Analyser for amino acids in food and feedstuffs. Analysing the amino acid composition of feedstuffs ensures that nutritionists provide a more precise feed formulation. A compact bench top analyser capable of rapidly analysing complex amino acids mixtures found in food and feedstuffs is available. The Biochrom 32 is a ‘load and go’ system designed to run whole profiles of amino acids as well as short programmes enabling the user to rapidly analyse single amino acids. Lysine is a limiting amino acid in cereal grains and some vegetable protein sources.  Improvement of animal performance through better amino acid balance, better carcass quality and prevention of lysine deficiency are some of the benefits associated with the right lysine content in the animal diet. Analysis of lysine using this analyser takes less than ten minutes and allows rapid adjustment of feedstuff formulations. The ergonomic instrument meets the requirements of the AOAC and the EU Commission directive 98/64/EC for the analysis of food and feedstuffs.

Biochrom Ltd • Cambridge, UK.

Analyser for amino acids in food and feedstuffs
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Rudolph Research Analytical have recently released an updated version of their multi parameter flavour/fragrance analysis system. that measures specific gravity, refractive index, optical rotation and colour in a run of up to 240 samples without operator intervention. There are two key features that make the system popular with labs. Firstly, the system can be customized to take the sample directly from existing bottles, allowing the QA lab to skip the decanting step. Secondly, since none of the tests are destructive, over 90% of the sample can be returned to the bottle for reuse. This is particularly important when the sample is very expensive or when only a limited sample quantity is available.

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Botanical extracts for jet lag symptoms
Especially created for people battling symptoms caused by circadian dysrhythmia, a range of ingredients is offered by Frutarom that helps to balance the body’s inner clock. A confused circadian rhythm causes stress symptoms including daytime fatigue, exhaustion, disturbed sleep, digestive disorders and decreased mental and physical performance. This is especially obstructive because people – particularly business travellers – often have to be at their peak after a long flight. Frutarom’s “Jet Lag Campaign” is aimed at manufacturers of nutraceuticals and functional foods who want to create products for these target groups. The campaign includes extracts of blackcurrant, schisandra, fenugreek, wild green oat, lemon balm and red vine leaf. Each of these targets specific jet lag symptoms, such as concentration difficulties, stress management, sleep disorders, digestion problems, tired eyes and heavy legs. Depending on the individual product concept, the extracts can be used alone or in combination.
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Measuring antioxidant levels plays an important role in a host of applications including characterisation of food quality, control of food processing technologies, improvement of product shelf life, measurement of the antioxidative efficiency of food additives, authenticity control and development of novel formulae. Antioxidants are an essential part of the body’s defence mechanism against cell damage by free radicals. The Photochem analyser provides a rapid and accurate way of measuring water-soluble and lipidsoluble antioxidants in a single system. The instrument uses the principle of photochemiluminescence, combining very fast photochemical radical generation with highly sensitive luminometric detection. Extremely easy to use, each measurement takes less than three minutes. There is no complex or time-consuming sample preparation and only a few microlitres of sample are needed. Sampling, measurement and rinse cycles are performed completely automatically. The anti-oxidative capacity of the sample is measured by comparison with a calibration curve.
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The range extends from the automation of inverter-controlled dough mixer applications to increasing the effectiveness of the overall system (Overall Equipment Effectiveness, OEE) up to production-enhancing robot technology. For example, using the MES-IT interface module, continuous communication can be realized simply even in a heterogeneous, historically grown application structure – a so-called “brownfield” production plant – by interconnecting island solutions. Fully in line with Industry 4.0, the module acquires production data and test results at each stage of production and transmits them in real time to higher-level systems. These enable the systems to produce clear, meaningful evaluations by using Excel, SAP or pre-prepared reports. The link to existing systems can be established quickly without interrupting machine sequences. Preventive maintenance is a big issue in the food industry. If a machine fails without prior warning, the complete batch normally has to be disposed of. Flexible maintenance and service concepts like FAG SmartCheck or the life-cycle software tool MAPS offer a remedy. FAG SmartCheck, for example, detects and reports the first vibrations in a drive long before any noise is emitted. As a result, the reaction time up to machine failure is considerably greater and the maintenance cycle can be adapted to production at a suitably early stage. To increase plant flexibility and availability, it often makes sense to use robots. If several products are manufactured, packaged or removed on one line, the timing can be configured to be significantly faster and more cost-efficient by using space-saving robots and camera systems. At the same time the high hygiene standards of the food industry are met. The fully integrated automation concept iQ Platform ultimately combines all components up to robot control on one single platform and ensures seamless communication within the plant.
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