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.

INNOVATION:  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.

POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS 

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

ADVANTAGES

• 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

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

Reference: UCLA Case No. 2009-309