In refineries, high octane products are desired since they are used to produce premium gasoline. Catalytic reforming converts heavy naphtha into a high octane liquid product called reformate (a mixture of aromatics and iso-paraffins C7 to C10). The reformate must be constantly monitored to ensure high throughput along the refining process. Traditionally, the octane numbers can be measured by two different methodologies: Inferred Octane Models (IOM) and laboratory octane engine analysis. However, these do not provide «real-time» results and require constant maintenance and human intervention to adapt to current operation conditions. «Real-time» analysis of the octane number in fuels can be performed online via near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) technology, which fits well within the international standards (ASTM). Utilization of a Metrohm Process Analytics NIRS XDS Process Analyzer (ATEX version) in conjunction with a sample preconditioning system makes analysis of the octane number simple, fast, and reliable, allowing quick adjustments to the process for a better quality product and higher profitability.

This Process Application Note provides a detailed account of the inline assessment of moisture during a pilot scale granulation process using a 2060 The NIR Analyzer.

This Process Application Note presents a method to accurately monitor low levels of moisture in tetrahydrofuran (THF) in «real-time» safely, reliably, and optimally with a 2060 The NIR Analyzer from Metrohm Process Analytics. Due to the hazardous and hygroscopic nature of THF, a single explosion-proof inline process analyzer is the preferred solution for industries to reduce chemical treatment, improve product quality, and increase profits.

To monitor the quality of PVC (polyvinyl chloride), it is important to measure the molecular weight during the production process, as this parameter has a significant influence on chemical and mechanical stability as well as fire retardant properties. The standard method to determine PVC molecular weight, defined here as the average weight of the molecules that make up the polymer, is by size exclusion chromatography (SEC). This analytical method is time-intensive and requires trained personnel to perform. Determining the molecular weight of PVC is easier with near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). NIRS provides results in just a few seconds and can quickly indicate when adjustments to the production process are necessary.are necessary.

Analyse en ligne automatisée avec le 2060 TI Ex Proof Process Analyzer qui facilite la surveillance constante du process de dessalage du pétrole brut conformément à la norme ASTM D3230.

La production de biocarburants à partir de matières premières renouvelables a connu un essor considérable au cours des dernières années. Le bioéthanol est l'une des alternatives les plus intéressantes aux combustibles fossiles, car il peut être produit à partir de matières premières riches en sucres et en amidon. La fermentation de l'éthanol est l'un des processus de fermentation les plus anciens et les plus importants utilisés dans l'industrie biotechnologique. Bien que le processus soit bien connu, il existe un grand potentiel d'amélioration et de réduction proportionnelle des coûts de production. En raison des variations saisonnières de la qualité des matières premières, les producteurs d'éthanol doivent surveiller le processus de fermentation pour s'assurer que le produit obtenu est de même qualité. La spectroscopie proche infrarouge (NIRS) permet une prédiction rapide et fiable de la teneur en éthanol, en sucres, en Brix, en acide lactique, en pH et en solides totaux à n'importe quel stade du processus de fermentation.

Rapid inline monitoring of the major SC1/SC2 bath constituents is possible with reagent-free near-infrared spectroscopy, e.g., the 2060 The NIR-R Analyzer.

Le polypropylène (PP) est une résine à usage général largement utilisée dans des industries telles que la fabrication électronique et la construction, ainsi que dans les matériaux d'emballage. Les résines PP doivent d'abord être fondues pour pouvoir prendre la forme voulue, et les propriétés d'écoulement sont donc des caractéristiques importantes qui influent sur le processus de production. La procédure standard d'analyse du taux d'écoulement de la matière fondue (MFR) nécessite une quantité de travail importante pour l'emballage de l'échantillon, le préchauffage et le nettoyage. Sans préparation d'échantillon ni produits chimiques, la spectroscopie Vis-NIR permet d'analyser le MFR en moins d'une minute.

La spectroscopie NIR permet une analyse rapide et sans produits chimiques des cendres, des protéines, de l'humidité et des propriétés rhéologiques de la farine - idéale pour les contrôles de qualité de routine en laboratoire ou en ligne.

