Cell phone-based detection of recombinant bovine somatotropin abuse
Recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST) can be used to increase milk production in dairy cows. However, the use of this hormone is forbidden in the European Union. To be able to detect possible abuse of rbST, antibodies that are produced by the cow upon injection of the hormone can be measured in serum and milk of the cow.
Immediate, on-site confirmation of the presence of forbidden hormone recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST) antibodies in milk or serum. IKILT Wageningen University & Research and the University of California developed a cellphone-based detection platform for rbST abuse. RIKILT’s test translates the presence of these antibodies into a light signal that can be detected by the camera of the cellphone, using a simple attachment and custom-developed app.