as "comprising") should not be understood in an exclusive manner, but rather should be understood to mean that they allow for the possibility that what is defined may include additional elements or steps.

An object of the present invention relates, although without limitation, to a method for measuring oxidation parameters of an organic sample, the method comprising the steps of:.

As a result of this method, an electrochemical measurement device can be used to evaluate the antioxidant capacity of an oily sample, simply by means of the detailed preparation of said sample. A direct and much faster measurement of oxidation of the organic sample is obtained by means of this method.

In fact, this method is valid for measuring several oxidation parameters of the organic sample. Because the method is based on preparing a stable mixture and mixing it with the sample to be measured, successive variants of the method can be used to measure different parameters: using a single measurement the antioxidant or pro-oxidant capacity of the sample is observed; if several measurements are taken without varying the sample, the method can measure the oxidative stability thereof; if several measurements are taken applying heat to the sample, the method can measure oxidation resistance.

Natural deep eutectic solvent (NADES) is understood to be a mixture of two or more chemical compounds at a particular molar ratio to give rise to a significant drop in the melting temperature of the individual components, becoming liquid at room temperature. In this sense, the preparation of the solvents does not require any chemical reaction, and therefore the production yield is <NUM>%.

When mentioning a catalyst compound, it does not mean a catalyst in the strict sense, but rather a compound that facilitates the dissolution and/or improves the reproducibility of the measurement in the first solution.

The voltage range can be applied in both in an increasing sense (where the antioxidant capacity of the sample is intended to be measured) and in a decreasing sense (where the pro-oxidant capacity of the sample is intended to be measured).

By means of adding an inorganic salt, in a combination compensated with the addition of water, conductivity in all the samples is homogenized, regardless of their more or less conductive nature. In this way, reproducibility of the measurements is improved, and a more reliable final measurement is obtained.

In particular embodiments, before placing the measurement mixture in the electrochemical transducer the aqueous phase of the measurement mixture is obtained, and it is the aqueous phase that is placed in the electrochemical transducer.

Separating or obtaining the aqueous phase is especially advantageous when the measurement mixture cannot be directly subjected to the measurements, either because it is too viscous or else because it does not have the properties needed for the measurement to be taken.

In particular embodiments, the step of mixing the organic sample with the final solution further comprises leaving the measurement mixture to stand before obtaining the aqueous phase.

The step of leaving the mixture to stand allows the separation of the aqueous part, which will be analyzed in the apparatus by means of linear sweep voltammetry.

In particular embodiments, the steps of mixing by stirring the organic sample with the final solution, obtaining the aqueous phase of the measurement mixture, placing the stirred aqueous phase in a receiver, and measuring oxidation of the aqueous phase are repeated, after a certain time has lapsed using as an organic sample a second organic sample similar to the first organic sample in which temperature has been applied and air added.

The method of the invention can thereby also be used according to standard UNE <NUM> for measuring oxidation stability in certain organic samples.

In particular embodiments, the electrochemical transducer is a fungible strip and comprises a carbon working electrode, a silver pseudo-reference electrode, and a carbon auxiliary electrode.

The method of the invention prepares a measurement mixture which can be analyzed by a portable device by depositing the mixture on a fungible strip. In this manner, the portable device would be in charge of the steps of applying linear voltammetry to the sample and of calculating the antioxidant or pro-oxidant measurement.

In particular embodiments, the step of applying a voltage range to the working electrode is performed linearly, starting with the lowest value in the voltage range and increasing the voltage up to the highest value in the voltage range.

In these cases, the voltage applied follows a linear rule relative to time, governed by a constant comprised between <NUM> mV/s and <NUM> mV/s.

In particular embodiments, the step of applying a voltage range is performed inversely, starting with the highest value of voltage and decreasing to the lowest value.

The pro-oxidant capacity of the organic sample can thereby be calculated.

In particular embodiments, the step of preparing the first compound is performed by mixing at least two hydrogen bond-forming substances, particularly by preparing one of the following mixtures.

In the first case, per mole of choline chloride, between <NUM> and <NUM> moles of lactic acid are mixed, particularly between <NUM> and <NUM> moles of lactic acid. In the second case, per mole of choline chloride, between <NUM> and <NUM> moles of glucose are mixed, particularly between <NUM> and <NUM> moles of glucose. In the third case, per <NUM> moles of lactic acid, between <NUM> and <NUM> moles of glucose are mixed, particularly between <NUM> and <NUM> moles of glucose.

While these ratios are not the only options, they have allowed a natural deep eutectic solvent to be obtained in a simple and reliable manner.

In particular embodiments, the step of mixing the organic sample with the final solution is performed at a temperature comprised between <NUM> and <NUM>, particularly between <NUM> and <NUM>, stirring the mixture.