Key quality parameters in the food industry include sucrose, glucose, and fructose, and Brix (dissolved sugar content). Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) allows fast simultaneous determination of multiple sugars without chemicals or any sample preparation.

Le pétrole brut contient plusieurs pourcents en poids de composés sulfurés. Non seulement ils dégagent une mauvaise odeur, mais ils sont aussi nuisibles à l'environnement et corrosifs, ce qui explique pourquoi ils doivent être autant que possible éliminés au raffinage. L'appareil d'analyse 2045TI Ex proof Analyzer, avec son système flexible de prétraitement de l'échantillon, se retrouve dans des secteurs très différents du raffinage. Il contrôle d'une part la teneur en mercaptans et H2S selon les normes ASTM D3227 et UOP163 et permet, d'autre part, de déterminer entre autres la teneur en ammoniac, halogènes et phénol, ainsi que l'indice de bromure et ceux de saponification et d'acide. L'analyseur est conforme à la directive UE 94/9/CE (ATEX95) et est homologué pour les zones 1 et 2.

Le NIRS mesure simultanément les paramètres de qualité importants du perméat de lactosérum (c'est-à-dire les cendres, le phosphate, le lactose, les protéines, le pH et l'humidité) sans aucune préparation d'échantillon.

This study shows how a pre-calibrated NIRS instrument is used for multiparameter analysis of several pet food quality indicators like protein, moisture, fat, and ash.

La spectroscopie NIR permet une analyse rapide et sans réactif des graisses, de l'humidité, des protéines, des fibres, des cendres et de l'amidon dans les aliments pour animaux, rationalisant ainsi le contrôle de la qualité sans préparation des échantillons.

Cette note d'application présente la spectroscopie dans le proche infrarouge comme une alternative plus rapide et rentable au titrage KF pour prédire la teneur en eau dans le carburant diesel.

La spectroscopie dans le proche infrarouge (NIRS) offre une alternative rapide et sans solvant aux méthodes traditionnelles d'évaluation de la qualité de l'huile d'olive et de détection des fraudes alimentaires potentielles.

Monitoring the iodine value in edible oil blends is crucial to produce vegetable oils with the desired properties. This Application Note displays the benefit of using the Metrohm NIRS DS2500 Liquid Analyzer for quality control in food laboratories.

This Application Note shows how NIR spectroscopy is used to determine the water content (moisture content), protein content, and fat content in whole and ground almonds.

This Application Note shows how easy it is to determine water content in the pharmaceutical excipient lactose with reagent-free near-infrared spectroscopy.

Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) quickly assesses key quality parameters in palm oil such as iodine value and fatty acid profile without sample preparation.

This study shows how NIR spectroscopy simultaneously measures capsaicin content, Scoville Heat Units, water activity, ASTA color, and ash content in paprika powder samples.

Near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy is able to determine the intrinsic viscosity of rPET in less than one minute without any sample preparation. This Application Note demonstrates that the Metrohm DS2500 Solid Analyzer operating in the visible and near-infrared spectral region (Vis-NIR) offers users an easier way to perform this analysis without the use of toxic chemicals.

This Application Note compares SPELEC RAMAN and a standard Raman instrument by analyzing their performance in measuring single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT).

The determination of key quality parameters of reformate—namely research octane number (RON, ASTM D2699-19), aromatic content (ASTM D5769-15), benzene content, olefin content, and density—requires time-consuming and laborious conventional methods. In contrast, the Metrohm DS2500 Liquid Analyzer can measure all of these parameters, providing results within one minute without any sample preparation.

This Process Application Note presents a way to closely monitor multiple parameters simultaneously during the dioctyl terephthalate production process with near-infrared spectroscopy.

Cell fermentation processes are a reliable production method for small molecules and protein-based active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). The fermentation process requires monitoring of many different parameters to ensure optimal production. These quality parameters include pH, bacterial content, potency, glucose, and concentration of reducing sugars. Traditional laboratory analysis takes a significant amount of time and requires different analytical techniques to monitor these different quality parameters. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) offers a faster and more cost-efficient alternative to traditional methods for the determination of critical parameters in fermentation broths at any stage of the fermentation process.

