Overview
EN 18197:2026 - Algae and algae products - Determination of the amino acid profile of micro- and macroalgae is a European standard developed by CEN/TC 454. This document specifies a robust and standardized methodology for the quantitative determination of the amino acid profile in algal biomass, including both microalgae and macroalgae. Accurate amino acid profiling is critical for the algae industry, supporting product characterization for food, feed, biotechnology, cosmetics, agriculture, and other bio-based sectors.
Standardized analytical methods such as those described in EN 18197 help ensure consistency and reliability across laboratories and applications. They foster greater confidence in algae-based products within the supply chain and among end users.
Key Topics
- Amino Acid Profiling: The standard outlines procedures for identifying and quantifying the following amino acids in a single analysis: alanine, arginine, aspartic acid/asparagine (combined), cystine/cysteine (combined), glutamic acid/glutamine (combined), glycine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, proline, serine, threonine, tyrosine, and valine. Note: Tryptophan is excluded from this method.
- Analytical Techniques: The method recommended in EN 18197 incorporates protein hydrolysis, derivatization, followed by separation and detection using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) paired with either ultraviolet (UV) or mass spectrometry (MS) detection.
- Sample Preparation: Guidelines for consistent sample preparation, hydrolysis conditions, handling of standards, and use of qualified reagents and apparatus are detailed to optimize reproducibility and accuracy.
- Data Reliability: Steps for calibration, peak identification, integration, and verification are given to ensure the precision and repeatability of amino acid quantification.
- Health & Safety: The standard highlights the need to follow safety procedures, especially when handling hazardous reagents.
Applications
EN 18197:2026 is of significant practical value to a wide array of stakeholders in the bio-based economy, including:
- Algae Producers and Processors: Enables robust characterization of protein and amino acid content, essential for product development, quality control, and nutritional labeling.
- Food and Feed Industry: Supports claims related to protein quality, amino acid supplementation, and formulation of algae as an ingredient in health foods, nutritional supplements, and animal feeds.
- Biotechnology & Research Laboratories: Provides a reliable protocol for academic and industrial research, including studies on algae cultivation and strain optimization.
- Agriculture, Cosmetics, and Biopolymers: Characterization of algae-derived raw materials for value-added products.
- Regulatory Compliance: Facilitates standardized reporting and supports compliance with labeling, trade, and safety regulations.
This standard contributes to harmonizing laboratory practices and enhancing the credibility and market acceptance of algae-based products in Europe and globally.
Related Standards
Professionals applying EN 18197:2026 may also reference the following standards for a comprehensive approach:
- EN 17399:2024 - Algae and algae products - Vocabulary
- EN 17605:2022 - Algae and algae products - Methods of sampling and analysis - Sample treatment
- ISO/DIS 4214 - Milk and milk products - Determination of amino acids in infant formula and other dairy products (benchmark for method adaptation)
- AOAC 2018.06 - Total Amino Acids in Infant Formulas and Adult Nutritionals
- AACC 07-50.01 - Total Amino Acids by UHPLC-UV
These standards collectively support quality assurance for algae analysis, product development, and evidence-based commercialization in the expanding bioeconomy.
Keywords: EN 18197:2026, amino acid profile, algae analysis, microalgae, macroalgae, UHPLC, protein content, standard method, CEN, laboratory analysis, bioeconomy