INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SCIENTIFIC & TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH VOLUME 9, ISSUE 10, OCTOBER 2020 ISSN 2277-8616

The Analysis Techniques Of Amino Acid And

Protein In Food And Agricultural Products
Edy Subroto, Elazmanawati Lembong, Fitry Filianty, Rossi Indiarto, Gisella Primalia, Miswa Salza Kirana Zaenal Putri,
Hanna Christy Theodora, Salsabila Junar

Abstract: The protein content in food and agricultural products affects the physicochemical and nutritional properties of these products. This review aims
to discuss the analysis techniques of protein and amino acid in food and agricultural products. The qualitative analysis can be conducted using the
Hopkins-Cole, Xanthoproteic, Millon, Nitroprusside, and Sakaguchi test. In contrast, the quantitative analysis of proteins can use the Kjehldahl, Biuret,
Lowry, UV Spectrophotometry, and Turbidimetry. It also discussed the immunohistochemical techniques to identify cellular or tissue constituents
(antigens) by staining techniques, while Formol titration measures the hydrolysis of proteins and N-amino quickly. The amino acids can be analyzed by
microbiological methods, colorimetric, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and gravimetric techniques. These methods/techniques can be
chosen according to the type of sample and the purpose of the analysis so that the results can be obtained accurately.

Index Terms: Protein, amino acid, analysis technique, food, agricultural product
——————————  ——————————

1. INTRODUCTION specifically associated with forming proteins [2]. Based on the

Protein is one of the main macromolecular components that source, protein can be divided into two groups, namely
composed of amino acids through peptide bonds in specific vegetable protein and animal protein [9]. Vegetable proteins
sequences and types. Amino acids contained several main are the protein derived from vegetable materials, such as nuts,
elements, such as C, H, O, and N. In addition, proteins also soybean, and other cereals. Animal proteins are the protein
contain other elements such as sulfur, phosphorus, iron, and derived from animal products such as milk, eggs, meat, and
copper [1]. Amino acids contained in proteins are linked by a fishery products. Animal protein has a complete and high-
bond called a peptide bond [2]. Protein functions to form body quality protein because it contains essential amino acids,
tissue, growth, and form various bioactive compounds [3]. especially amino acids that contain sulfur [10]. Both vegetable
Specifically, proteins contain carbon atoms (50-55%), oxygen and animal proteins can also be modified into bioactive
(20-23%), nitrogen (12-19%), hydrogen (6-7%), and sulfur peptides that are beneficial both in the field of food and
(0.2-3%) [4]. The amino acid has two functional groups, a pharmaceutical technology [11], [12]. To determine the content
namely amino group and a carboxyl group [5]. Amino groups of protein and amino acids in food and agricultural products, a
provide alkaline properties, whereas carboxyl groups provide quantitative or qualitative analysis must be conducted.
acidic properties. In liquid or solution form, amino acids have Therefore, an appropriate analysis method is needed to
amphoteric properties, which tend to become acidic when in identify the levels of protein and amino acids in food materials.
the base solution, and turn into the base when in acidic This review discusses various analytical methods to determine
solution. This is due to amino acids being able to become the protein and amino acid content, both qualitative and
zwitterions [6]. The characteristics of a protein are determined quantitative analysis. The qualitative analysis includes several
by the type of amino acids and their sequence in polypeptides. reactions, including Xanthoproteic reaction, Hopkins-Cole
Proteins have types of structures, which include the structure reaction, Millon reaction, Nitroprusside reaction, and
of primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary [7]. The primary Sakaguchi reaction. Quantitative analysis includes several
structure shows the amount and sequence of amino acids in a methods, namely the Kjeldahl, Lowry, Biuret, and
polypeptide. The structure of secondary shows the structural Spectrophotometry, Turbidimetry, and Formol titration
content of a polypeptide which is influenced by the hydrogen methods. Analysis of amino acid levels can be determined by
bonding between oxygen (O) of the carbonyl group (C=O) and several methods, namely the Colorimetric, Gravimetric,
hydrogen (H) of the amino group (N-H) of the peptide chain Chromatographic, and Microbiological methods.
framework [8]. The tertiary structure of proteins is formed by
additional bonds between R groups in amino acids. Disulfide 2 QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS OF PROTEINS
bonds are the only covalent bonds involved in tertiary Qualitative analysis proteins consisted of the Hopkins Cole
structures, formed by oxidation of sulfhydryl groups from two test, Millon test, Xanthoproteic test, Nitroprusside test, and
cysteinyl residues. The quarter structure involves the Sakaguchi test. The specificity of the qualitative analysis
interaction between two or more polypeptide chains that are techniques of protein can be seen in Table 1.