The standard method to determine RON in isomerate is with expensive and maintenance-intensive engines. In contrast to this, the research octane number can also be analyzed by near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). NIRS provides accurate results within one minute without the need for any sample preparation or chemicals.

Etching is a vital process in semiconductor fabrication, involving the chemical removal of layers from the wafer substrate. Strict quality control measures are necessary to determine acid etchant concentrations in mixed acid solutions (e.g., SPM, DSP, or DSP+), critical for optimizing etch rate, selectivity, and uniformity during multiple wafer etching steps. This application presents a method to measure sulfuric acid and hydrogen peroxide in etching baths simultaneously using Raman spectroscopy with the PTRam Analyzer from Metrohm Process Analytics.

Determination of sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), cocamidopropyl betaine (CABP), cocamidopropylamine oxide (CAW), cocamide diethanolamine (DEA), and carbopol in shampoo is a cost- and time-intensive process due to the use of large volumes of chemicals per analysis. This application note demonstrates that the DS2500 Solid Analyzer operating in the visible and near-infrared spectral region (Vis-NIR) provides a cost-efficient and fast solution for a simultaneous determination these parameters in shampoo. With no sample preparation or chemicals needed, Vis-NIR spectroscopy allows for the complete analysis in less than a minute.

Acid Number (AN) analysis of lubricants (ASTM D664) can be a lengthy and costly process due to usage of large amounts of chemicals and required cleaning steps of the analytical equipment between each measurement. This application note demonstrates that the XDS RapidLiquid Analyzer operating in the visible and near-infrared spectral region (Vis-NIR) provides a cost-efficient, fast alternative for the determination of the acid number of lubricants. With no sample preparation or chemicals needed, Vis-NIR spectroscopy allows for the analysis of AN in less than a minute.

Functional group and viscosity analysis (ASTM D789) of polyamides can be a lengthy and challenging process due to the sample’s limited solubility. This application note demonstrates that the DS2500 Solid Analyzer operating in the visible and near-infrared spectral region (Vis-NIR) provides a cost-efficient and fast solution for a simultaneous determination of the intrinsic viscosity as well as the amine, carboxylic, and moisture content in polyamides. With no sample preparation or chemicals needed, Vis-NIR spectroscopy allows for the analysis of polyamides in less than a minute.

Determination of the diethylene glycol content, isophthalic acid content, intrinsic viscosity (ASTM D4603), and the acid number (AN) of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a lengthy and challenging process due to the sample’s limited solubility and the need to use different analytical methods. This application note demonstrates that the DS2500 Solid Analyzer operating in the visible and near-infrared spectral region (Vis-NIR) provides a cost-efficient and fast solution for a simultaneous determination of these parameters in PET. Vis-NIR spectroscopy allows for the analysis of PET in less than one minute without sample preparation or using any chemical reagents.

Ce livre électronique explique comment les spectroscopies Raman et proche infrarouge (NIR) permettent une analyse rapide et non destructive des polymères, garantissant une qualité élevée tout en réduisant les coûts et les déchets.

La détermination de la teneur en vinyle du caoutchouc de silicone est un processus long et difficile. Cette note d'application démontre que la spectroscopie Vis-NIR (visible proche infrarouge) offre une solution économique et rapide pour la détermination de la teneur en vinyle dans les caoutchoucs de silicone. Avec l'analyseur de solides DS2500, il est possible d'obtenir des résultats en moins d'une minute sans préparation d'échantillon ni réactifs chimiques.

The synthetic rubber known as Bromobutyl (BIIR) has many of the attributes of butyl rubber, but has better adhesion to other rubbers and metals, resulting in substantially faster cure rates. The simultaneous quantification of the bromine content, Mooney viscosity, volatile content, calcium stearate content, and functional bromide in BIIR can be easily performed with near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) without the use of chemicals.

Améliorez le contrôle qualité dans le secteur pétrochimique grâce à la technologie NIRS. Rapide, économique et sans préparation d'échantillons. Pour en savoir plus, consultez notre eBook.

