Quantitative Analysis of Sugar: Monitoring the Fermentation Process with Spectrophotometry

Many food and beverage products such as beers, wines, and cultured dairy products utilize fermentation for quality and effectiveness in manufacturing. This process requires a quantitative analysis of the sugar content of a product to monitor fermentation, as well as the transition of these sugars to their fermented state. Spectrophotometers can provide this type of quantitative analysis while helping to maintain product consistency, which takes a lot of the guesswork out of developing a quality product.

Using Spectrophotometers to Detect Chemical Changes

Spectrophotometers measure the intensity of light as it passes through a sample; these measurements provide a quantitative analysis of a substance in order to determine its chemical composition. Every chemical substance has a unique spectral fingerprint, which is measured using quantitative analysis and correlates to the amount of light that is absorbed, transmitted, or reflected at a specific wavelength through the sample.

Spectrophotometers are versatile in the sense that they can differentiate between various substances accurately; as a result, they have many possible applications. Quantitative analysis includes measuring the sugar concentration of a product during fermentation. As sugar is consumed during the fermentation process, the concentration of sugar fluctuates based on stage of fermentation. According to Science Direct online article Biomass and Bioenergy (Volume 35, Issue 7), consistent monitoring is “key to optimizing product formation and maintaining a healthy environment for microorganisms.” UV/VIS spectrophotometry provides an easy and effective method of monitoring this process quickly and provides real-time feedback regarding sugar content. It also monitors the changes that occur in the product on an ongoing basis.

Biomass Concentration Measurement and Xylose Determination

Biomass concentration is one of the most important measurement factors in fermentation studies. Traditional biomass concentration measurement consists of separating the viable and dead cells and counting them manually using a microscope and counting chamber. This method is time-consuming and relies on expensive laboratory equipment. Additionally, measurement readings taken by this method are often inaccurate or inconsistent. Therefore, optical density measurement is often the preferred method of quantitative analysis for monitoring the fermentation process.

The determination of xylose, one of the main constituents of biomass, is of the utmost importance in monitoring fermentation. UV/VIS spectrophotometers can be used to develop a spectral fingerprint of this form of sugar, and this data can then be used to monitor the fermentation process at every stage of development. Spectrophotometers offer instantaneous, real-time data that can be used to streamline and fine tune the fermentation process and develop the most accurate and reliable method for each product application.

UV/VIS Spectrophotometric Instrumentation

Spectrophotometers come in a variety of instrumentation designs; the high-quality models offer the most accurate and consistent data in quantitative analysis and are available for use in a variety of applications. At HunterLab, we offer high-quality products at an affordable price. With many instrumentation options available, we have a color measurement tool that will fit any budget. Understanding what instrumentation is best for your particular application can be a challenge, but at HunterLab, our friendly staff works with you. We will listen to the needs and challenges that you face and provide instrumentation options that are uniquely adaptable to a variety of applications and will cover numerous industry applications. For more information about quantitative analysis of the fermentation process or to learn more about options in spectrophotometric technology, contact HunterLab today.

Ken Phillips

Mr. Philips has spent the last 30 years in product development and management, technical sales, marketing, and business development in several industries. Today, he is the global market development manager for HunterLab, focused on understanding customer needs, providing appropriate solutions and education, and helping to solve customer color challenges across these industries and cultures.

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