ESA Biosciences has issued a new application for the analysis of lactose in milk, using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and the Corona charged aerosol detector (CAD).
Measurement of lactose in milk is important because it contributes to the sensory and functional properties of milk as well as having economic value since the price of milk is based on milk solids content.
The availability of a simple analytical method allows anyone to maximise the profitability of the milk product.
The procedure uses only a dilution and analysis in eight minutes using HPLC and the Corona CAD detector.
The method commonly in use today is complex and time-consuming.
It involves enzymatic hydrolysis, subsequent oxidation of the B-galactose, then reduction of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide and spectrophotometric measurement of the NAD+.
The old method requires seven different reagents, two of which must be prepared weekly.
ESA Biosciences's method virtually eliminates sample-handling times, reduces the number of reagents used, and provides an assay ready-for-use in almost any laboratory.
The Corona CAD provides detection of any non-volatile analyte, independent of chemical structure.
With nothing to optimise, it is easy to use and can operate with any HPLC system.
The wide dynamic range provides for analysis of all concentrations of lactose without having to modify the instrument or assay.
Because of the high sensitivity, only a simple dilution of the milk is required.
The method is validated for specificity, linearity, accuracy, precision and sensitivity.