Boric acid is growing in demand for various industrial applications, but requires a more cost-efficient and environmentally friendly production process. This Application Note describes the performance of a Raman process analyzer (PTRam) when measuring low-concentration boric acid and sodium sulfate solutions (<100 mg/L) during boric acid production.

Les feuilles de PVC (chlorure de polyvinyle) avec un revêtement PVDC (chlorure de polyvinylidène) sont souvent utilisées pour les films d'emballage à haute performance tels que les blisters pharmaceutiques ou les emballages alimentaires. Dans les films blister multicouches, le PVC sert de structure de base thermoformable, tandis que le revêtement PVDC agit comme une barrière contre l'humidité et l'oxygène. Le taux de transmission de la vapeur d'eau (WVTR) et le taux de transmission de l'oxygène (OTR) sont influencés par la composition et l'épaisseur du revêtement. A fast way to monitor PVDC coating thickness is with near-infrared spectroscopy. Results are provided in a few seconds, indicating when adjustments in the polymer production process are necessary.

La détermination sûre et rapide de l'éthanol dans les désinfectants pour les mains est possible grâce à la spectroscopie proche infrarouge (NIRS) sans réactif. La NIRS fournit des résultats fiables en quelques secondes, indiquant rapidement si des ajustements de la formulation sont nécessaires.

Les exploitations salmonicoles sont de plus en plus populaires. La forte croissance de la population augmente la demande en saumons, ce qui se répercute sur leur élevage. Dans les cages en pleine eau, ce sont de plus en plus de poissons qui vivent dans un espace très exigu. Du fait de la forte densité des poissons, des parasites, comme le poux de mer, peuvent proliférer rapidement. Une possibilité de pallier le problème des poux est d'utiliser des bains à faible concentration d'H2O2. Les saumons sont traités dans ces bains pendant environ 20 minutes jusqu'à ce que les poux de mer tombent et meurent. Le peroxyde d'hydrogène est certes rapidement dégradé, il n'en reste pas moins mortel pour le saumon à forte concentration. La concentration doit donc se situer dans les limites des spécifications pendant le traitement. Notre analyseur de process réalise chaque titrage en moins de deux minutes. Plusieurs déterminations de la concentration peuvent ainsi être menées à chaque traitement afin de toujours garantir un dosage correct.

NIR spectroscopy measures ice cream quality parameters like total solids, fat content, lactose, protein percentage, sucrose content, and calories in seconds.

Pour l'analyse des lubrifiants, la détermination de l'indice d'acidité (ASTM D664), de la viscosité (ASTM D445), de la teneur en eau (ASTM D6304) et de l'indice de coloration (ASTM D1500) nécessite l'utilisation de plusieurs technologies analytiques et, en partie, de grands volumes de produits chimiques. Cette note d'application démontre que le XDS RapidLiquid Analyzer fonctionnant dans la région spectrale du visible et du proche infrarouge (Vis-NIR) constitue une alternative rapide et rentable pour la détermination de l'AN, de la viscosité, de la teneur en eau et de l'indice de coloration des lubrifiants. Sans préparation d'échantillon ni produits chimiques, la spectroscopie Vis-NIR permet une analyse multiparamétrique des lubrifiants en moins d'une minute.

Raman spectroscopy is a fast alternative method to detect phosphate and sulfate species in solution for optimized phosphorus fertilizer production and improved product quality.

Urea in widely employed as a nitrogen-release fertilizer with more than 90 % of urea production destined for agricultural applications. Urea is also known to form complexes with fatty acids, which have been employed for separation of complex mixtures and purification processes. In this application note, we present the quantification of the concentration of urea in ethanol by Raman Spectroscopy and show how this method can be employed for determining the percentage of urea in a solid inclusion compound with stearic acid.

Raman instrumentation can use lasers of different laser excitation, giving the same Raman spectrum for a sample. This paper presents the specific strengths and weaknesses that different excitation wavelengths provide, allowing a user to optimize the measurement of different samples by their choice of Raman excitation laser wavelength.

