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.
Image source: Flickr user Larry Jacobsen
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.
Image Source: Flickr user Jeff Alworth
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.
Image Source: Flickr user Allagash Brewing
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.
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.
Sophie huang
HI, Ken Phillips, my name is Sophie, I am an application scientist in CHr Hansen in the US lab.
I am very interested in your article, and would like to know more details how to monitor the fermentation process in time, how to test sugar in real time? etc by using UV-VIS.
if you have this type of device and software package, could you let me know more details, you can reach me ussohu@chr-hansen.com
thank you
Sophie