Chennai, Mar 27 (UNI) Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-M)
Researchers have developed a three-dimensional (3D) paper-based
portable pocket-friendly device to detect adulteration in milk within
30 seconds.
The test could be even performed at home.
It can detect multiple substances commonly used as adulterating agents
including Urea, detergents, soap, starch, hydrogen peroxide, sodium-
hydrogen-carbonate and salt, among others, an IIT-M release said today.
Unlike conventional laboratory-based methods to test the purity of milk,
which are both expensive and time-consuming, this new technology is
affordable and could also be used to test other liquids such as water, fresh
juices and milkshakes for traces of adulteration.
Only a millilitre of any liquid would be as a sample to test for adulterants,
it said.
The research was led by Dr. Pallab Sinha Mahapatra, Associate Professor,
Department of Mechanical Engineering, IIT-M along with research scholars
Mr. Subhashis Patari and Dr. Priyankan Datta.
Dr. Pallab Sinha Mahapatra said the 3D paper-based microfluidic device
is made up of a top and bottom cover and a sandwich structure middle
layer.
This 3D design works well for transporting denser liquids at a consistent
speed. The paper is treated with reagents and is let to dry. Both paper
layers are adhered to both sides of the support after drying, and the
covers adhere with double-sided tape, he said, adding, Whatman filter
paper grade 4 is used in this design, which aids liquid flow and allows
for the storage of more reagents.
He said all the reagents are dissolved either in distilled water or in ethanol,
depending upon their solubility. Using colorimetric detection techniques,
all the adulterants are detected in different liquid samples.
The reagent only reacts with the specific adulterant in this method and not
with any milk ingredients. Hence, this analytical tool can help to monitor
liquid food safety and thereby increases the traceability of tainted milk in
remote areas of developing countries, he added.
Milk is one of the most vital foods important to lead a healthy lifestyle and
yet is the most adulterated food item in the world.
Pointing out that milk adulteration was a growing menace, especially in
developing countries like India, Pakistan, China, and Brazil, the release
said consumption of adulterated milk could cause medical complications
such as kidney problems, infant death, gastrointestinal complications,
diarrhoea, and even cancer.
UNI GV 1216