BACKGROUND

We have developed a method to rapidly and reliably measure the volatile fatty acids (VFAs), mercaptansand amino acids.

This method is suitable to analyze and monitor various fermentation processes (food processing industries, methanisation of solid or liquid wastes), to monitor wastewater treatment plants process as well as to analyze soils quality.

KEY BENEFITS vs. STATE OF THE ART

The current analysis methods based on colorimetric or acid-base titrations are time consuming, require expensive supplies materials and maintenance, and are not specific. These methods require high qualified employees to be operated and can not be used on site.

The developed assay is simple, affordable and gives a reliable indication of the amount of functional groups detected within few minutes. It is available in two versions: a ready-to-use microplate-assay (requiring the use of a standard fluorimetricmicroplate reader) or an online analyzer giving real-time results.

Our method gives high quality results comparable with the ones obtained by gas chromatography and regardless of VFAs’ concentration.

Moreover, titration gives results that are overestimated.

Development Status

• Microplate kits are now commercially available

• Online analyzer prototype is being co-developed

APPLICATIONS

• Fermentation in agrifood

• Wastewater treatment plants

• Methanisation of waste industries