Analysis of polysaccharide and proteinaceous macromolecules in beer using asymmetrical flow field-flow fractionation

Wyatt instrumentation (Eclipse 3+, DAWN and Optilab) was used to detect the presence of proteins and polysaccharides in beer that are the result of the brewing process. While the presence of some of these brewing 'by-products' is desirable due to their contribution to foaming and palatability, excessive and/or unwanted proteins and polysaccharides can contribute to the undesirable formation of beer haze or increase viscosity or turbidity of the beer. AF4 analysis, in conjunction with UV/MALS/dRI, of beer samples taken at any point in the production process is shown to be a very practical, relevant and promising analytical tool for the beer-making industry.

Tügel, I.; Runyon, J. R.; Galindo, F. G.; Nilsson, L. Journal of the Institute of Brewing  2015, 121, 44-48. doi:10.1002/jib.195