Protein analyzer wins IFT food science award
Dispensing with the need for harsh chemicals or high heat, the analyzer provides very accurate protein tests within two minutes. The standard Kjeldahl test, designed more than 100 years ago, uses hazardous chemicals, is less accurate and takes up to eight hours to produce results. "This is a uniquely fast, versatile and portable protein tester that can be used on the production floor or at a receiving station," said Michael J Collins, CEM president and CEO. Accurate measurement Unlike conventional testing methods, which measure protein and calculate nitrogen, the Sprint uses protein tagging technology, which is AOAC-approved for many food products, to deliver a highly accurate direct measurement that is unaffected by naturally occurring nitrogen, fillers or contaminants. It can be used to test the protein content of all grains, meat, powders, dairy products and pet foods. The tester measures protein from 0.01% to 99.9% in liquids, solids and slurries. According to the judges' citation, the instrument "avoids the problem of false protein readings from nitrogen containing contaminants such as melamine." Disposable cups Unlike current protein analysis instruments which requires frequent maintenance and cleaning, Sprint uses disposable sample cups and filters which contain the sample completely. Before the next test, Sprint automatically cleans all internal components and at the end of a protein test, all non-toxic sample waste and the disposable filter and cup can easily be removed and discarded, said the company. CEM Corporation provides solutions for critical laboratory applications in the food, chemical, pharmaceutical and bioscience industries. Other awards Two other packaging and processing companies won IFT Innovation Awards at the trade show. Multisorb Technologies was recognized for its Active Oxygen Barrier Enhancement technology. This oxygen scavenging system is designed to be incorporated into polymers for moulded, sheeted or film applications. NC Hyperbaric won an award for its Wave 6000/420 High Pressure Processing Equipment. The machine uses a working pressure of 87,000 psi to process up to 4,500 pounds of product per hour at a cost of $0.032.
