How discrete wet chemical analysis is bringing flexible, cost-effective multiparameter testing to the beverage industry

Importance of the topic

Multiparameter chemical testing is a core requirement in beverage production for ensuring product consistency, regulatory compliance and operational efficiency. Rapid, reliable analytics minimize batch failures, protect sensory attributes (taste, color, mouthfeel), and support process control from point-of-entry water to final product and wastewater streams. Consolidated, low-volume, high-throughput wet-chemical analysis reduces laboratory burden and waste while enabling broader in-house testing capacity for breweries, juice and wine producers and water monitoring.

Objectives and overview of the study

This application-focused study summarizes how discrete wet-chemistry analysis—implemented via the Thermo Scientific Gallery discrete analyzer—addresses limitations of traditional continuous-flow wet-chemical methods in beverage and malting laboratories. It reports on operational performance and practical benefits through the case example of the Montana State University Barley, Malt & Brewing Quality Lab, describing method consolidation, workflow improvements, analytical performance for critical malt/beer parameters, and impact on throughput, cost and flexibility.

Methodology and analytical approach

The work centers on discrete analyzer technology where individual reactions occur in isolated wells, permitting automated, walkaway operation and multiplexing of assays from a single small-volume sample. Typical method steps at the case laboratory include reagent preparation and loading, calibration runs, and daily sample analysis. Key procedural metrics reported: reagent preparation 10–15 minutes, standards/reagents loading about 1 minute each, calibration ~1 hour for four parameters, and about 1.5 hours for routine daily analysis and reference samples.

Used instrumentation

The Gallery discrete analyzer serves as the consolidated analytical platform. Relevant system features and operational settings reported by the Montana lab include:

• Capacity: six racks for reagents and samples (sample rack: 18 samples per rack; reagent rack: six reagents per rack).
• Operating temperature: 37 °C.
• Optical detection: 12 wavelengths spanning 340–880 nm.
• Sample consumption: up to 300 μL per test.
• Analytical throughput: up to 200 tests per hour; typical lab throughput ~32 samples per day.

Main results and discussion

The discrete approach enabled MSU to consolidate assays that had previously required multiple distinct instruments. Key validated assays and analytical performance indicators include:

• Diastatic power (DP): reagents include 1% starch, α-glucosidase and NADP+/ADP-based reagents; detection at 340 nm. Reported DP statistics: mean 132 °ASBC, SD 4.65, range 121–141; calibration coefficient r = 0.9977.
• α-Amylase: reagents include starch substrate, 0.5% NaCl and iodine; detection at 660 nm. Reported results: mean 66 DU, SD 3.24, range 60–72; calibration r = 0.9984.
• Free Amino Nitrogen (FAN) by NOPA: reagents N-acetyl-L-cysteine and o-phthaldialdehyde; detection at 340 nm. Reported FAN: mean 167 mg/L, SD 3.89, range 160–174; calibration r = 0.9977.
• β-Glucan: reagents include buffer and calcofluor; detection at 405 nm. Reported β-glucan: mean 103 ppm, SD 12.4, range 83–123; calibration r = 0.9999.

Overall analytical performance shows high correlation with industry-standard analyzers, good repeatability and robust calibration linearity for critical malting and brewing assays. The laboratory also described method adaptations (optimized reagent mixes, expanded calibration ranges, internal standard dilutions) to handle variable breeding material and small-sample workflows such as micro- and pico-malting.

Benefits and practical applications

Practical advantages demonstrated by the discrete analyzer include:

• Consolidation: one instrument supports assays that would otherwise require multiple specialized analyzers (e.g., NOPA/FAN, α-amylase, diastatic power, β-glucan, sugars, organic acids, SO2, metals, pH/conductivity).
• Reduced consumables and waste: low sample and reagent volumes (max 300 μL) generate substantially less laboratory waste.
• Cost efficiency: reported cost per analysis 10–20× lower than traditional wet-chemistry approaches due to lower reagent consumption and higher throughput.
• Operational efficiency: walkaway automation lowers hands-on time, enables a single operator to manage multiparameter panels and increases throughput (up to 200 tests/h theoretical).
• Flexibility: open-system architecture enables in-lab method optimization and the addition of new chemistries without modular hardware expansion.
• Suitability for breeding and small-sample programs: ability to analyze micro-samples supports barley breeding and genetics workflows.

Future trends and potential applications

Discrete multiparameter analyzers are well positioned to expand in beverage and malting analytics. Anticipated trends and opportunities include:

• Broader adoption in QA/QC labs seeking to consolidate instrumentation and reduce per-sample costs.
• Expansion of validated assay libraries, including more enzymatic, colorimetric and photometric tests relevant to juices, wines and brewery processes.
• Integration with laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and automated sample handling for higher-throughput facilities.
• Methods tailored to low-volume workflows in breeding programs and pilot-scale production where sample conservation is critical.
• Sustainability benefits driven by reduced reagent/waste footprints and lower energy use compared with multiple dedicated analyzers.

Conclusion

The Thermo Scientific Gallery discrete analyzer delivers a practical, flexible solution for multiparameter beverage and malting analysis. The Montana State University case demonstrates that discrete analysis can match established analyzers in accuracy and repeatability while offering significant gains in throughput, reagent and sample economy, and operational flexibility. For laboratories aiming to expand in-house testing capabilities, especially where sample volume is limited or diverse assays are required, discrete platforms provide a cost-effective, scalable alternative to multiple traditional wet-chemistry systems.

References

1. SelectScience webinar, Thermo Fisher Scientific, 2020: application of the Thermo Scientific Gallery discrete analyzer at Montana State University Barley, Malt & Brewing Quality Lab.