Developing an Enzymatic Assay for Wine Analysis
Presenter(s)
Alexander Charles
Abstract
Malolactic acid fermentation (MLF) is a secondary fermentation process that is an important refinement step in winemaking. In this process, bacteria degrade malic acid, a sour compound, to lactic acid which has a smoother flavor. This research aims to develop a quantitative assay that can accurately measure the progression of fermentation in close to real-time as supposed to traditional paper chromatography, increasing cost-effectiveness, efficiency, and reliability. The novelty in this approach involves the enzymatic monitoring of malate and lactate concentration simultaneously, utilizing the UV-absorbance of NADH that is formed in the process. Here we describe a method for monitoring MLF using a malate-to-lactate ratio that allows for a quantitative approach to judging the completion of malolactic fermentation.
College
College of Science & Engineering
Department
Chemistry
Campus
Winona
First Advisor/Mentor
Jonathon Mauser
Start Date
4-24-2025 1:00 PM
End Date
4-24-2025 2:00 PM
Presentation Type
Poster Session
Format of Presentation or Performance
In-Person
Session
2a=1pm-2pm
Poster Number
1
Developing an Enzymatic Assay for Wine Analysis
Malolactic acid fermentation (MLF) is a secondary fermentation process that is an important refinement step in winemaking. In this process, bacteria degrade malic acid, a sour compound, to lactic acid which has a smoother flavor. This research aims to develop a quantitative assay that can accurately measure the progression of fermentation in close to real-time as supposed to traditional paper chromatography, increasing cost-effectiveness, efficiency, and reliability. The novelty in this approach involves the enzymatic monitoring of malate and lactate concentration simultaneously, utilizing the UV-absorbance of NADH that is formed in the process. Here we describe a method for monitoring MLF using a malate-to-lactate ratio that allows for a quantitative approach to judging the completion of malolactic fermentation.
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