Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru has developed a low-cost device designed to detect melamine, a typical adulterant, in milk and dairy products.
The Shortcomings of Existing Melamine Detection Techniques
Presently, the methods used for identifying the presence of melamine are not only time-consuming but also involve expensive and sophisticated equipment. More often than not, these processes necessitate the involvement of highly skilled personnel.
Enter IISc’s Revolutionary Fluorometer Device
Researchers at IISc have made significant strides in melamine detection with their newly-developed fluorometer device. This innovative tool has successfully detected up to 0.1 parts per million (ppm) of melamine in water and milk, dwarfing the previously acceptable limit of 1 ppm. Furthermore, detection using the fluorometer took a mere four minutes, drastically reducing the time it usually takes.
Understanding the Functioning of the Fluorometer Device
The device operates with copper nanoparticles added to a specific double-stranded DNA template of the milk sample. The researchers observed that the presence of melamine disrupted the synthesis of these copper nanoparticles on the double-stranded DNA, thereby reducing the intensity of fluorescence. This change is then detected by the fluorometer.
It is worth noting that the copper nanoparticles responsible for carrying out this process possess a characteristic referred to as fluorescence. This property allows these particles to emit light of a different wavelength when exposed to a particular wavelength of light.
What is a Fluorometer?
To understand the ground-breaking work of IISc’s researchers, one must familiarize themselves with a fluorometer. This instrument measures parameters including the intensity and wavelength of visible spectrum fluorescence. These measurements aid in determining the presence and quantity of specific molecules in a medium. For instance, the fluorometer can detect biomolecules and proteins with the assistance of copper nanoparticles.
Moreover, the versatility of this device allows it to be modified for detecting other substances like lead and mercury, promoting its potential use as a screening tool for environmental and food quality testing.
India’s Fight Against Melamine Contamination
India has been engaged in a long-standing battle against melamine contamination. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) first imposed a ban on all Chinese milk and dairy products in September 2008. In April 2019, the FSSAI recommended extending this ban until Indian ports are equipped with adequate facilities for melamine testing. As the largest producer and consumer of milk globally, these measures are of paramount importance to India.
A closer Look at Melamine
Melamine is essentially an organic base chemical typically found in white crystals rich in nitrogen. This compound finds extensive use in everyday materials like plastics, adhesives, countertops, dishware, and whiteboards.
However, it’s also used illicitly to inflate the volume of milk. By adding water to milk, sellers dilute the product, thereby decreasing its protein concentration. Melamine is subsequently added to increase the nitrogen content, falsely indicating a higher protein level in the diluted milk. Not only is this practice deceitful, but it’s also dangerous, as melamine poisoning can lead to kidney diseases and potentially even kidney failure.