Ready-To-Use Detection of Melamine

Rapid and specific detection of melamine in a sample, even in mixtures with multiple components Result of test can be observed visually, with the naked eye No instrumentation or lengthy sample preparation is necessary

Detection of melamine in a sample, including animal feed, water, milk, or eggs Portable, in-field detection of melamine

Researchers at UCLA have identified a novel technique for the specific and rapid detection of melamine. The test combines a nano-particle with a chemical component. The nano-particle causes a rapid color change in the presence of melamine, while the chemical component induces quick precipitation formation. The color change and precipitate are observed within seconds of performing the test. The dual output is observed only in the presence of melamine itself; other interferents may cause either the color change or the precipitate formation, but not both. Since the results of the test can be observed visually, no sample preparation or special instrumentation is required.

Patent Number: US20110294220A1
Application Number: US13148025A
Inventor: Li, Na | Wei, Fang | Li, Huaping | Bazan, Guillermo C.
Priority Date: 5 Feb 2009
Priority Number: US20110294220A1
Application Date: 4 Aug 2011
Publication Date: 1 Dec 2011
IPC Current: G01N003304 | B82Y001500
US Class: 436023 | 977773 | 977810 | 977902
Assignee Applicant: The Regents of the University of California
Title: METHODS AND MATERIALS FOR THE DETECTION OF MELAMINE
Usefulness: METHODS AND MATERIALS FOR THE DETECTION OF MELAMINE
Summary: The method is useful for detecting the presence or absence of melamine in test sample, preferably foodstuffs.
Novelty: Detecting presence or absence of melamine in foodstuffs, by mixing test sample with gold nanoparticles in aqueous medium, monitoring medium, observing changes in color or turbidity, and detecting melamine based on observation

Agriculture

Food

9194851

State Of Development

The success of this detection method has been demonstrated in the lab, and proven effective for samples of water, milk, and eggs. 

Background

Melamine is an important industrial material with a number of uses including fertilizer, ink coloring, and various plastics. By itself, it is non-toxic in low doses; the World Health Organization has estimated than melamine is tolerable in amounts less than 0.2 mg/kg of body mass. At higher amounts, melamine intake can lead to the formation of fatal kidney stones. Recently, several highly-publicized news stories have caused increased interest in techniques to test for the presence of melamine in animal feed, milk, and eggs. The current method for detection requires a lengthy process of sample purification, chromatography, and detection via LC-MS. This process can be time-consuming and expensive. As a result, there is a need for a more facile and rapid technique for melamine detection.      

Additional Technologies by these Inventors

• Intelligent Nanomedicine Integrating Diagnosis and Therapy
• A Strip Test for Melamine Detection

Tech ID/UC Case

11160/2009-309-0

Related Cases

2009-309-0

USA

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