Detecting Low Concentrations of Nitrogen-Based Adulterants in Whey Protein Powder Using Benchtop and Handheld NIR Spectrometers and the Feasibility of Scanning through Plastic Bag.

Nitrogen-rich adulterants in protein powders present sensitivity challenges to conventional combustion methods of protein determination which can be overcome by near Infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). NIRS is a rapid analytical method with high sensitivity and non-invasive advantages. This study developed robust models using benchtop and handheld spectrometers to predict low concentrations of urea, glycine, taurine, and melamine in whey protein powder (WPP).

Methods for Improving Image Quality and Reducing Data Load of NIR Hyperspectral Images.

Near Infrared Hyperspectral Imaging (NIRHSI) is an emerging technology platform that integrates conventional imaging and spectroscopy to attain both spatial and spectral information from an object. Two important problems in NIRHSI are those of data load and unserviceable pixels in the NIR sensor. Hyperspectral imaging experiments generate large amounts of data (typically > 50 MB per image), which tend to overwhelm the memory capacity of conventional computer systems.