Direct determination of sugar cane quality parameters by X-ray spectrometry and multivariate analysis

J Agric Food Chem. 2012 Oct 31;60(43):10755-61. doi: 10.1021/jf302471b. Epub 2012 Oct 18.

Abstract

Current methods for quality control of sugar cane are performed in extracted juice using several methodologies, often requiring appreciable time and chemicals (eventually toxic), making the methods not green and expensive. The present study proposes the use of X-ray spectrometry together with chemometric methods as an innovative and alternative technique for determining sugar cane quality parameters, specifically sucrose concentration, POL, and fiber content. Measurements in stem, leaf, and juice were performed, and those applied directly in stem provided the best results. Prediction models for sugar cane stem determinations with a single 60 s irradiation using portable X-ray fluorescence equipment allows estimating the % sucrose, % fiber, and POL simultaneously. Average relative deviations in the prediction step of around 8% are acceptable if considering that field measurements were done. These results may indicate the best period to cut a particular crop as well as for evaluating the quality of sugar cane for the sugar and alcohol industries.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Carbohydrates / analysis
  • Multivariate Analysis
  • Plant Leaves / chemistry
  • Plant Stems / chemistry
  • Quality Control
  • Saccharum / chemistry*
  • Spectrometry, X-Ray Emission / methods*
  • Sucrose / analysis

Substances

  • Carbohydrates
  • Sucrose