The minispec TD-NMR analyzers allow for rapid process-control, quality-control and R&D.
Image Credit: Bruker BioSpin Group
- Fat and moisture content in snack food
- Water binding in dough
- Salt/color/spice content has no impact
- Fat and sugar crystallization kinetics
- Fat and moisture in powdered ingredients
- Droplet size distribution in w/o or o/w emulsion
- Fundamental molecular investigation on rheology
- Non-invasive measurements in seconds
- In-package finished product analysis
- Unsupervised automated measurement
- No drying or solvent involved
- Certified official SFC standard provided with instrument
The versatile, user-friendly bench-top TD-NMR analyzer from Bruker is a turn-key instrument developed for rapid Process/Quality control in the manufacture of snack foods.
The instrument obtains time-domain data in just a matter of seconds to quantitatively establish the materials’ chemical and physical properties. The signal is acquired from the hydrogen atomic nuclei contained in the samples.
It was possible to distinguish the relaxation behaviors of the NMR signal obtained from various molecules present in the sample. Moreover, the TD-NMR signal represents a clear signature of molecular mobility and therefore it also serves as an excellent phase sensor. This method looks at the basic molecular level and correlates to the samples’ macroscopic properties which make the minispec TD-NMR analyzer a robust tool for comprehensive research.
The minispec ProFiler: Take NMR to Product
As a single-sided NMR device, the minispec ProFiler is perfectly customized for industrial QC applications. With the help of this probe, in-situ NMR measurement of large objects can be easily performed. The minispec ProFiler can be used with swappable resonators or inserts to obtain signal from a depth of 5mm, 3mm or 0mm within the sample.
Uses For the minispec During Snack Food Production
Source: Bruker BioSpin Group
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Dry Ingredients
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Dough Making
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Frying/Baking/Drying
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Final Product
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In-Package Final Product
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Fat/moisture content
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- Moisture binding
- Effect of mixing parameters
- When the dough is ready
- Effect of freezing
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- Fat/moisture content
- Process monitoring
- Product quality monitoring
- Drying kinetics
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Fat/moisture content
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Fat/moisture content
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Time Domain-NMR Advantages
- Rapid analysis, typically within a few seconds
- Only 3-5 samples are needed for instrument calibration
- Reproducibility and repeatability of minispec analysis are generally much better than wet chemical methods
- TD-NMR analysis prevents time-consuming and labor-intensive wet chemical approaches
- The minispec analyzer is easy to use, even by untrained staff
- Versatile method: Generally, minispec systems can be employed for a wide range of applications, and not just for one application/analysis
- Samples can be powder, liquid, pellet, plate or film; all forms can be analyzed with the minispec system
- Non-invasive and non-destructive analysis, which means measurement can be repeated as often as required
- Based on sample homogeneity, the measurement volume of the minispec can be adapted using a variety of probe sizes.
- The NMR signal is produced by all the hydrogen nuclei present in the entire sample volume, and therefore the outcome does not rely on sample color or sample surface; it is an exact bulk measurement
- Salt or spice content does not affect the TD-NMR prediction
The minispec Snack Food Analyzer Options
- minispec mq-series for versatile applications (crystallization kinetics, fat/moisture content, emulsion stability, water interaction or binding with macromolecules, research, etc.)
- minispec mq-one analyzer for dedicated QC/PC applications (for example, solid fat content, and fat and moisture in finished/unfinished products)
- Fixed temperature: Sample chamber is controlled by magnet temperature, that is, probe temperature between 35 °C and 45 °C
- Wide-range variable temperature using gas flow system, maximum -100 °C to +200 °C
- Variable temperature through external heating/cooling water bath, maximum -5 °C to +65 °C
- Magnetic field strength range: 6MHz to 60MHz 1H frequency
- Probe size range: 7.5mm to 89mm diameter
- Peltier heating/cooling blocks with accurate digital controls are provided to preheat samples and lower time for batch sample measurement (manual/automated)
Pulsed Field Gradients/Profiling, Diffusion and Droplet Analysis
A wide range of probes and gradient systems are available with variable temperature capability. Software is also available for one-dimensional imaging and free/limited diffusion (droplet size) analysis.
Measurement Details
- Measurement time: Few seconds
- Sample preparation: Placing in the tube
- Instrument adjustment for each sample: Not needed
- Accuracy: Relies on the accuracy of reference values furnished during calibration. Correlation coefficient is typically R2 ≥ 0.999. Precision: ±0.01%
- Detection limit: The minispec can be used to measure fat as low as a few milligrams. Detection can be achieved on low moisture content samples and relies on sample volume, magnetic field strength, measurement time, probe used, etc.
Software
The minispec OPUS and Plus software can support full programming flexibility through minispec ExpSpel experiment editor for definition of:
- Customized automation
- NMR data processing including ILT
- NMR pulse sequences, etc.
Image Credit: Bruker BioSpin Group
The mq-Series systems are available with a large application pool, including almost all well-established and extensively used TD-NMR pulse sequences.
About Bruker BioSpin Group
The Bruker BioSpin Group designs, manufactures, and distributes advanced scientific instruments based on magnetic resonance and preclinical imaging technologies. These include our industry-leading NMR and EPR spectrometers, as well as imaging systems utilizing MRI, PET, SPECT, CT, Optical and MPI modalities. The Group also offers integrated software solutions and automation tools to support digital transformation across research and quality control environments.
Bruker BioSpin’s customers in academic, government, industrial, and pharmaceutical sectors rely on these technologies to gain detailed insights into molecular structure, dynamics, and interactions. Our solutions play a key role in structural biology, drug discovery, disease research, metabolomics, and advanced materials analysis. Recent investments in lab automation, optical imaging, and contract research services further strengthen our ability to support evolving customer needs and enable scientific innovation.
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