Tabel 1. The specificity of the qualitative analysis techniques

of protein.
Analysis
No Analysis specificity
———————————————— techniques
 Edy Subroto, Elazmanawati Lembong, Fitry Filianty, Rossi Indiarto, Identify the tryptophan based on Indole ring
1 Hopkins Cole test
Gisella Primalia, Miswa Salza Kirana Zaenal Putri, Hanna Christy group.
Theodora, Salsabila Junar: Department of Food Industrial Identify the phenolic amino acids such as
2 Millon test
Technology, Faculty of Agro-Industrial Technology, Universitas tyrosine and its derivatives.
Padjadjaran, Jl.Raya Bandung-Sumedang Km. 21, Jatinangor, Identify the proteins and amino acids that
Sumedang 40600, Indonesia. E-mail: [email protected] have aromatic rings or benzene groups
3 Xanthoproteic test
such as phenylalanine, tyrosine,
tryptophan, etc.
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4 Nitroprusside test
Detect the presence of cysteine amino appears based on the nitration reaction on the aromatic ring of
acids. amino acids [18]. The principle of testing phenylalanine,
Identify the amino acid arginine based on tyrosine, and tryptophan by the Xanthoproteic test method is
5 Sakaguchi test
guanidine group in its side chain.
by homogenizing 1 mL of HNO3 solution that already contains
a 2% protein solution. After that, the sample is heated using a
2.1 Hopkins Cole test
water bath for 15-20 minutes or on fire for 2 minutes, then a
Hopkins Cole Test is one of the qualitative test methods to
change in the color of the solution is observed. The test tube is
determine differences in types of proteins and amino acids.
incubated at room temperature until the temperature
This test is used to identify the presence of the amino acid
decreases then NH3 solution or 20-40% NaOH is added to it,
tryptophan, which is the only amino acid that has an indole
and a change in the color of the formed solution is observed
ring group [13]. Tryptophan belongs to the group of essential
again [15].
amino acids. Tryptophan is a precursor of niacin vitamin and
an introduction to the serotonin nerve. Tryptophan functions to
2.4 Nitroprusside test
maximize the use of vitamin B complex, improve nerve health,
Nitroprusside test is a test used to detect the presence of
stabilize emotions, increase feelings of calm, prevent
cysteine amino acids. This test uses sodium nitroprusside
insomnia, and increase the release of growth hormone. One of
reagents and ammonia solution. The testing principle is that
these amino acids can be found in egg whites. Hopkins Cole
the free -SH group called thiol or mercapto, which is owned by
reagents which contain glyoxylic acid (C2H2O3) react with
the amino acid cysteine will react with nitroprusside in the
sulfuric acid. Tryptophan in the protein solution will be
case of excess ammonia to form red compounds. The S-S-
condensed with the aldehyde group on glyoxylic acid with the
group in cysteine will give positive results in nitroprusside
help of strong oxidizing sulfuric acid. Positive results are
testing if it is reduced first. Nitroprusside testing is conducted
indicated by the formation of purple rings between 2 separate
by entering 0.5 mL of sodium nitroprusside 1% into the test
layers [13], [14]. According to Elzagheid [15], the principle of
tube then add 2 mL of the sample to be tested, then add 0.5
testing tryptophan by the Hopkins Cole test method is by
mL of NH4OH solution. The sodium nitroprusside solution used
adding 1 mL of Hopkins Cole reagent into a test tube that
must be in a new condition and made just before the test [19].
already contains a 2% protein solution, then the concentrated
Nitroprusside reactions can be applied in various tests, one of
sulfuric acid solution is added as much as 1-2 mL. The
which is to detect the content of cysteine in urine clinically [20].
solution is homogeneous with vortex, and then color changes
The test was carried out by adding of sodium nitroprusside
are formed.
