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01/04/2010
[Other]
U.S. researchers develop new method to detect melamine in milk
Researchers at the University of Miami have developed a fast, economical and easy method to detect melamine in milk. The new method was described in a study published online this week by the journal Applied Physics Letters.
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(Xinhua) -- Researchers at the University of Miami have developed a fast, economical and easy method to detect melamine in milk. The new method was described in a study published online this week by the journal Applied Physics Letters.
Melamine is an industrial substance commonly used in plastics and fertilizers. Since Melamine is high in nitrogen, when added to foods it can make the products appear higher in protein value during standard testing. However, when ingested, the chemical can cause serious health problems and in some cases death.
The new study develops a facile and accurate approach towards detection of melamine utilizing gold nanoparticles and a dual color and precipitation test. The complete detection methodology is completed in less than 15 minutes.
\"Current methods of melamine detection in milk are costly and time consuming,\" says Na Li, assistant professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, at the University of Miami and senior corresponding author of this study. \"Our work represents a significant step towards the rapid detection of melamine, which addresses a critical global issue.\" |
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