Our new RGB method has many advantages. For example, it uses smaller volumes of sample, which reduces waste. It also is more resistant to matrix interferences and is not nearly as expensive as the spectrophotometric method. This new RGB method has the potential to make fieldwork easier, less expensive, and more convenient. It would also allow labs that do not have spectrophotometers to still accurately analyze solutions. We will be working with four different protein solutions—fish sauce, chicken soup, Beauti drink, and soy sauce. We will be analyzing all of these solutions using the RGB photography method and comparing the results to the spectrophotometer and also the amount of protein on the package. We hope to see that the RGB photography method is comparable to the spectrophotometric method in determining protein concentration.
So far, we have used the Modified Lowry Protein Assay method in order to determine BSA protein content in standard BSA solutions of varying concentration. This method creates a blue hue in each solution, which intensifies as the amount of protein increases. The more protein, the darker the blue color. By photographing an array of these standards and analyzing the RGB values using DigitalColor Meter on our Mac computers, we are able to create calibration curves by plotting the RGB values. We have found so far that plotting only the R-value creates the most linear and sensitive relationship. Red is the complementary color to blue; so as the solution turns a darker blue, it is absorbing less red. Therefore, the amount of red reported by the DigitalColor Meter linearly increases. An average of ten points for every standard or sample is used to determine the concentration and create the curve in order to increase accuracy. We have also created a black box with a makeshift LED light source to distribute the light equally over the photograph in order to decrease interference from shadows and reflections. The last problem we must overcome is choosing a light intensity from the LED that allows us to correctly identify concentration. After that is completed, we will begin analyzing the actual protein samples and hopefully we will finish analyzing next week so that we can start typing the manuscript. I am very hopeful that our results will be successful.
Love from Thailand,
Brenna Biggs