20% (w/v), then the color intensity was measured using a
spectrophotometer at a wavelength of 521 nm in 1 minute, and
2.2 Millon test
the cysteine concentration was calculated using a standard
Millon test is one of the qualitative test methods to determine
curve [21].
differences in types of proteins and amino acids, namely the
type of phenolic amino or amino acids that have phenol
2.5 Sakaguchi Test
groups such as tyrosine and its derivatives [13]. Tyrosine is a
The Sakaguchi test is a chemical test that includes a
non-essential amino acid that has a phenyl group and is a
colorimetric reaction for the identification and quantification of
weak acid. One of these amino acids can be found in milk
the amino acid arginine. Arginine is an amino acid that has a
casein. Millon test is not a specific test, because this test
guanidine group in its side chain, which is the C atom that
identifies all types of phenol compounds, so to ensure that
binds N2 with a single bond and binds N with a double bond.
testing is needed by other means [16]. In this test, Millon
Sakaguchi reaction is carried out using naphthol and sodium
reagents are used, which are solutions containing mercury
hypobromite or sodium hypochlorite reagents. The guanidine
(Hg) dissolved in nitric acid [17]. These mercury compounds
group in arginine, which is oxidized by sodium hypochlorite,
bind with hydroxyphenyl groups to produce a white precipitate
will react with alpha-naphthol and produce red compounds
in a protein solution [18]. Tyrosine in protein solution will form
under alkaline conditions; the absorption spectrum produced
a solution or reddish-brown sediment when heated. The
by the Sakaguchi reaction at a wavelength of 520 nm [22]. In
principle of testing tyrosine with the Millon test method is to
general, Sakaguchi testing is carried out by inserting about 2
homogenate 1-3 drops of Millon reagents into a test tube that
mL of the sample into a test tube then adding two drops of 1%
already contains a 2% protein solution. After that, the solution
α-naphthol in alcohol, 4% sodium hydroxide and 8-10 drops of
is heated using a water bath and observed the changes in
bromine water. Testing gives positive results if red complexes
color and the formed deposits [15].
are formed [23]. Adding hypobromite to the arginine solution
that has been given α-naphthol in an alkaline state will
2.3 Xanthoproteic test
produce a red complex immediately, followed by rapid fading
Xanthoproteic test aims to determine differences in types of
of the color [24].
proteins and amino acids that have aromatic rings or benzene
groups such as phenylalanine, tyrosine, tryptophan, etc. [13].
In this test used a solution of concentrated nitric acid and a 3 QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS OF PROTEIN
base in the form of ammonia or sodium hydroxide (NaOH). Quantitative analysis proteins consisted of the Kjeldahl, Biuret,
Phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan will form white Lowry, UV-Spectrophotometry, Turbidimetry,
deposits that can turn yellow when reacting with nitric acid in Immunohistochemistry, Formol titration. The specificity of the
the presence of heat [17]. This yellow color is called Xantho quantitative analysis techniques of protein can be seen in
protein. Addition of a basic solution such as HNO3 or NaOH Table 2.
will create a very alkaline so that the nitro compound that has
been previously formed can be ionized and the solution
changes color to dark yellow or orange. The visible color
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Tabel 2. The specificity of the quantitative analysis techniques protein solution is converted into alkalis with NaOH, then a
of protein. CuSO4 solution is added so that the protein reacts with Cu 2+ to
No Analysis techniques Analysis specificity form a blue-purple complex under alkaline conditions. The
Determine the total protein based more or the longer the peptide bonds contained in the protein,
1 Kjeldahl
on total nitrogen. the stronger the purple color produced [31]. Biuret reagents
Determine the soluble protein
2 Biuret
content based on peptide bonds. can be prepared by dissolving 150 mg of copper (II) sulfate
Determine the soluble protein (CuSO4.5H2O) and potassium tartrate (KNaC4H4O6.4H2O) in
content in small amounts based 50 mL of distilled water. The next step, add 30 mL of 10%
3 Lowy
on peptide bonds. More sensitive sodium hydroxide while shaken, then add distilled water to the
than Biuret limit of the measuring flask line [32]. According to Janairo et al.
