Bruker has introduced a fully automated, push-button, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) solution called FoodScreener.
The system performs analysis and reports based on 400 MHz. It can concurrently identify and fully quantify compounds and requires minimal sample preparation at a lower cost for each sample.
The FoodScreener is a reliable screening method developed for both non-targeted and targeted multi-marker analyses. It also helps in detecting unpredicted and unknown fraud.
With the help of complex statistical models, tasks like production process control, origin authenticity, species purity, sample similarity, and false labeling can be tested.
The results generated by the FoodScreener are independent of the user, laboratory, and the system. The following sections describe the different NMR solutions developed for wine, juice, and honey profiling.
Juice Profiling
An NMR-based screening method called SGF Profiling™ is meant for fruit juices. This technique was developed through a joint venture between SGF International e.V. and Bruker BioSpin GmbH. Various parameters relating to authenticity and quality are used for analyzing each fruit juice simultaneously, based on a single data set acquired within a few minutes.
Key Features
The SGF Profiling™ includes the following key features:
- It is a reliable screening method that helps assess targeted and non-targeted multi-markers
- Enables classification testing, for example, the determination of the origin of fruits
- Targeted assessment — Complete and simultaneous quantification of applicable organic compounds with reference to NMR and A.I.J.N. distribution
- Statistical analysis is based on an extensive NMR spectroscopic database containing thousands of reference juices; the database was obtained from production units worldwide and is routinely updated
- Non-targeted analysis — Comparison is made between the NMR-profile and an associated group of reference spectra; deviating concentrations including unidentified compounds are identified automatically
- Determination of fruit content, for example, detection of the addition of sugar, water, or amino acids
Wine Profiling
In association with a few experts in the field, Bruker has developed a novel solution for testing wine through NMR spectroscopy. The principle of the method relies on obtaining a spectroscopic fingerprint that is specific to every individual sample.
Through a multivariate statistical method, these spectroscopic fingerprints are compared to an extensive database of genuine wine samples. Wine profiling by NMR technique takes quality control and also the testing of safety and authenticity issues into consideration, in an exclusive way.
Key Features
The NMR spectroscopy for wine profiling includes the following key features:
- NMR spectroscopy is a reliable screening technique that allows both targeted and non-targeted evaluation from a single measurement
- Analysis reports can be automatically generated
- Non-targeted validation of sample conformity through comparison with genuine reference data using verification models
- Authenticity parameters like vintage, grape variety, and geographical origin can be predicted using classification analyses
- Quantification values can be compared to official reference values and for all compounds to the concentration distribution of genuine samples, thus making it easy to interpret the results
NMR-based FoodScreener Wine Profiling (Food Analysis) - A Short Introduction
Honey Profiling
An NMR-based screening method for honey profiling has been jointly developed by Bruker BioSpin, QSI, Alnumed, and Famille Michaud Apiculteurs. Various parameters are used for testing the authenticity and quality of each honey sample concurrently, from a single data set obtained within a few minutes.
Key Features
The NMR spectroscopy for honey profiling offers the following key features:
- Statistical models can be developed to assess the authenticity in accordance with the geographical origin and the varieties of honey such as honeydew, blossom, chestnut, lavender, pine, and linden
- Various related parameters like acids, sugars, and amino acids can be simultaneously identified and fully quantified, with reference to NMR distribution
- Unpredicted and even unknown frauds can be detected
- Frauds like the addition of rice syrup or other kinds of sugar can be detected
NMR based fully automated FoodScreener (Food Analysis)