Industrial Consultancy & Sponsored Research (IC&SR) , IIT Madras
3D Paper-based Microfluidic Device for Detecting Multiple Adulterants in Liquid Foods
Technology Category/Market
Technology: 3D paper-based microfluidic device;
Industry: Healthcare; Applications: Flow & pressure sensors, paper based microfluidic device for identify the level of adulteration in the liquid food or beverage (milk).
Market: The global microfluidic components market size is projected to $56.57B by 2028, at a CAGR of 15.79% during period of 2023-2028
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Problem Statement
- It is noted that there is a huge demand of good quality of milk & to fulfil the demand, a few adulterants like water/urea/ammonium sulphate/salt/sodium-hypochlorite/sugar/ starch etc. are added to increase the volume/whiteness/non-protein nitrogen of the milk.
- Further, due to contamination in milk, more diseases including renal failure, death in infants, gastro-intestinal complication, kidney diseases have a common concern for the customers.
- Hence, there is a requirement to introduce a device to mitigate above challenges & provide new efficient solution.
- This invention provides solution for said issues.
Technology
- Present invention describes a 3D paper-based microfluidic device designed for detecting multiple adulterants in liquid foods. (Refer FIG. 1)
- Said device comprises a top cover, a bottom cover & a 3D paper-based microfluidic layer sandwiched between them.
- The microfluidic layer is formed by placing a solid support between the top layer of filter paper(transportation zone)& a bottom layer of filter paper(detection zone).(Refer Fig 2&3)
- The device comprises a plurality of holes in the bottom layer for viewing the colourimetric reaction & a color band that helps to identify the level of adulteration in the liquid food or beverage.(Refer Fig.4 & Experimental image)
- A transparent cover is provided to reduce reagent evaporation.
Key Features/Value Proposition
Technical Perspective:
- Claimed device facilitates the color band which covers adulterants such as urea, detergents, soap, salt, H2O2, boric acid, & neutralizers found in liquid food like milk.
- The device allows for quantitative measurement of the volume of adulterants in the liquid food, with a detection limit ranging from 0.1% to 0.4% for different adulterants.
Industrial Perspective:
- Cost-effective device for detecting adulterants in the liquid food.
User Perspective:
- Ensures more reliable & user-friendly device.
Questions about this Technology?
Contact for Licensing
Research Lab
Prof. PALLAB SINHA MAHAPATRA
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Intellectual Property
- IITM IDF Ref.:2141;
- Patent Application No: 202141024502
Technology Readiness Level
TRL- 4
Proof of Concept & validated