Determine the soluble protein [33], testing by the Biuret method can be conducted by taking
4 UV-Spectrophotometry based on the interaction of the
sample with UV light. a few samples of dissolved protein, such as albumin. Albumin
Determine the protein based on needs to be precipitated before being used by adding
the measurement of light crystalline ammonium sulfate until it approaches the saturation
5 Turbidimetry
scattering in a cloudy protein of ammonium sulfate in solution. The precipitating protein is
solution. separated by centrifuge at 11,000 rpm for 10 minutes. The
Determine the cellular antigens precipitate, which is a protein, is then dissolved with acetic
6 Immunohistochemistry (protein) through antigen-antibody
interactions acid (pH 5) of 10 mL. The solution is then taken and biuret
Determine the protein hydrolysis reagent added and incubated for 10 minutes. The solution
7 Formol titration then reads its absorbance at a wavelength of 550 nm to the
to show N-amino levels
blank containing the biuret reagent and acetate pH 5. Dilution
3.1 Kjeldahl method factors must be considered, and the absorbance of the sample
Determination of total protein in various fields such as biology, should be within the absorbance range of the standard curve.
pharmacy, environment, and food is generally carried out by
the Kjeldahl method. This method is still recognized by AOAC 3.3 Lowry method
International as the official method for protein analysis. The Lowry method is a development of the Biuret method. The
principle of the Kjeldahl method is to measure the total protein principle of the Lowry method is the reaction that occurs
based on the nitrogen content, which represents the protein in between Cu2+ with peptide bonds and the reduction reaction of
the materials [25]. In general, the Kjeldahl method is carried phosphotungstic acid and phosphomolybdic acid by
out through 3 stages, namely destruction, distillation, and tryptophan and tyrosine contained in a protein [34]. Protein in
titration. The destruction stage involves the destruction of the alkaline condition then added phosphomolybdic and
organic compounds in the sample using sulfuric acid or phosphotungstic acid to produce a blue color whose thickness
potassium sulfate with a catalyst to convert nitrogen in protein depends on the concentration of protein contained in the
into ammonium sulfate quantitatively. Then the solution is materials. The resulting bluish color can be measured at
distilled using excess sodium hydroxide to free ammonia and wavelengths of 500-750 nm [29]. There are two kinds of
then absorb it in boric acid [26]. Ammonia distillate in boric reagents used in the Lowry method, namely solution A and
acid is then titrated using hydrochloric acid to measure solution B. Solution A is a mixture of phosphotungstic acid and
nitrogen in ammonia that reacts with acids [27]. Nitrogen phosphomolybdic acid in a ratio of (1:1). Solution B can be
levels obtained from the titration results represent the amount made by mixing 2% sodium carbonate in 100 mL of 0.1 N
of crude protein present in the sample [28]. In general, the sodium hydroxide, then adding with 1 mL of 1% copper (II)
conversion factor used in determining total protein using the sulfate and 1 mL of potassium sodium tartrate 2% [35].
Kjeldahl method is 6.25, which is based on the assumption Determination of protein content by the Lowry method requires
that the general nitrogen content is 16% in food proteins, and a standard curve that describes the relationship between
all nitrogen in food is bound to protein. This assumption is a protein concentration and optical density (OD) [35]. A standard
fairly crude and inaccurate assumption because of the curve can be made by preparing a bovine serum albumin
relatively variable nitrogen content between the varying protein (BSA) solution with a concentration of 300 µg/ mL. Next, add 8
and amino acids content of food products. The presence of mL of Lowry B reagent into each of the tubes with different
various other compounds containing non-protein nitrogen such concentrations and leave it for 10 minutes, then add 1 mL of
as free amino acids, nucleic acids, urea, ammonia, nitrate, Lowry A reagent, shake and let stand for 20 minutes. The
chlorophyll, and alkaloids in food products is one proof that the solution obtained was then measured for its absorbance at a
conversion factor 6.25 is less accurate in determining total wavelength of 600 nm against the blank [29]. The test step of
protein. Specific conversion factors for various types of food the Lowry method is almost the same as the protein testing
have been made to overcome this problem so that now the step of the Biuret method, the difference at the end is
calculation of the conversion of nitrogen into protein is more determined by the addition of 8 mL of Lowry A reagent and so
precise [29]. on as in the standard curve.

