Verification of Nutraceutical Raw Ingredients Directly Through Packaging

Significance of the Topic

Nutraceuticals are subject to stringent quality and safety regulations due to their widespread use as dietary supplements. Verifying raw ingredients without opening packaging is critical for cGMP compliance, minimizing contamination risks, and accelerating warehouse workflows.

Objectives and Study Overview

This application note evaluates the Agilent Vaya handheld Raman spectrometer, utilizing Spatially Offset Raman Spectroscopy (SORS), to identify a diverse set of nutraceutical raw materials through both transparent and opaque containers. Investigated samples include fatty acids, vitamins, amino acids, and botanically derived nutritional markers.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The study employed SORS to separate subsurface Raman signals from container contributions by introducing a physical offset between laser excitation and detection. Fifteen powdered, liquid, or capsule samples were measured through clear glass containers; two samples (D-glucosamine and vitamin C) were also tested in a white HDPE bottle.
Instrumentation:

• Agilent Vaya handheld Raman spectrometer with 830 nm laser source and SORS capability

Main Results and Discussion

• Fatty Acids: Each oil displayed common bands (e.g. carbonyl at 1650 cm⁻¹) alongside unique spectral features, allowing discrimination between olive, rapeseed, flaxseed, fish oil, and conjugated linoleic acid.
• Vitamins and Amino Acids: Distinct Raman fingerprints for vitamins A palmitate, B3, C, and amino acids L-carnitine, L-arginine, and lysine HCl ensured high specificity.
• Botanical Markers: Despite potential fluorescence, 830 nm excitation yielded clear spectra for cranberry extract, D-glucosamine, ginseng, hydrolyzed collagen, resveratrol, and turmeric.
• Opaque Packaging: SORS subtraction effectively removed HDPE signals, confirming the identity of D-glucosamine and vitamin C without opening white bottles.

Practical Benefits and Applications

• Rapid Pass/Fail Testing: Provides immediate identification results on screen within seconds.
• Non-Destructive Analysis: Eliminates the need for sample preparation or packaging opening, reducing contamination and handling time.
• cGMP Compliance: Meets FDA and EU requirements for raw ingredient verification.
• Operational Efficiency: Enables a single operator to verify large volumes of incoming materials in hours rather than days.

Future Trends and Opportunities

Advancements may include integration with digital data management, expansion of spectral libraries via machine learning, further miniaturization of handheld devices, and broader adoption in QA/QC and supply chain monitoring for enhanced traceability and automation.

Conclusion

The Agilent Vaya Raman spectrometer with SORS delivers fast, accurate identification of nutraceutical raw ingredients through various packaging types. Its adoption streamlines quality control workflows, bolsters regulatory compliance, and safeguards production by preventing erroneous or fraudulent materials from entering manufacturing.

References

• US FDA Office of Dietary Supplement Programs. Dietary Supplements; accessed February 2023.
• Directive 2002/46/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 10 June 2002 on food supplements; accessed February 2023.
• Prulliere F, Welsby C. Identification of Commercially Available Oligonucleotide Starting Materials Directly Through Containers. Agilent Technologies Application Note 5994-4239EN, 2021.