The Lane-Eynon technique and the polarimetric assay performance for determining starch in manioc

Abstract

The Lane Eynon and polarimetric techniques performance were assessed in determining starch in manioc flour samples. The Student’s t-test was used to compare both methodologies and to calculate the average, the standard deviation and the coefficient of variation of the results obtained from replicate assays. No significant differences were shown between both methodologies at 5% level. Both techniques proved to be accurate, although highly trained technicians are required. Nevertheless, the use of polarimetric methodology showed advantages because it is faster and easy to perform, and of low cost The Lane Eynon technique might be employed as an alternative assay, according to the laboratory conditions availability.