“Protein Analysis” was presented at the 2014 Protein Trends & Technologies Seminar Joseph Katzenmeyer, Ph.D., Chemistry Supervisor, rtech laboratories, from Land O’Lakes.
Abstract: From raw material quality checks to food safety to product label and marketing claims, virtually all aspects of a protein product’s development, manufacturing and marketing at some point rely on protein analysis. This presentation provided an overview of tests such as Kjeldahl and Dumas (combustion) analysis to the more fine-tuned specificity that can be obtained with chromatography and electrophoresis. This information along with insights on the emerging trend of real-time results will lead towards more resourceful, efficient and appropriate uses of protein analysis.
Excerpt from the written summary of this presentation: The Dumas Method is another traditional technique for protein analysis that involves the combustion of the sample and collection of the resulting gases. It involves far fewer chemicals and far less time than Kjeldahl, which is increasing its popularity, Katzenmeyer said. It involves applying high heat in a pure oxygen atmosphere; collecting gases; removing carbon dioxide and water; and analyzing the remaining nitrogen with a thermal-conductivity detector.
Both the Dumas and Kjeldahl methods are highly precise, with easily comparable results, but they have some obvious drawbacks. Non-protein nitrogen can be interpreted as protein, so one doesn’t know which proteins are involved, and one needs a multiplication factor to turn the nitrogen content data into protein.
More modern methodologies rectify those issues, and separation systems have been developed to determine the presence and amount of non-protein nitrogens and individual proteins, such as myoglobin, denatured/undenatured whey, casein and alpha-lactalbumin
Click here to view the written summary “Common Protein Analysis Methods to New Developments” of this presentation.
Click on the button below to download a PDF of Katzenmeyer’s PowerPoint presentation “Protein Analysis.”