Permanganate absorption number (PAN) analysis per ISO 8660 ensures caprolactam purity, a precursor of Nylon 6. This application describes real-time, continuous PAN monitoring.

Near-infrared spectroscopy saves time and resources by simultaneously measuring key quality parameters like lactose, moisture, fat, and protein content in milk powder.

By using an enzymatic sensor with a screen-printed electrode, producers can measure lactic acid production, thereby monitoring fermentation processes.

Mercaptans in fuels are corrosive and regulated at trace levels. SERS enhances Raman signals to enable their accurate detection and quantification below standard LODs.

Pyrimethanil is a broad-spectrum fungicide. As grapevines are susceptible to fungal pathogens, large-scale viticulture operations apply pyrimethanil as part of a mixed treatment. Although chemical analysis of wines post-fermentation finds low to undetectable amounts of residue, pyrimethanil is a suspected human carcinogen. The US FDA and EU have therefore established a maximum permissible level of 5 μg/mL pyrimethanil in finished wine products.In this application, trace detection of pyrimethanil in wine with Misa (Metrohm Instant SERS Analyzer) requires few laboratory supplies and minimal sample processing, yet returns rapid results.

Paraquat is a highly effective, yet exceptionally toxic herbicide used to manage weeds in agricultural operations. In recognition of paraquat’s danger, the EU and several other countries have banned its use for any application, though the US EPA permits its limited use by licensed applicators. Despite tight regulation, paraquat continues to be produced and is liberally used as an herbicide in over 100 countries without regulatory oversight.Testing for paraquat typically requires involved sample processing and analysis by trained chemists using expensive laboratory instruments such as HPLC, CE, and LC/MS. Misa achieves trace level detection of paraquat residue in tea leaves in a fully integrated, portable, smart system for easy on-site testing by non-technicians.

Auramine O (AO) is an industrial dye used for a broad range of manufactured products and as a fluorescent stain for detecting acid-fast bacteria in clinical specimens. Due to its intense yellow coloration, AO is also prized as an additive for enhancing the visual appeal of illicitly processed food products. Despite bans on AO as a food additive, surveillance testing indicates its persistent use as an adulterant in foods and spices.Misa (Metrohm Instant SERS Analyzer) achieves the rapid and sensitive detection of AO in curry powder in a simple assay format.

Diphenylamine (DPA) is used as a dye fixative and antioxidant in industrial applications and as a produce preservative in agricultural operations. Food safety advocates are concerned that daily ingestion of DPA, particularly in foods meant for babies, could have negative effects on children’s health. To mitigate potentially toxic effects of DPA, both the US and EU stipulate a maximum residue limit (MRL) of 5 μg/g for whole pears and a stringent MRL of 10 ng/g for all processed baby foods.Misa (Metrohm Instant SERS Analyzer) provides a user-friendly and cost-effective alternative to traditional analytical methods used for detecting DPA in foods, such as GC-MS and GC-NPD.

Les producteurs de marques génériques proposent des cosmétiques, des médicaments et d'autres produits en concurrence avec les marques nominales, souvent à un prix inférieur. Ce prix inférieur peut refléter l'absence de frais de recherche, de développement et de publicité, mais ne doit jamais impliquer une qualité inférieure, en particulier dans le cas des médicaments en vente libre. À titre d'exemple, les comprimés effervescents contre le rhume Equate (marque Walmart) promettent aux clients les mêmes ingrédients actifs dans les mêmes proportions et avec une efficacité identique à celle de l'Alka-Seltzer, mais à un prix bien inférieur. Cette note d'application démontre que la spectroscopie Raman peut vérifier avec succès que ces comprimés effervescents concurrents ne sont pas identiques. Le processus de vérification des ingrédients implique un test p, qui mesure la variabilité acceptable d'un spectre d'échantillon, par rapport à un ensemble d'entraînement représentatif.

Determination of the identity and purity of ingredients is essential for the product quality of functional foods (neutraceuticals) and cosmetics. It prevents the utilization of inferior substances in the production process and thus avoids expensive delays and out-of-spec products. This Application Note describes the identification and checking of fatty acids in functional foods and cosmetics using the Metrohm Instant Raman Analyzer MIRA P.

