U. S. researchers have said that a 15-minute test using gold nano-particles is a quick way to detect melamine, which was found in pet food and dairy products.

Melamine is an industrial substance used in plastics and fertilizers, which is high in nitrogen, and when added to foods can make products appear higher in protein in testing, says Na Li, an assistant professor at the University of Miami.

Li further informs that in 2007 and 2008, melamine tainted dairy products sickened thousands of people, especially children, and caused a recall of Chinese dairy products worldwide. It was also found in pet food that sickened pets and was fatal in some.

Li also explains that the researchers separated the casein-based milk component, which can interfere with melamine detection and added gold nano-particles to the solution. The interaction between the gold nano-particles and melamine causes the solution to change color from red to blue in seconds.

Li says in a statement, "Current methods of melamine detection in milk are costly and time consuming. Our work represents a significant step towards the rapid detection of melamine, which addresses a critical global issue." (With Inputs from Agencies)