Applications

Sulfites are well-known additives in foods and beverages used to extend shelf life and preserve colors. Such properties have led to the broad usage of sulfites in a range of foodstuffs like fruits, cereals, vegetables, seafood, juices, alcoholic and non-alcoholic (soft) beverages, and in some meat products. The term «sulfites» describes a group of molecules that include sulfur dioxide (SO2) and chemically related molecules like sodium sulfite (Na2SO3), sodium bisulfite (NaHSO3), or sodium metabisulfite (Na2S2O5). Sulfite intake has been correlated with several adverse reactions, and therefore sulfites are included in the FAO/WHO Codex Alimentarius list. Labelling sulfite content in foods and beverages is necessary when the total concentration exceeds 10 mg/kg. Metrohm ion chromatography allows the reliable measurement of sulfite in different matrices using either conductivity or amperometric detection. The inclusion of automated sample preparation and cleaning steps with Metrohm instrumentation saves additional analyst time and helps increase sample throughput.

Ion chromatography mass spectrometry (IC-MS) is a powerful tool that can handle many challenging analytical tasks which cannot be performed adequately by IC alone. IC-MS is a robust, sensitive, and selective technique used for the determination of polar contaminants like inorganic anions, organic acids, haloacetic acids, oxyhalides, or alkali and alkaline earth metals. After separation of the sample components via IC, mass selective detection guarantees peak identity with low detection limits. The inclusion of automated Metrohm Inline Sample Preparation (MISP) allows not only water samples, but also chemicals, organic solvents, or post-explosion residues to be readily analyzed without need for extensive manual laboratory work. This White Paper explains the benefits of IC-MS over IC in certain cases, the hyphenation of IC and different MS systems, as well as related norms and standards.

The demand for microelectronics and printed circuit boards (PCBs) has steadily increased as more flat panel displays, LEDs, photovoltaics, and other essential intermediates are required to create modern consumer devices. This is favorable for the semiconductor industry, though challenges may arise to deliver on time while upholding high quality standards. To be successful, several processes must be optimized in order to increase production efficiency. This White Paper describes the capabilities of the modern analytical method near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy for assessing the quality of acid baths for etching of microelectronics and printed electronics. Not only are analysis times sharply reduced to less than a minute, the related running costs are also significantly lower – certainly a boost in efficiency that should not be overlooked!

The objective of validation of an analytical procedure is to demonstrate that it is suitable for its intended purpose. Recommendations for the validation of analytical methods can be found in ICH Guidance Q2(R1) Validation of Analytical Procedures: Text and Methodology and in USP General Chapter <1225> Validation of Compendial Procedures. The goal of this white paper is to provide some recommendations for the validation of titration methods.

In this White Paper, details of the electronic (PGSTAT) and electrochemical cell grounding are presented together with the necessity of using a floating PGSTAT for different application and experimental examples. Due to the wide variation of experimental requirements and kinds of electrochemical cells, the use of an electrochemical instrument with a selectable floating feature (such as VIONIC) which brings additional versatility to the user is recommended.

Handheld Raman is ever evolving. The combination of large libraries, a compact and easy-to-use system, and predictive Hazmat software make MIRA DS a powerful tool for defense and security professionals. Identify on-site materials, get hazard information, and make quick decisions about response to dangerous situations.

The fermentation of corn starch to produce ethanol is a complex biochemical process that requires monitoring of many different parameters (e.g., solids, pH, sugar profile, glycerol, lactic and acetic acid, and water and ethanol content). Traditional laboratory analysis using primary methods (e.g. Karl Fischer titration) takes about an hour to complete and is a limiting step for increasing plant capacity and efficiency. As a fast and non-destructive analytical technique, near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) can replace routine laboratory analysis, decreasing operating costs and increasing plant efficiency and capacity. This White Paper describes the capabilities of the modern analytical method near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy for monitoring and improving the fermentation process of corn to ethanol.

In this White Paper, you will learn about MIRA XTR DS – the smallest, smartest, most flexible handheld Raman system with the largest libraries available on the market! MIRA XTR DS has all the benefits of 785 nm Raman interrogation: compact size, low laser power, sample preservation, long battery lifetimes... now with fluorescence rejection. Additionally, there is improved sensitivity and resolution over 1064 nm systems. This opens up new possibilities for 785 nm Raman, including strongly colored materials, common excipients, illicit materials, and more.

It is widely accepted that prolonged exposure to hexavalent chromium compounds can have dire health effects. This has led to increased regulation of chromium-containing products and greater demand for technologies that can positively identify hexavalent chromium in potential matrices. These include paints, dyes, and primers, which can pose a problem for interrogation with Raman, as strongly colored materials often exhibit fluorescence when stimulated at 785 nm. Fluorescence can obscure the Raman signal and prevent positive identification. MIRA XTR DS provides all the functionality of handheld material ID with a new capability that selectively eXTRacts the Raman signal from fluorescent materials. Fluorescence rejection at 785 nm provides higher sensitivity and resolution than 1064 nm systems, as well as a much wider scope of applications amenable to Raman spectroscopy. MIRA XTR DS offers a comprehensive and versatile material ID test solution for field operations.

Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) is a major cause of bacterial meningitis in children in many countries. The capsular polysaccharide (PS) of Hib plays an important role in the virulence of the organism. The polysaccharide capsule hides cell surface components from elements of the mammalian immune system, such as antibodies and complement proteins that otherwise would activate mechanisms to kill the pathogen. Vaccines require rigorous characterization and assays to ensure final product quality and consistency. For glycoconjugate vaccines, it is important to measure both free and total PS to ensure the quality. A large amount of unconjugated PS may suppress immunity to the antigen. Additionally, the presence of free PS is a key indicator of process consistency. Current methods to determine PS content in vaccines such as Hib are imprecise and unreliable, especially if the vaccine contains a sugar stabilizer (e.g. lactose). Ion chromatography with pulsed amperometric detection (IC-PAD, or HPAEC-PAD) offers a simpler procedure and better sensitivity than other assays to quantify PS (here, polyribosylribitol phosphate [PRP]) in Hib vaccine.