This application shows how to seamlessly transition from Metrohm’s NanoRam 785 to the newer MIRA P system, ensuring continuity in raw material identification (RMID).

In this note, we use a model drug, acetaminophen, to demonstrate the capability of QTRam® to quantify low concentrations of API in compressed tablets.QTRam® is a compact transmission Raman analyzer designed specifically for content uniformity analysis of pharmaceuticals in solid dosage forms.

Quantitation of the functionalization of a water-soluble polymer was achieved using a portable Raman spectrometer. The Raman spectrum provides strong, unique bands for both the initial and fully reacted polymer. This enables development of a simple, robust quantitative analysis of the percent polymer functionalization. This method is now routinely used in a manufacturing plant's quality control laboratory.

Compared to potentiometric titration, Raman spectroscopy is a rapid, accurate, and reliable secondary method for estimating the amine value (AV) of epoxy hardeners.

Methanol, often present in spirits prepared with industrial solvents like wood alcohol, can lead to blindness and even death when ingested. After an incident involving methanol-laced alcohol in the Czech Republic, they adopted Raman spectroscopy as the preferred method for identifying and quantifying methanol in contaminated spirits, following an exhaustive study using various screening tools. This Application Note discusses the reasons why Raman spectroscopy is the ideal choice for this application and shows a real-world example of Raman analysis of methanol-laced rum.

Material verification models with complex algorithms such as Principal Component Analysis (PCA), quasi-infinite parameters, and preprocessing options can be incredibly complex. Each model must be rigorously built, evaluated, and validated before it can be put into routine use. Mira P simplifies material verification for all. With a short, defined user workflow, straightforward results, and a foolproof Operating Procedure-based design, Mira P is already one of the simplest RMID tools available. ModelExpert, in Mira Cal P, does a chemometrician’s work. ModelExpert automatically determines the best model parameters for robust method development. With Mira P and ModelExpert, even non-technical users can achieve better results in a fraction of the time.

Raman spectroscopy is ideally suited to rapidly screen for methanol contamination in spirits.

Carbendazim (MBC) is a common fungicide approved for regulated use in agriculture globally, outside of the EU. Most MBC is found on fruits as surface contamination, the result of sprays applied prior to harvest. The US EPA has determined that a concentrations below 80 μg/mL in orange juice are not a health risk, while the EU restricts MBC levels to 10 ng/g (from imported produce) in foods intended for baby food production.This Application Note describes a very simple test for surface MBC and provides library spectra demonstrating the sensitive detection of MBC with Misa (Metrohm Instant SERS Analyzer).

Thiabendazole (TBZ) is a broad-spectrum pesticide used both as a fungicide in fruits and vegetables and for controlling parasites in animal feed. To ensure consumer safety, regulatory agencies establish maximum residue levels (MRL) for pesticide-treated crops based on their review of risk assessment studies. For bananas, which are either aerially sprayed or dipped in protectant solutions of TBZ, the US FDA reports a MRL of 3 μg/g, and the EU stipulates a MRL of 6 μg/g by weight.With Misa (Metrohm Instant SERS Analyzer), the rapid and sensitive detection of TBZ on bananas is demonstrated in formats easily adapted for food safety surveillance testing.

Brilliant Blue (BB) FCF, more commonly known as FD&C Blue #1, is the most commonly used blue dye worldwide for food and beverages. It is generally accepted as safe and non-toxic. Aside from foods labelled as organic or as free from artificial dyes, there is little objection to the use of BB at levels at or exceeding 100 μg/g in foods.This application for Misa (Metrohm Instant SERS Analyzer) is unique. The benefit is twofold — successful detection of a fluorescent dye, and a unique sample cleanup technique that permits detection of a target that does not exhibit a strong SERS signal and is present in a complex matrix. While Misa successfully detects BB in direct sampling, this application describes a simple extraction method that improves detectability of BB with Misa.

