IIT Madras develops cheap and portable device to check milk adulteration in 30 seconds

IIT Madras researchers have developed a cheap and portable, paper-based device to check milk adulteration in just 30 seconds. 

IIT Madras develops cheap and portable device to check milk adulteration in 30 seconds

By India Today Education Desk: IIT Madras researchers have developed a cost-effective and portable 3D paper-based device that can detect milk adulteration in just 30 seconds. Unlike conventional laboratory-based methods, this new technology can be used at home and requires only a millilitre of the liquid sample to test for adulterants.

The device can detect various commonly used adulterating agents such as detergents, soap, hydrogen peroxide, urea, starch, salt, and sodium-hydrogen-carbonate, among others.

The research was led by Dr. Pallab Sinha Mahapatra, Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at IIT Madras, along with research scholars Subhashis Patari and Driyankan Datta. They co-authored a research paper that has been published in the peer-reviewed journal Nature.

DEVICE DESCRIPTION

The 3D paper-based microfluidic device is composed of a top and bottom cover and a sandwich structure middle layer. This 3D design helps transport denser liquids at a consistent speed.

The paper is treated with reagents and left to dry. Both paper layers are then adhered to both sides of the support after drying, and the covers adhere with double-sided tape.

Whatman filter paper grade 4 is used in this design, which allows for liquid flow and storage of more reagents.

According to Dr Pallab Sinha Mahapatra, all the reagents used in the device are dissolved either in distilled water or ethanol, depending on their solubility. Colorimetric detection techniques are used to detect all adulterants in different liquid samples.

The reagent only reacts with the specific adulterant in this method and not with any milk ingredients, making it an effective analytical tool to monitor liquid food safety and increase the traceability of tainted milk in remote areas of developing countries.

THE PROBLEM OF MILK ADULTERATION

Milk is a crucial food item for leading a healthy lifestyle, yet it is one of the most adulterated food items worldwide. The adulteration of milk is a growing concern, particularly in developing countries such as India, Pakistan, China, and Brazil.

Consuming adulterated milk can cause various medical complications, including kidney problems, infant death, gastrointestinal complications, diarrhea, and even cancer.

Overall, the new 3D paper-based portable device developed by the IIT Madras researchers is an innovative and cost-effective solution to detect milk adulteration quickly and accurately.

It could also be used to test other liquids such as water, fresh juices, and milkshakes for traces of adulteration, making it a useful tool in monitoring liquid food safety.