Determination of Melamine and Cyanuric Acid

Testing for melamine and cyanuric acid in milk and milk products is necessary to ensure that these products are safe for human consumption. Melamine (Fig. 1) is nitrogen-rich and is used illegally as a protein substitute in food and feed production. Cyanuric acid is a derivative of melamine. However, when people, especially infants, are exposed to high melamine and cyanuric acid levels, it can lead to frank urolithiasis, kidney failure, and death. In addition, melamine and cyanuric acid can be transferred from feed to milk. Therefore, testing for melamine and cyanuric acid in feed, milk, and milk products is required. Here, Lifeasible offers services to help determine melamine and cyanuric acid in milk and milk products to help evaluate the safety of milk and milk products.

Fig. 1 Melamine.

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We help quantify melamine and cyanuric acid in milk, milk powder, and infant formula. We determine using electrospray ionization liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).

The method requires the sample to be homogenized first. If the sample to be tested is in powder form, an additional reconstitution step is required. Subsequently, the proteins in the samples are precipitated, and melamine and cyanuric acid are extracted by adding a suitable solvent. After centrifugation, the supernatant is taken for analysis. Chromatographic separation is based on hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) to ensure a good separation of melamine and melanic acid. Also, it is necessary to use the selected reaction monitoring (SRM) mode. Quantification is carried out by isotope dilution using labeled (¹³C₃,¹⁵N₃)-melamine and labeled (¹³C₃,¹⁵N₃)-cyanuric acid as internal standards.

Operation flow:

Main reference standard:

ISO/TS 15495:2010

Lifeasible offers a professional melamine and cyanuric acid testing service. We use the international standard as a reference for testing. When the sample is tested in a hurry, we can use ultra-performance liquid chromatography to help with detection. Please contact us for melamine and cyanuric acid testing services.