Though not essential, the range is one that is beneficial for keeping the properties of the organic sample to be analyzed intact. Stirring allows for better homogenization of the mixture, such that the results show less dispersion.

In particular embodiments, the steps of placing the mixture in a receiver, applying a voltage range, obtaining a signal, calculating the load, and transforming loads into adimensional values are performed more than once, stirring the mixture before performing each of the steps.

The mean of the different measurements can thereby be calculated, obtaining a value that is less affected by the possible variability due to the lack of complete homogeneity of the sample to be analyzed.

In particular embodiments, once the first solution is obtained, it is kept at room temperature in a container in the dark.

The absence of light is favorable for maintaining the properties of the mixture, preventing the light from degrading certain components.

In particular embodiments, the first solution is mixed with an organic solvent before adding the catalyst compound, wherein the ratio by volume between the second solution and the organic solvent is comprised between <NUM>:<NUM> and <NUM>:<NUM>, particularly comprised between <NUM>:<NUM> and <NUM>:<NUM>.

This organic solvent, such as for example, a mixture of hexane and acetone at volumetric ratio of <NUM>:<NUM>, allows improving the extraction.

In particular embodiments, the catalyst compound is an organic salt, such as for example tetrabutylammonium hexafluorophosphate, or TBAPF6, at a final concentration comprised between <NUM> and <NUM>, particularly between <NUM> and <NUM>.

As a result of adding this salt, the conductivity and solubility in non-aqueous solutions is improved.

In particular embodiments, the step of mixing the organic sample with the final solution is carried out with a volumetric ratio between the solution and the sample comprised between <NUM>:<NUM> and <NUM>:<NUM>, especially between <NUM>:<NUM> and <NUM>:<NUM>.

This means that per liter of organic sample, between <NUM> and <NUM> liters of the final solution obtained in the steps of the method according to the invention are mixed. This wide range of volumetric ratios is suitable for correctly measuring the antioxidant or pro-oxidant capacity of the sample. The particular range comprised between <NUM>:<NUM> and <NUM>:<NUM> works especially well with oil samples.

In particular embodiments, the catalyst compound is a strong organic acid, such as for example methanesulfonic acid, wherein the ratio by volume between the second solution and the catalyst is comprised between <NUM>:<NUM> and <NUM>:<NUM>, particularly comprised between <NUM>:<NUM> and <NUM>:<NUM>.

Adding methanesulfonic acid improves the extraction of compounds soluble in aqueous phase.

In particular embodiments, the step of mixing the organic sample with the final solution is carried out with a volumetric ratio between the solution and the sample comprised between <NUM>:<NUM> and <NUM>:<NUM>, especially between <NUM>:<NUM> and <NUM>:<NUM>. The particular range comprised between <NUM>:<NUM> and <NUM>:<NUM> works especially well with biodiesel samples.

A brief description of each of the figures used to complete the following description of the invention is provided. Said figures are related to the state of the art or to preferred embodiments of the invention, presented as non-limiting examples thereof.

An example of preferred embodiment of the present invention, provided for illustrative but non-limiting purposes, is described below.

<FIG> shows the steps of a first method according to the invention. This first method is especially suited for measuring the antioxidant or pro-oxidant capacity of an oil sample.

In a first step, this method includes the preparation of an extraction and measurement solution <NUM>. This extraction and measurement solution <NUM> is prepared by means of the mixture of two compounds, giving rise to a natural deep eutectic solvent, also known as NADES.

This natural deep eutectic solvent is formed from a hydrogen bond donor and a hydrogen bond acceptor, In this method in particular, it is obtained by mixing choline chloride <NUM> and lactic acid <NUM>, wherein the molarity ratio of choline chloride to lactic acid is <NUM>:<NUM>.

This extraction and measurement solution is stirred at a temperature of <NUM> for <NUM> minutes and left to cool until reaching room temperature, obtaining what is referred to as the first solution <NUM>.

In a second step, water <NUM>, together with an inorganic salt, <NUM> such as for example KCI, is added to the first solution <NUM>. A second solution <NUM> is thereby obtained. The percentage of water added represents <NUM>% of the volume of the second solution <NUM>, and the final concentration of KCI in the second solution <NUM> is <NUM>. These components are mixed until the second solution is homogeneous. Once this homogeneous solution is obtained, it is kept at room temperature in a container in the dark.

This second solution is mixed with acetone <NUM> and hexane <NUM>, in a volumetric ratio of <NUM>:<NUM>:<NUM>, and then an organic salt <NUM>, such as for example tetrabutylammonium hexafluorophosphate, or TBAPF6, at a final concentration of <NUM>, is added. A final solution <NUM> is thereby obtained. This final solution is independent of the sample to be analyzed, so it can be prepared prior to being mixed with the sample the oxidation of which is to be measured. It is even possible to prepare the final solution and provide it separately, decisively contributing to carrying out the method according to the invention.

