Determining the nitrogen content of starch is challenging because of its relatively low nitrogen content.
Image Credit: Elementar Americas Inc.
Elementar’s rapid MAX N exceed is a macro analyzer created to quickly and accurately determine nitrogen and protein in plant material, food (including plant-based foods), and feed. It is also a more environmentally friendly option than the classical Kjeldahl method.
The instrument employs the highly successful EAS REGAINER® technology to decrease analysis and maintenance costs substantially.
To examine the efficacy of the instrument, different types of starch were weighed into standard reusable stainless steel crucibles without any pre-treatment. These samples were subsequently analyzed five times utilizing a standard technique.
The sample weights were in the range of 500 mg to 600 mg. A protein factor of 6.25 was applied to determine the average protein content. The following table presents the average nitrogen and protein content as well as the standard deviation of the nitrogen analyses.
Source: Elementar Americas Inc.
| Sample |
N [%] |
SD N [%] |
Protein [%] |
| wheat starch |
0.029 |
0.002 |
0.179 |
| corn starch |
0.046 |
0.003 |
0.285 |
| potato starch |
0.013 |
0.002 |
0.083 |
The results demonstrate that the nitrogen content of all starch samples could be determined with high precision, even for nitrogen contents as small as 130 ppm. The rapid MAX N exceed’s high viable sample weight and high-quality analyses mean it is ideally suited to analyzing low nitrogen concentrations in starch.
The rapid MAX N exceed nitrogen and protein analyzer determines nitrogen/protein content quickly, with minimal maintenance and high sample throughput. This makes the instrument the perfect solution for industrial quality control, even in low-nitrogen applications such as starch.
This information has been sourced, reviewed and adapted from materials provided by Elementar Americas Inc.
For more information on this source, please visit Elementar Americas Inc.