2011 Volume 17 Issue 4 Pages 361-367
We present the use of near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy with particle size compensation to analyze the apparent amylose content in rice flour. NIR spectra (1100 − 2500 nm) of rice flour samples with different particle sizes were acquired in the reflectance mode. Initially, the effect of rice flour particle size on the determination of amylose content using NIR data was examined. The bias introduced by particle size was discussed. Subsequently, in order to obtain an authentic and accurate apparent amylose content analysis from the NIR data, a calibration model that compensates for particle size was investigated. As a result, a possible automatic method that removes the influence of particle size on NIR data used for determining the apparent amylose content of rice flour was developed with relatively good precision, with standard error of prediction (SEP) of < 1.53% and bias of 0.5%.