3.2 Biuret method 3.4 UV-Spectrophotometry method

Biuret method is a method used to determine the protein Determination of protein content by the UV Spectrophotometry
content based on peptide bonds in the material being tested. method is based on the interaction of the sample with UV light
Peptide bonds obtained indicate that the protein contained [36]. UV light has a wavelength of around 100-400 nm. UV
because amino acids bind to other amino acids through rays cannot be seen in the human eyes; therefore, compounds
peptide bonds. The reagents used in this method are NaOH that can absorb UV rays are compounds that have a clear and
and CuSO4 [30]. The principle of the biuret method is that the transparent color. The principle of the UV spectrophotometer

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method is that the tested sample must be clear and completely used. Then, additional chromogen substrate, usually DAB, and
dissolved; there are no colloidal particles or suspensions [37]. the final stage is counterstaining and dehydration. There are
Tryptophan, tyrosine, and phenylalanine are amino acids two basic methods of using immunohistochemistry to identify
making up proteins that have aromatic groups. Tryptophan has antigens in tissues, namely the direct method and the indirect
a maximum absorption at 280 nm [38]. Tyrosine has a method. The principle of the direct method is the use of
maximum absorption at 278 nm [39]. Phenylalanine has less labeled primary antibodies so that they will bind directly to the
strong light absorption and absorption at shorter wavelengths. antigen directly. Meanwhile, the principle of the indirect
Estimation of protein concentration in a test solution can be method is the use of primary antibodies that are not labeled,
seen absorbance at 280 nm. For more accurate results, it is but this method also uses secondary antibodies that already
necessary to correct possible contamination of nucleic acid have a label and will react with Immunoglobulin G (IgG) from
content at 260 nm. The absorption ratio of 280/260 nm can be the primary antibody. The advantages of immunohistochemical
used to determine the correction factor [40]. methods are the location and distribution of visible proteins,
which can be detected in the biopsy of small and large tissues
3.5 Turbidimetry method as well as fixed tissues, and validation of other high yield
Turbidimetry is the analysis method based on the studies (DNA microarrays). While the shortcomings of this
measurement of light scattering in solution. The method of method are limited ability to measure protein content,
measurement is by reducing the intensity of the light after problems with antibody types, limited ability to detect protein
passing through the suspension solution. Turbidimeters apply modification, limited or less evidence-based criteria, no
a continuous scattering of light or 180°, in contrast to a method of normalizing, the results are limited, and limited
nephelometer that uses light scattering with an angle of 90° capacity for creating clinical biomarker profiles (only with
[41]. Basically, turbidimetry measures the ratio between the tissue microarrays) [45].
intensity of the light that is passed on with the intensity of the
initial beam. The continued measurement of light intensity as a 3.7 Formol titration method
function of concentration is a basic principle of turbidimeter Formol titration is a titration that is usually conducted to
equipment. Protein analysis using the turbidimetry method can determine the protein content in milk quickly. In addition,
use benzethonium chloride (BZ) from cationic detergents. The formol titration can also be used to measure protein hydrolysis
results showed that turbidity is dependent on pH and is to show N-amino levels in a processing or storage process.
reversible. However, when BZ concentrations in sediment are The principle of the formol titration method is to neutralize the
low, turbidity decreases with increasing pH at a higher pH solution with a NaOH added with formaldehyde in which the
range. Turbidity formation by aromatic organic acids such as amino group is bound and does not affect the acid-base
sulfosalicylic acid is reversible and can only be observed in the reaction of NaOH to form Dimethylol. The indicator commonly
lower pH range [42]. The formation of turbidity in the used is phenolphthalein (PP), and the color change reaction
turbidimetry method uses BZ because the positively charged turns pink at the end of the titration [46]. In general, the
cationic detergent will bind to the negatively charged protein in determination of protein content by formol titration is
the pH range of 5-6 with the dissociated and complex carboxyl conducted by weighing a sample that has been mashed about
groups produced together by their respective intermolecular 10 g, then dissolved in distilled water and shaken out with a
forces. However, when the BZ concentration is low, the stirrer for 15 minutes. The filtrate is filtered and diluted with
principle of reaction that has been reported is not enough to distilled water, then taken about 10 mL to be added with
explain the phenomenon that turbidity decreases with distilled water, potassium oxalate, and PP indicator. The
increasing pH in a higher pH range. According to Boumaza et reaction mixture is then titrated with 0.1 N NaOH until it turns
al. [43], the turbidimetry method is suitable to be implemented pink. The titrated sample added 2 mL of 40% Formaldehyde,
to evaluate protein from milk and cereal wastewater. This has and the PP indicator was added. After that, it was titrated
proven to be effective in terms of analysis time and precision, again using 0.1 N NaOH, then calculate the protein content
so as to avoid the disadvantages of using other classical [47].
