Overview
SIST EN 18207:2026 sets out the standardized method for quantifying the total uronic acids in brown seaweed and alginate products using High Performance Anion Exchange Chromatography with Pulsed Amperometric Detection (HPAEC-PAD). This standard, developed by SIST in cooperation with CEN/TC 454, ensures reliable and reproducible measurement of uronic acids after acid hydrolysis, critical for quality control in the biobased products and algae industry. It covers the simultaneous determination of mannuronic, glucuronic, and guluronic acids in brown seaweed and the measurement of mannuronic and guluronic acids in alginate derivatives.
Accurate assessment of uronic acid content enables consistent product characterization, compliance with regulatory requirements, and supports traceability throughout the algae and bioproducts supply chain.
Key Topics
- Sample Preparation: Dried and milled samples are required, ensuring consistency per EN 17605:2022.
- Acid Hydrolysis: Polysaccharides are hydrolyzed under controlled acidic conditions (e.g., formic and trifluoroacetic acid) at 50°C to release uronic acids from the biomass matrix.
- Chromatographic Analysis: Application of HPAEC-PAD allows highly selective and sensitive determination of target uronic acids through their separation and electrochemical detection.
- Calibration and Quantification: Use of standard calibration curves for each uronic acid type ensures quantitative accuracy.
- Data Integrity: Integration, calculation, and reporting principles are specified for consistent results across laboratories.
- Precision & Trueness: The method’s precision and reliability were validated via interlaboratory studies, improving confidence in results within the sector.
Applications
SIST EN 18207:2026 is essential for businesses and laboratories involved in the manufacture, quality assurance, or research of:
- Brown Seaweed: Ensuring standardized quantification of uronic acid content in raw algal materials used in food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.
- Alginate Products: Key to confirming the composition and functionality of commercial alginate extracts, gels, and additives.
- Algae-derived Bioproducts: Facilitates product labeling compliance, process optimization, and product development for a range of biobased applications.
- Research and Development: Provides a scientifically robust tool for analyzing polysaccharide composition, supporting innovation in biomaterials and biotechnology.
- Regulatory Compliance & Certification: Assists stakeholders in meeting regulatory standards related to ingredient authenticity, safety, and traceability.
- Market Access: Supports alignment with harmonized European analytical methods, facilitating trade of algae and alginate products.
By adhering to this standard, organizations can ensure reliable assessment of uronic acid composition, fostering transparency and quality in the growing algae sector.
Related Standards
For effective implementation of SIST EN 18207:2026, reference to the following standards is recommended:
- EN 17605:2022 - Algae and algae products - Methods of sampling and analysis - Sample treatment
- EN 17399:2024 - Algae and algae products - Vocabulary
- ISO 5725-2 - Accuracy (trueness and precision) of measurement methods and results - Basic method for the determination of repeatability and reproducibility
- ISO 5725-5 - Alternative methods for the determination of the precision of a standard measurement method
These related standards provide complementary guidance on sample processing, terminology, and analytical quality assurance, reinforcing the value of SIST EN 18207:2026 for the algae and bioproducts industry.