ARS | Publication request: Wort free amino nitrogen analysis adapted to a microplate format

Submitted to: Journal of American Society of Brewing Chemists
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: December 16, 2011
Publication Date: May 2, 2012
Citation: Schmitt, M., Budde, A.D. 2012. Wort free amino nitrogen analysis adapted to a microplate format. Journal of American Society of Brewing Chemists. 70(2):95-102.

Interpretive Summary: The accepted standard method for analyzing amino acids and other forms of nitrogen in wort (a solution extracted from malt) that can be used by yeast during fermentation was developed and last updated in the 1970s. The instruments and procedures specified at that time are now outdated and archaic. In this paper we modernize the methodology, simplifying and streamlining the instrumentation and techniques to match current laboratory standards, making the procedure easier for researchers to follow.

Technical Abstract: The standard method for determining wort free amino nitrogen content calls for the use of test tubes and glass marbles, as well as boiling and 20°C water baths. In this paper we describe how the standard method can be updated and streamlined by replacing water baths, test tubes and marbles with a thermocycler and 96-well PCR plates. Substitution of a 96-well microplate reader and multi-channel automatic micropipettes for a single-cuvette spectrophotometer and serological or volumetric pipettes greatly simplifies sample transfer and increases sample analysis capacity.