Applications for portable NIR spectroscopy in food analysis
Near-infrared spectroscopy ( NIR ) is the study of the interaction between matter and light within the nearinfrared spectrum , ranging from 750 to 2500 nm .
NIR spectroscopy is commonly used to measure and quantify a sample ’ s composition , such as protein , moisture , dry matter , fat , and starch . Additionally , the NIR spectrum reflects its physical properties or characteristics . As a result , when applied to food , the NIR spectra of samples can provide information not only about the food ’ s chemical composition but also about its functionality via a non-destructive , rapid , and clean approach that does not require any reagents .
Only recently has NIR technology evolved towards miniaturized devices , moving NIR analysis from lab to field . Portable NIR spectroscopy is an excellent tool for monitoring crop quality and determining optimal cultivation conditions and harvesting time . The importance of controlling food quality cannot be overstated given the high vulnerability of
42 FDPP - www . fdpp . co . uk
Hamamatsu ’ s FTIR Engine delivers highsensitivity , highresolution , and highspeed measurements comparable to larger and more expensive benchtop devices .
foods to variation , the need to maintain freshness to prevent quality loss , and the possibility of illegal adulteration . Moreover , the complex nature of the food production , delivery chain and the need to reduce analysis time to a minimum has made portable spectrometers a revolutionary step forward in this field .
Portable NIR analyzers have been utilized for on-farm monitoring of feed and forages to assess their quality . In this process , a sample of the feed is placed in front of a scanner that analyzes it , providing results to the farmer or nutritionist . This allows them to make prompt management decisions regarding the feed , significantly reducing the time required for obtaining results from a few days to a few seconds . By adjusting on the spot , cows receive a more consistent ration leading to an improvement in the general health of the herd . This is observed through changes in blood parameters and a reduction in mastitis , resulting in increased milk production . Moreover , this technology can potentially decrease feed wastage , thereby reducing costs and increasing revenue .
Another valuable application for portable NIR spectrometry is the on-field evaluation of crops in all phases of produce growth . Scientists have studied the absorption wavelength of 160 individual grapevine leaves from eight different varieties grown under various environmental conditions , specifically targeting water content assessment to identify an optimization strategy for irrigation in the wine industry . During harvest season , NIR spectroscopy has been used to assess the on-tree ripeness of olive fruits , grapes , and tomatoes