methods to determine proteins that usually take a long time
and are expensive. 4 AMINO ACID ANALYSIS
3.6 Immunohistochemistry method 4.1 Colorimetric Method
Immunohistochemistry (IHC) is the method that can be used The colorimetric is a chemical analysis that is included in
for identifying cellular antigens through antigen-antibody photometric analysis. The principle of the analysis is to
interactions, where binding of antibodies are identified by compare the intensity of the color between the sample solution
direct labeling of antibodies or by using a secondary labeling made using a Nessler tube or Dubosque colorimeter with the
method [44]. Immunohistochemical staining methods related color of the solution whose concentration is known or is called
to the use of antibodies labeled enzymes (immunoperoxidase) a standard solution, using polychromatic light as a light source
and labeled fluorophore (immunofluorescence) to identify and the eye as a detector. The colorimetric method is widely
proteins in cells. In general, the mechanism of the used in the amino acid analysis because of the low costs
immunohistochemical method begins with deparaffinization. incurred, minimal equipment used, the discoloration can be
Then proceed with the collection of antigens. The unspecified observed easily even at very low concentrations [48]. Color
binding site is blocked and primary antibody bound. Then, the duplication in the analysis using the colorimetric method is
biotinylated secondary antibody is bound as well. In this conducted by using two solutions in an upright position in the
method, detection uses the peroxidization-anti peroxidase direction of the light or visualization tool that has the same
method, the biotin-avidin conjugate, the peroxidation complex substance in the column with the same cross-section
or the two-step polymer labeling method, which is more widely aerometer capabilities. There are several reagents used in
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amino acid analysis using the colorimetric method, among arabinosus for leucine, isoleucine, valine, and tryptophan;
which the most common is ninhydrin and several other Leuconostoc mesenteroides for histidine, phenylalanine, and
reagents such as 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene and their methionine; and Streptococcus faecalis for arginine and
derivatives and sodium nitroprusside [49]. The colorimetric threonine. Apart from microorganisms, other important
method with the ninhydrin reagent is widely used for the components involved in the microbiological test method are
analysis of compounds containing amino groups in the the medium in which the microorganisms grow and the protein
pharmaceutical products and food industry [50]. Amino acid samples that are to be tested. Before testing, protein samples
analysis using the colorimetric method can be conducted by must be ensured that they have been hydrolyzed to their
adding 1 mL of the ninhydrin reagent to 5 mL of the sample amino acids [57]. Hydrolysis of this protein can be conducted
and reacted at 80-100 °C for 4-7 minutes, then cooled to room by two methods, namely precipitation with acetic acid or by
temperature. The sample is then absorbed using a ultrafiltration method [60]. In general, the steps in testing
spectrophotometer and compared with a standard solution. amino acids by using this microbiology test method are by
entering hydrolyzed protein samples into a test tube. Then,
4.2 High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) added to the test medium composed of yeast extract, glucose,
method and agar [57]. The test tube was then sterilized using an
HPLC is one method that is often used to separate heat- autoclave at 121 °C for 10 minutes. The medium in the tube is
resistant compounds such as amino acids [51]. HPLC is a inoculated with microorganisms corresponding to the amino
special type of column chromatography. This method uses a acids tested and incubated at 37 °C for 17 hours. The optical
high-pressure liquid as the mobile phase [52]. The principle of density produced is then measured against water in the CF4
amino acid analysis using this method is freeing amino acids optical spectrophotometer. Amino acid levels will be obtained
from protein through hydrolysis by HCl 6 N. Hydrolyzate is after comparison with blanks [60].
