AB71410-EN-BEER-Compendium-0716S.pdf

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AB71410-EN 0716S-B6
Overview:
Isohumulones (iso-α-acids), derived by humulones (α -acids), are essential
constituents of hop resins, forming approximately 80% of the typical bitterness of beer.
Their antimicrobial effect leads to a sterile beverage, their tensioactive character
stabilizes foam and they have a major influence on the general flavor, smell, and
smoothness of beer.
This application note describes the robust and reproducible determination of beer
bitterness, by precisely measuring the contents of isohumulones in untreated beer.
Method:
Commercial beers were analysed using a Thermo Scientific™ Dionex™ UltiMate™ 3000
System with On-Line SPE RS Configuration and an Isohumulones Starter Kit.
Chromatographic separation of isohumulones was performed using a Thermo
Scientific ™ Hypersil GOLD ™ 1.9 μm 100 × 2.1 mm column. Detection was carried out
using a Thermo Scientific ™ Dionex™ UltiMate ™ VWD-3400RS Variable Wavelength
Detector.
Column Part Number Description
25002-102130 Hypersil GOLD 1.9µm 100 x 2.1mm
Conclusion:
The application provides a fast specific determination and quantitation of each cis- and
trans-isomer of the isohumulones (iso-α-acids), with a total run time of 10 minutes
from sampling to result. By using online solid phase extraction (SPE), untreated beer
samples can be directly injected as all SPE steps are performed automatically.
Isohumulones - Robust Iso-α-Acids Assaying
in Beer within Ten Minutes
Michael Heidorn, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Germering, Germany
Application Summary AN 153