Once this final solution <NUM> is obtained, it is mixed with the organic sample <NUM> the antioxidant or pro-oxidant capacity of which is to be measured. In this case, the ratio used in this mixture is <NUM> volume of final solution <NUM> per volume of organic sample <NUM>. The step of mixing the organic sample with the final solution is performed at a temperature comprised between <NUM> and <NUM>.

This mixture <NUM> is stirred in the vortex for <NUM> seconds and left to stand for <NUM> minutes at room temperature until the aqueous phase <NUM> separates from the oily phase <NUM>.

This separation of phases is only necessary in some examples, such as in this case, where the characteristics of the oily phase make it difficult to measure the load. In other examples, it is possible to continue without a separation of phases, directly placing the mixture <NUM> on the fungible strip, according to the method described below.

The aqueous phase <NUM> is separated and stirred to homogenize same, and the antioxidant capacity of said aqueous phase is then measured in triplicate, stirring the sample before each measurement.

The antioxidant capacity is measured as follows (these steps are the steps that are performed in triplicate, then obtaining the mean value thereof):.

Conversely, if the pro-oxidant capacity of the sample is to be measured, the voltage range will be applied inversely, i.e., from <NUM> V to <NUM> V.

<FIG> shows the steps of a second method according to the invention. This second method is especially suited for measuring the antioxidant or pro-oxidant capacity of a biodiesel sample.

The first step is performed in an identical manner relative to the first step of the above method, obtaining a first solution <NUM> with a natural deep eutectic solvent.

The second step is also identical to the second step of the above method, obtaining a homogeneous second solution <NUM>.

In this particular method, a strong organic acid <NUM>', such as for example methanesulfonic acid, is added to this second solution, wherein the ratio by volume between the second solution <NUM> and the strong organic acid <NUM>' is <NUM>:<NUM>. A final solution <NUM> is thereby obtained. This final solution is independent of the sample to be analyzed, so it can be prepared prior to being mixed with the sample the oxidation of which is to be measured. It is even possible to prepare the final solution and provide it separately, decisively contributing to carrying out the method according to the invention.

Once this final solution <NUM> is obtained, it is mixed with the organic sample <NUM> the antioxidant or pro-oxidant capacity of which is to be measured. In this case, the ratio used in this mixture is <NUM> volumes of final solution <NUM> per volume of organic sample <NUM>. The step of mixing the organic sample with the final solution is performed at a temperature of <NUM>, stirring the mixture <NUM> for <NUM> minutes and allowing said mixture to stand for <NUM> minutes at room temperature until the aqueous phase <NUM> separates from the oily phase <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A method for measuring oxidation parameters of an organic sample, the method comprising the steps of:
preparing a first compound (<NUM>) comprising a natural deep eutectic solvent;
stirring the first compound (<NUM>) for a time comprised between <NUM> and <NUM> minutes at a temperature comprised between <NUM> and <NUM> and leaving to cool at room temperature, obtaining a first solution (<NUM>),
adding water (<NUM>) and an inorganic salt (<NUM>) to the first solution, obtaining a second solution (<NUM>), wherein the volume of added water represents between <NUM>% and <NUM>% of the second solution (<NUM>), and the inorganic salt (<NUM>) is at a concentration comprised between <NUM> and <NUM> in the second solution (<NUM>)
adding at least one additional catalyst compound (<NUM>, <NUM>') to the second solution (<NUM>), obtaining a final solution (<NUM>), wherein the catalyst compound is a strong organic acid, such as for example the methanesulfonic acid, wherein the ratio by volume between the second solution and the catalyst is comprised between <NUM>:<NUM> and <NUM>:<NUM>, particularly comprised between <NUM>:<NUM> and <NUM>:<NUM>;
dissolving the organic sample (<NUM>) with the final solution (<NUM>) by stirring, giving rise to a measurement mixture (<NUM>);
placing the stirred measurement mixture in a fungible strip (<NUM>) containing a carbon working electrode, a silver pseudo-reference electrode, and a carbon auxiliary electrode;
applying by means of a potentiostat (<NUM>) at least one voltage range to the working electrode according to linear sweep voltammetry, with the voltage range being comprised within the interval between <NUM> and <NUM> V;
obtaining a current variation signal across said voltage range;
calculating the load for the voltage range applied by the potentiostat by means of the integration of the current variation signal;
transforming loads into adimensional values for obtaining a representative reference value of the antioxidant and/or pro-oxidant capacity of the organic sample.