Polyphenols are a class of plant-based molecules that are known for their health benefits including promoting weight loss and antioxidative properties. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is an example of a polyphenolic molecule found in green tea leaves which has been shown to display these properties. This study will identify and quantify the polyphenolic compounds like EGCG that are present in foods and beverages including green tea using Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). Solutions of polyphenol mixtures that have been characterized will be combined with the digestive enzymes lipase and amylase and analyzed using UV/Vis spectroscopy. The absorbance spectrum of these digestive enzymes (λ<sub>max</sub> = 273 nm) in the presence and absence of polyphenol mixtures will be measured. The shifts in the absorbance spectra will be calculated to determine if binding is occurring. Docking software will then be used to model the interactions between the polyphenolic compounds and the digestive enzymes. Results from this study will be used to develop an instrumental analysis lab protocol which will involve the extraction, characterization, and analysis of polyphenol mixtures found in foods and beverages.

Evaluating the health benefits of polyphenols using analytical and computational methods

256th National Meeting (2018)

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