In a quest to increase analytical accuracy and improve sample turn around time, ChemGen Corp. has adopted the use of an automated robotic laboratory assay system. This automated system was custom built by members of ChemGen Corp.'s staff to perform the specific analytical techniques required to detect β-Mannanase and other feed enzymes such as Xylanases and Amylases. This enables ChemGen Corp. to offer our customers a complete enzymatic analysis of their feed samples.

The system consists of 4 separate robots working in harmony, utilizing microtiterplate technology to accurately measure enzyme levels. Additionally, a minimal amount of operator intervention is required which helps reduce the risk of human error in final sample results. Complete walkway functionality means samples can be assayed 24 hours a day, even while our staff sleeps.

ChemGen Corp. plans to use integrated barcode technology and a web interfaced database in the future. The database will allow customers to see their results as they become available as well as to analyze all past performance of the application systems in one spot. Barcode technology will not only reduce human operator intervention but allow samples to be tracked throughout the entire assay process starting at the feed mill and ending when results are in the customer's hands.

The detection of β-Mannanase is performed via a reducing sugar assay. The assay consists of a few steps as follows. First the Hemicell^® sample is mixed with a source of galactomannan (currently Locust Bean Gum) and allowed to react for a set amount of time. During this time the β-Mannanase from the Hemicell^® sample digests the galactomannan chain into smaller mannose fragments. The fragments are reducing sugars in that they have the ability to reduce an oxidizing agent through the transfer of electrons.

After the Hemicell^® sample has digested the galactomannan the reaction is stopped and an oxidizing agent, 3, 5-Dinitrosalicylic Acid, is added. The reducing sugars from the previous step react with the oxidizing agent to produce 3-Amino, 5-Nitrosalicylic Acid, which produces a dark red-brown color. The color is then read photometrically and utilized to calculate the amount of β-Mannanase required to produce that much reducing sugar. The reducing sugar, in turn, delineates the amount of β-Mannanase in the Hemicell^® sample.