Paper strip-based assay for antibiotic detection in milk

Technology Details:
Paper-based sensors are new alternative technology for fabricating simple, low-cost, portable and disposable analytical devices for many application. The major advantages of using paper as a sensing platform include ease of availability, low cost, passive liquid transport, compatibility with chemicals/bio-chemicals and fast response. With these basic properties in mind, spore germination inhibition-based assay for antibiotic detection was developed on paper strip for exploring its potential under field application. The stages involved in developing paper sensors includes the proper choice of paper, fabrication/patterning and semi-quantitative analysis based on color development as a result of specific marker enzymes released during spore germination. The test involves pre-dipping of strip in milk and germination of spores in presence of germinant mixture when incubated at 64°C for 1:15 hr. Development of blue color on paper strip indicates absence of antibiotic residues and no color development indicates presence of antibiotic residues in milk.

The technology has following novel features:

• Semi-quantitative detection of β-Lactams, aminoglycosides, tetracycline, macrolides, chloramphenicol and sulfa drugs at Codex / EU limits.
• Assay is cost effective, rapid, robust, reproducible, selective & sensitive to larger group of antibiotic residues.
• Third party Validation from NABL accredited lab M/s. Dove Research and Analytics, Panchkula (A Unit of Dove Chemicals) Certificate no. DRA/NDRI/16-17/080217/002.
• Minimal false positive / negative results.
• Consistency in color development within 1.15 hr.
• No interference of inhibitors other than antibiotic residues.
• Stability of test kits up to 7 months under refrigeration storage.
• Field application for routine monitoring of antibiotic residues in raw milk, pasteurized milk and dried milk.
• The kit can be used for routine monitoring of antibiotic residues in raw milk, pasteurized milk and dried milk products at a dairy farm, milk collection center, dairy reception dock and R&D institutions.