then dissolved with a sodium citrate buffer which then these
amino acids will be separated by HPLC [53]. Analysis of amino 4.4 Gravimetric method
acids by the HPLC method can be conducted using OPA Gravimetry is an analytical method that can be used for amino
reagents [54]. Provision of OPA reagents can be conducted by acid analysis. Gravimetric method is a measurement based on
preparing 50 mg of OPA, 4 mL of methanol, 0.025 mL of changes in mass or weight. This method is the oldest
mercaptoethanol, 0.050 mL of 30% Brij-30, and borate buffer quantitative analysis technique [61]. Gravimetric method is
0.5 M, pH 10.4. The second step is to prepare mobile phase A, divided into several types, one of which is the most popular is
which consists of 2 g Na-acetate hydrate, 90 mL methanol, 0.5 thermo-gravimetry. Thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA) is
g Na-EDTA, and 10 mL THF. The reagent mixture was added commonly used to measure the water that binds to unnatural
with water up to 1 liter in a measuring flask; then the pH was amino acids and to humectant, which fills as is the case with
adjusted to 6.5 by NaOH. Furthermore, mobile phase B urea. The number of bound water molecules per hydrotrope
consisting of 95% methanol is made. Both phases were molecule of unnatural amino acids can use quantum-
filtered with a 0.45 µl membrane filter. The next step is to do mechanical molecular modeling (QMMM) which is used to
sample preparation. First, insert a sample containing 3 mg of predict the binding sides and the levels of water molecules
protein into the screw tube; then add 1 mL of HCl 6 N. associated with each of the unnatural amino acids and urea
Hydrolysis by heating the tube in an oven at 110 °C for 24 [62]. Thermo-gravimetric analysis can be conducted using the
hours, then cooled. The sample was filtered with sintered instrument of TGA Q50 TA, UK. Samples need to be
glass, rinsed several times with 0.01 N HCl then dried with a pulverized lightly to separate rough aggregate using mortar,
vacuum evaporator. Next, re-dissolve the dried sample with 5 then dried in a vacuum desiccator. The dry sample is then
ml of 0.01 N HCl. The sample is ready to be injected into placed into a controlled relative humidity chamber for one
HPLC [55]. Injection of the sample at HPLC is conducted by week at room temperature. The RH of the desiccator 0% can
preparing a sample, then adding with potassium borate in a be achieved by a vacuum desiccator on silica, 33% RH can be
ratio of 1: 1. A total of 1 µl of the sample is put into an empty achieved by a desiccator containing saturated zinc nitrate
vial, then 25 µl of OPA reagent is added, leave it for 1 minute solution, 40% RH can be achieved by a desiccator containing
so that the derivatization is fully flawed. Furthermore, inject a saturated potassium carbonate solution, and RH 100 % can
sample of 5 µl into the HPLC, wait until the amino acid be achieved by a desiccator containing water. The saturated
separation is complete, the time required is approximately 30 zinc nitrate gives an initial RH of 42% at 20 °C [63], but this is
minutes [56]. balanced at 33% of recorded RH due to unnatural hygroscopic
amino acids. The sample is then heated in the instrument at a
4.3 Microbiological methods temperature of 25 - 250 °C for 1 minute [62].
Microbiological method is one of the quantitative test methods
for amino acid content in a material [57]. The implementation 5 CONCLUSION
of amino acid testing using microbiological methods is not Protein analysis by qualitative methods focuses on identifying
more widely used compared to other methods. This is because the amino acids contained therein. Tryptophan can be
to determine accurate results, and this testing requires a long identified by the Hopkins-Cole and Xanthoproteic test
time and adequate expertise. But in addition to these methods. Tyrosine and its derivatives can be identified by the
shortcomings, this method has very good sensitivity to amino Millon and Xanthoproteic test methods. Cysteine can be
acids, and the process does not cost a lot. The use of identified by the Nitroprusside test method. Arginine can be
microbiology and biotechnology continues to grow rapidly both identified by the Sakaguchi test method. Quantitative protein
for analysis and bioprocess purposes [58], [59]. Utilization of analysis is conducted by measure the total protein content
microorganism growth is used in microbiological test methods. through several methods with different techniques. The
Some of the most commonly used bacteria are Lactobacillus Kjeldahl method measures protein content based on its
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The authors would like to thank you to the Rector of Maurya, ―Qualitative Analysis of Protein: Egg Albumin and
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Culture of the Republic of Indonesia for the support provided. [18] S. Dharma, U. Wulandari, M. Aria, and D. Dillasamola,
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