Determination of Sucrose and Glucose in Sugarcane Using a Glucose Biosensor

AN ACCU-CHEK PERFORMA DIABETIC biosensor was examined for use as a quantification method for glucose and sucrose within a sugarcane juice medium. The motivation for this study was the need for a fast, inexpensive and reliable primary method for sucrose determination. This proof of concept study obtained promising results, encouraging further development of this project. Calibration curves were constructed for glucose response, ionic strength effects and sucrose hydrolysis. A fast method for hydrolysis of common sucrose concentrations within the biosensors detection range was developed using acid catalysed hydrolysis. The method was also applied to molasses and sugar mill massecuites, producing accurate estimates for glucose concentration, but having limited success for sucrose estimation.