Chemical sensors and biosensors for the detection of melamine

Abstract

Melamine is an emerging contaminant in milk, infant formula and pet food. In order to increase the “false” apparent protein content in food products, melamine has been artificially and illegally used as non-protein nitrogen additive. This review focuses on chemical sensors and biosensors for detecting melamine residue. We present the principles, the mechanisms and the performances of the sensors including optical sensors, electrochemical sensors, aptamer-based sensors and immunosensors. We also propose the future perspectives in developing sensors for the detection of melamine.