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The conventional formol number determination method poses potential health and environmental risks and often requires manual procedures that are both time- and labor-intensive. The newly developed method eliminates these drawbacks entirely.

It is based on the quantification of primary amine nitrogen (PAN) using the o-phthaldialdehyde (OPA) enzymatic method combined with determination of ammonia. Both parameters can be measured manually or automatically.

Since the measurements use different units, a conversion formula is applied to correlate the results. While the formol number is expressed in 0.1 mol/L sodium hydroxide per 100 mL of juice, PAN and ammonia are measured in mg N/L. After correction for molecular weight, the two values can be added together to obtain a comparable result.

Comparative studies have demonstrated that this new method delivers equivalent results to the established formol number method across different sample types, origins, and concentrations. The procedure has already been accredited in our laboratory and can be fully automated.

In addition, the method does not require the use of organic solvents, significantly improving both user safety and environmental sustainability in routine laboratory operations.

Simone Schmidt, COO of Tentamus chelab states: “With this development, we are setting new standards in analytical quality control – safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible. We are proud to offer our customers and partners a method that combines innovation with sustainability”.