Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy or UV-Vis spectroscopy is a versatile technique that many industries use to improve the quality and value of their products. The innovative and science-based technique speeds up the research process by offering in-depth results from the molecular level in seconds.
Spectroscopy also makes companies more cost-efficient as it is non-destructive, meaning they can use their samples repeatedly. Read on and learn how UV-Vis works in detail and its important role in advancing technology in different fields.
UV-Vis Technique Overview
UV-Vis spectroscopy helps identify and analyze substances by pinpointing the specific wavelengths at which they absorb light the most. By measuring the absorption level, researchers can identify the composition of matters present in the sample and their concentration level.
Benefits From The Technology
Like other tools, UV-Vis spectroscopy offers benefits and, at the same time, has limitations. Below is a quick run-through of the strengths it provides to researchers.
- Minimal data processing
- Easy to use
- Less training time needed
- Inexpensive
- Quick results
- Nondestructive
With all these benefits, many companies, especially in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, academic research, beverage, and food sectors, have invested in UV-Vis technology.
Importance To The Pharmaceutical Industry
Among the industries that truly benefit from UV-Vis Spectroscopy is the pharmaceutical industry. During the research stage, spectroscopy allows researchers to immediately identify any impurities or contaminants and their quantity in the drug they are developing.
Moreover, it also gives them an idea of the electronic concentrations and structures of the inorganic and organic compounds in a pharmaceutical product.
Pharmaceutical companies can prevent potential toxicities and serious drug side effects using UV-Vis in the research stage. The technique also allows them to easily control the amount or level of materials or ingredients in a certain product and further improve its effectiveness. To summarize its contributions, better quality and more effective drugs will be available in the market.
Importance To The Beverage Industry
Another area wherein UV-Vis spectroscopy is widely used is the beverage industry. Topping the list of its importance to advancing technology in this sector is that it helps manufacturers develop and launch healthier drinks for consumers.
UV-Vis boosts their processes for creating a recipe with the right ingredients. As the technique provides immediate results, researchers can adjust the mixture of the ingredients in a drink that they are developing in real-time. They can minimize the number of regulated ingredients, such as caffeine, in energy drinks.
In terms of other equipment used, there is a chance for beverage developers to cut their operational costs. Through spectroscopy, they can perform several research tests in just a day. Instead of using various technologies to complete their research and projects in months, they can have the results ready in a day.
Importance To The Food Industry
The same benefits go with the food industry. With the introduction of spectroscopy in their research process, food manufacturers can better produce healthier and safer food options for the market.
A perfect example is the restriction of preservatives such as nitrate content in processed food items. UV-Vis technique will give the companies a better look at the estimated level of nitrate content and other ingredients that are harmful to health in the food they offer consumers.
Profits and Sales Opportunities To Companies
Since spectroscopy offers fast results and is easy to use, companies can be more cost-effective. Here are the different ways companies can benefit financially from this technique.
- Faster launch of quality products in the market
- Less workforce and working hours for research
- Less use of other research technologies or equipment
- Better consumer confidence may result in higher sales
- Allocation of finances saved from the implementation of UV-Vis to other projects
Importance To Regulating Agencies
Above all, the role of UV-Vis spectroscopy in technological advancements will also be seen in regulating agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration in the future. The continuous patronage of different industries for this tool may trigger the agencies to implement it in their operations.
When this happens, they can easily verify the quality of products. Consumers can expect the faster launch of healthier food, drug, and beverage options as a domino effect.
The increasing use of the UV-Vis technique may also push the implementation of a more streamlined and standardized process for approving new products. This usage may result in stricter guidelines and policies to uplift the health and safety of consumers.
UV-Vis’ Future
Further improvements in the UV-Vis spectrophotometers are in progress as many industries worldwide have truly welcomed their use in their operations. Among the potential optimizations in the technology are better portability and ease of use.
As for its increasing use in various sectors, experts believe that it will continue to reach other industries. These include those with operations focusing on developing coating materials, semiconductors, and even solar cell research.