Thiram is used extensively as a fungicide and parasiticide to prevent disease in crops and as an animal repellent to protect trees and ornamental plants. However, extensive toxicological studies conclude that chronic, high-level exposure can cause considerable organ damage to land and aquatic species. The US defines maximum residue limits that vary for different food crops. In contrast, the EU recently banned thiram and is moving to use pesticides that carry reduced health risks.Using Misa (Metrohm Instant SERS Analyzer), low level detection of thiram on apples is achieved with guided workflows adapted for use by diverse testers.

Metrohm’s MIRA XTR handheld Raman spectrometer enables fast, reagent-free identification of phosphate species, enabling continuous monitoring of dynamic systems.

Some studies suggest that consumption of the artificial sweetener, aspartame, is correlated with increased risk for brain and hematopoietic cancers, however, others find it to be a safe food additive. Consequently, the US and EU approve aspartame as a multi-purpose sweetener with an acceptable daily intake of 40 mg/kg body weight/day. However, the clear health hazard to individuals suffering from phenlyketonuria and ongoing criticism by health food advocates continues to fuel the challenge against aspartame’s widespread use in the food industry.Using Misa (Metrohm Instant SERS Analyzer), beverage products are screened for aspartame levels with no sample preparation beyond simple dilution of a consumer product.

Metanil yellow (MY) is an azo dye used in the manufacture of external-use products such as textiles; however, it is prohibited from use as a food additive in many countries. Toxicology studies demonstrate that ingestion of MY results in significant neurological and multi-organ damage. Despite these hazards, MY is commonly used as an illicit colorant for enhancing the visual appeal of spices and legumes, most notably turmeric. Ideal tests for such food adulterants feature methods that are selective and sensitive, yet portable and convenient.Misa (Metrohm Instant SERS Analyzer) achieves rapid and accurate detection of MY in a facile assay format.

Erythrosine B (EB), also known as Red Dye #3, is a synthetic dye approved for use in candy in the US, and in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics in the EU and elsewhere. However, rodent studies suggest that ingestion of EB can promote thyroid tumor formation. EB may also be implicated as a dietary factor contributing to hyperkinesis in children. WHO recommends a daily intake of EB less than 0.1 mg/kg of body weight.The ability to obtain fast results with a portable test platform recommends Misa (Metrohm Instant SERS Analyzer) as a competitive and cost-effective alternative to laboratory technologies (e.g., CE, HPLC) currently employed for detecting EB in foodstuffs.

Portable Raman is used to quantify trigonelline, an alkaloid that contributes to the health benefits of some foods. A simple method to quantify the presence of diluted trigonelline in solutions using surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy is described. Portable Raman is a tool that could be used in quality control of food items such as coffee and quinoa.

Raman spectroscopy with PLS modeling enables rapid, accurate, nondestructive quantification of the total phosphate content in solution with minimal sample preparation.

Low frequency Raman spectroscopy extends conventional Raman analysis by capturing vibrational modes down to 65 cm-1, enabling deeper insights into molecular structure, protein characterization, polymorph identification, and phase changes.

La spectroscopie Raman permet d'effectuer des mesures rapides et non destructives des indicateurs de qualité du chocolat (par exemple, la teneur en cacao et en sucre) dans différents types de chocolat.

In-situ spectroelectrochemistry provides dynamic electrochemical and spectroscopic information concurrently with the redox reaction occurring on the electrode surface. Although different spectroelectrochemical configurations can be used, simple equations explain how to relate electrochemistry and spectroscopy for each experimental setup. This Application Note describes how the quantification of one electrochemical parameter (the diffusion coefficient) is calculated from the spectroscopic data as a proof of this concept.

Spectroelectrochemistry is a multi-response technique that provides both electrochemical and spectroscopic information about a chemical system in a single experiment, i.e., it offers information from two different points of view. Spectroelectrochemistry focused on the UV/VIS region is one of the most important combinations because this allows us to obtain not only valuable qualitative information, but also outstanding quantitative results. In this application note, the degradation kinetics for 4-nitrophenol, a known pollutant, were determined using SPELEC.