Mid-Infrared Spectroscopic Determination of Sugar Contents in Culture Media

A simple, rapid and accurate method for determining sugar contents in culture media by mid-infrared spectroscopy was developed using a Fourier transform infrared spectrometer equipped with an attenuated total reflectance accessory by focusing our attention on sugar consumption by plant cells. In addition, we performed lactic acid fermentation under the different conditions of the media and the starter concentration to examine this measuring method. Consequently, this study represents an important step in the development of nonintensive on-line monitoring devices for bioreactors and of simple, rapid and accurate analysis of the cellular metabolism through the composition changes in media.