As an example for one of its uses, the FOX reagent can be an effective assay for the detections of
oxidation of Fe2+ to Fe3+ in acidic conditions.[2] After this initial oxidation, the xylenol orange within the assay is also oxidized to produce the product that has the 560 nm absorbance via colorimetric determination
. The method itself is practical because of its relative cheapness and because the FOX reagent is not influenced by environmental factors, such as oxygen or light levels. The assay would also allow for the immediate detection of any amount of LOOHs.
With the sensing of LOOHs, the FOX reagent only senses the first products of fatty acid oxidation, and is quite useful prior to the processing of fruits and vegetables.
5-lipoxygenase, which can be found in insect and human cells.[2] Modifying the assay can also aid in the detection of protein, as well as lipid, hydroperoxide in human cells. Aside from its use in vegetation, the FOX assay has also been used to detect the LOOHs present within animal tissue. Specifically, it can be used in order to detect fatty acid oxidation in poultry, such as cooked and uncooked chicken.[3]
Since lipid oxidation in chicken tissue may result in the build up of toxins and the loss of flavor, early detection via the FOX assay would allow proper evaluation of the quality of meat produced.
