Measurements of the Isotopic Composition of Sucrose: Development of a Procedure and Preparation of Reference Materials for Metrological Assurance in the Technical Regulation System

The article presents the results of the development of reference materials (RMs) for the isotopic composition of beet-derived and cane-derived sucrose. The work is conditioned by the need to ensure technological sovereignty and replace currently unavailable foreign certified reference materials (IAEA-CH‑6, UME CRM 1309) used to control the authenticity and geographical origin of food products (juices, alcohol, etc.) in accordance with the requirements of Russian and international standards. The developed method of RM preparation is described, including selection, purification, drying, grinding, and homogenization of raw materials with subsequent packaging. Isotopic composition measurements were performed on the Isoprime precisION isotope mass spectrometer using an elemental analyzer and a two-reactor system for simultaneous analysis of solid and liquid samples. The certified delta values of the isotope ratios of carbon (δ13CVPDB), hydrogen (δ2 HVSMOW) and oxygen (δ18OVSMOW) were determined, and the homogeneity, short-term and long-term stability of the RMs were investigated. The obtained values of δ13CVPDB correspond to the known literature ranges for C3 and C4 plants, which confirm the validity of the methodology. The values of δ2 HVSMOW and δ18OVSMOW for sugars have been certified for the first time. The developed RMs make it possible to ensure traceability of measurements to international scales; they are intended for metrological assurance of isotopic composition analysis in the food and chemical industries, scientific research, and customs control, as well as for conducting interlaboratory comparisons and certification of measurement procedures.

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