28 FOOD & DRINK TECHNOLOGY
“Protein is one of the most important nutrients when determining the nutritional quality of a product and is typically calculated through the determination of nitrogen.”
Gruppo CSA comments: “Although the Kjeldahl method has been modified and improved since its initial development, the method still requires the use of acids at extremely high temperatures. Tis can have a corrosive effect on our instrumentation alongside posing a serious health and safety threat to our technicians.” Additionally, the Kjeldahl method suffers from issues of toxic waste generation due to the deployment of mercury or selenium as catalysts for digestion. As a result, a chimney is required within the laboratory to remove the waste, which incurs a high expense and raises the problem of pollution excreted into the environment. Due to these factors, the Kjeldahl method cannot be operated continuously which reduces sample throughput, and as a consequence drives up the cost of these services for the institute.
To overcome these challenges the laboratory required a solution that would increase overall productivity and cost-efficiency, while also improving health and safety conditions and remaining compliant with existing industry regulations. In order to achieve its goals, Gruppo CSA began to explore alternative protein analysis techniques.
Implementation Gruppo CSA has recently implemented the Termo Scientific FLASH 4000 nitrogen/protein analyser for the determination and quantification of protein in dehydrated alfalfa and other forms of animal feed. Te analyser has been designed to work with the Dumas combustion method for protein analysis which is recognized by the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) and the American Oil Chemist Society (AOCS) as an alternative to the Kjeldahl method.
Prior to the purchase of the FLASH 4000 nitrogen/protein analyser, Gruppo CSA had extensive experience with Termo Scientific instruments, which instilled confidence in their new selection. Dr Tentoni said: “Before selecting the Termo Scientific FLASH
www.scientistlive.com
4000 nitrogen/protein analyser, we spent time comparing competitive solutions. After conducting a comprehensive evaluation of the FLASH 4000 it became clear that the analyser is unmatched in terms of capacity for accuracy, sample throughput and sheer efficiency when facilitating the Dumas technique. Our decision was also informed by the institute’s positive experiences with a range of other Termo Scientific instrumentation, including an OEA unit which was purchased eight years ago and continues to be an efficient and valuable tool in the laboratory.”
Key benefits Since the implementation of the new analyzer, Gruppo CSA has experienced significant benefits for its protein analyses. Previously when using the Kjeldahl method, the laboratory was limited to a batch of 20 samples per cycle. Te FLASH 4000 now enables the team to process up to 50 samples in a single cycle. In addition, the four hour cycle time has been dramatically reduced to just 10 minutes, increasing throughput by over 50 per cent. It is estimated that the laboratory will now be able to process over 7000 samples each year.
Dr Tentoni comments: “In contrast to the Kjeldahl method which requires constant monitoring by our technicians, the FLASH 4000 requires no human presence. As a result, analytical cycles can be left to run overnight and unattended, saving technician time and increasing overall throughput. Due to the limited sample capacity and the high cost associated with the Kjedlahl method, we were previously unable to analyze animal feed samples for farmers and producers, who required large quantities of samples to be analyzed at low cost. With the high sample capacity and cost-efficiency of the FLASH 4000, for the first time ever we have been able to provide animal feed analysis as a key service.”
An additional benefit of the FLASH 4000 is the elimination of aggressive
mixtures such as base acid and fumes. Dr Tentoni says: “Te new instrument does not require the use of corrosive acids, making it much safer for our laboratory technicians and more environmentally friendly. Furthermore, the removal of the acids and toxic reagents has meant that the instrument is much easier to clean and maintain, particularly with the inclusion of the self-cleaning filter, saving both time and money.”
Conclusion To meet its objectives Gruppo CSA needed an alternative to the Kjeldahl method for protein analysis that would improve overall productivity within the laboratory while also ensuring the safety of the institute’s technicians and reducing overall costs. Te institute also required a method that would enable the team to provide cost-effective animal feed analysis as a service, particularly with complex matrices such as dehydrated alfalfa which is currently in high demand within the agricultural community.
Prior to the purchase of the FLASH 4000 nitrogen/protein analyzer, Gruppo CSA was unable to provide nitrogen/protein analysis of animal feed as a service due to sample throughput being limited to just 20 samples per cycle. Since implementing the new analyzer, the laboratory’s throughput has doubled enabling the institute to expand its services and customer base significantly. In addition, with the removal of dangerous and corrosive acids used for the Kjeldahl method, the health and safety conditions within the laboratory have improved.
Dr Tentoni comments: “We selected the Termo Scientific FLASH 4000 nitrogen/protein analyser based on its capacity to work with the Dumas method. Since its deployment we have been able to expand our services and increase the speed and quantity of samples being processed, while also improving the precision and accuracy of our results.”
For more information, visit
www.thermofisher.com
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44