PerkinElmer unveils FT-NIR system for food analysis
The Spectrum Two N FT-Near-infrared (NIR) technology helps technical and non-technical lab professionals analyze samples for quality assurance and control and determine compliance with industry regulations.
The instrument has an operating range of 5-45 celsius and is designed for laboratory technicians and staff conducting molecular spectroscopy analysis on pharmaceutical, food and industrial samples.
The Remote Sampling Module provides a trigger-based probe for through-the-container analysis (with no need to open packaging).
Looking at nutritional quality or adulteration
Researchers at food processing and testing labs can use the system for determining nutritional quality or adulteration in edible oils and solid foods such as spices.
The system also has on-the-spot screening for nutritional parameters, potential contaminants or adulterants.
“Spectrum Two N can analyze a wide range of samples from powders and solids such as milk powder to liquids such as edible oils,” said PerkinElmer.
“For edible oils these analyses could include a quantitative analysis of FFA’s or Free Fatty Acids and/or a qualitative analysis of whether the oil is olive or other, lower cost oils.”
The Spectrum Two N’s flexibility of software and accessory options distinguishes it from other small transportable instruments.
“For an edible oil producer for instance, they would have the ability to swap from a Near Infrared Reflectance Module (NIRM) to a Heatable Transmission Module (HTM) meaning they could analyze their oil seeds or fruit as well as the crude or final oils, on the same instrument, saving money.”
Software and calibration importance
PerkinElmer said with the software options the instrument can be operated in the lab for advanced analysis or be configured for simple repetitive analyses for lower skilled workers.
The wavelength range in transmission mode is 14700-2000 cm-1 (680 - 4800 nm).
The firm said for food measurements the calibrations are vital for getting accurate answers and two options are offered to achieve this.
“We offer a method/calibration development service which develops bespoke methods on the food producers samples as well as assisting in transferring existing methods, secondly we offer a wide range of software options that allow the food processor to develop their own methods on their system.”
Spectrum One NIR was replaced by the Frontier NIR.
What separates the Spectrum Two N and Frontier NIR is whilst the Frontier NIR is for customers in a lab wanting to develop methods and conduct research, the Spectrum Two N is to be used in a QA/QC environment with a small transportable design and easy to use software with Spectrum Touch and the Spectrum Touch ES for regulated environments, said PerkinElmer.
“With a variety of sample types… combined with increasingly complex regulations to navigate, scientists need to perform both basic and advanced analyses inside as well as outside of the lab,” said Jim Corbett, EVP and president, Discovery & Analytical Solutions, PerkinElmer.
