Within the scope of my research, I am currently engaged in conducting an estimation of antioxidant power using the FRAP (Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power) method. To establish a standard curve for this particular method, I have meticulously prepared a stock standard solution comprising 278mg FeSo4 and 10 mL of distilled water, resulting in a concentration of 100mM. Subsequently, I have generated several dilutions (1000 uM, 500 uM, 250 uM, 125 uM, 62.5 uM) for the working standard by diluting the aforementioned stock standard solution. By capturing readings for each of these standards and constructing a corresponding curve, I have visually represented the acquired data. I am eagerly seeking your esteemed suggestions and recommendations pertaining to the precautions and measures that need to be taken during the execution of the standard procedure for the FRAP assay. Your input would be immensely valuable to my research, as it would help to verify the accuracy of my steps, values, and standard curve. These are my primary inquiries regarding this assay.
1. According to the procedure, considering the nature of the reaction as kinetic. How many measurements should be taken to observe changes in absorbance, and at what intervals should these measurements be made?
2. I have obtained R2 values of 0.8105 and 0.847. Are these values considered acceptable?
3. Are there any other methods available to assess the total antioxidant power, or is this the only one?
4. When measuring FeSO4.7H2O for the preparation of the stock standard, are there any specific precautions or considerations that need to be taken into account?