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Evaluation of an FT-NIR transflectance probe for predicting protein and lactose contents in milk protein concentrate.
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Abstract
The dairy sector is one of the biggest agri-food sectors in Ireland, with 85% of its total dairy outputs being exported worldwide [1]. Several government reports have stated that for the Irish dairy industry to improve its productivity and competitiveness, integration of process analytical technologies (PAT) in dairy manufacturing is required [2, 3]. Project “NIR4Dairy”, is a European collaboration between University of Cordoba (Spain), Teagasc (Ireland) and a leading Irish dairy company. The main aim of the project is to evaluate an emerging in-line NIR sensor (a process transflectance probe
connected to a multiplexed FT-NIR spectrometer) in a milk processing plant. Milk protein concentrate (MPC) powder or milk protein isolate (MPI) powder, is a highprotein ingredient frequently used in the applications of infant nutrition, proteinfortified foods and, weight management products. A prediction model for “real time” monitoring of lactose and protein in MPC post membrane filtration is essential for ensuring an optimal process is achieved. This presentation introduces the research work currently being carried out, which includes: (1) optimization of instrument settings and sample presentation to obtain high-quality spectra, (2) calculation of spectral repeatability limit in order to make decisions whether samples are to be re-scanned or not, (3) calibration development for quantification of lactose within a low concentration range (0.07-0.3%) in MPC. Current on-going studies include development of a protein model for MPC retentate that has a protein content ranging from 16.0% to 17.5% and a calibration transfer model between two FT-NIR instruments.