Pantothenic acid kit for the rapid and precise determination of this B-group vitamin in a wide range of food products promises exceptionally short preparation and analysis time
Biacore has launched the Qflex Kit pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) for the rapid and precise determination of this B-group vitamin in a wide range of food products.
Since sample preparation and analysis time is exceptionally short, the new test can significantly increase the sample throughput capability of analytical laboratories when compared to other current testing methods, such as microbiological assays (MBA) and HPLC.
Integral to numerous body functions, pantothenic acid is routinely added to many types of fortified foods, from infant formula to pet foods.
Producers adding such a supplement are subject to stringent regulations from government bodies and regulatory organisations to justify their labelling claims.
Quality control for vitamin levels in final products can frequently be a rate-limiting step in throughput from large processing facilities using current testing methods, which are hampered by long incubation times, extensive sample preparation or limitation to simple matrices.
The speed and sensitivity of the new test compared to traditional methods is possible due to the use of Biacore's surface plasmon resonance (SPR) technology.
The Qflex kit supports an automated inhibition assay for concentration analysis specifically designed for use with Biacore SPR instruments.
The combination of Biacore Q system and Qflex kit pantothenic acid facilitates routine analysis of this vitamin in many food types, all requiring minimal sample preparation. "Same day analysis and results generation using our SPR technology is enabling food manufacturers to maintain closer control over their production processes," said Esa Stenberg, vice president and head of the food business unit at Biacore. "The Biacore Q system for concentration analysis, together with our leading sensor chip technology and Qflex kits, provides fast and simple analytical methodology which meets all industry requirements for reliability and accuracy".
Qflex Kit pantothenic acid gives the end-user access to all essential components to carry out the routine analysis of pantothenic acid in foods, including a reference standard.
The kit also provides the flexibility required to adapt to a variety of specific food matrices and requirements encountered at every different processing facility.
Biacore says the pantothenic kit is an important addition to its ever-expanding portfolio of kits for the determination of water-soluble vitamins, which includes biotin, folic acid and Vitamins B12 and B2.
An application note detailing the use and validation of Qflex Kit pantothenic acid is available on request.
