LACTOSCAN

• In the wake of increased side effects and deficiencies in newborn babies due to adulterated milk powder such as mixing of melamine to improve protein level, various methods have been developed in the area of melamine detection along with protein test, including gas chromatography, high-performance liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry.
• All these methods require sophisticated instrument, complicated sample treatment and well-trained technicians to check the sample. 

One effective method to verify the quality of milk products is through protein testing. Lactoscan offers an effective way to test the presence of melamine in dairy products using NIR spectroscopic method along with chemometrics. By employing protein tests using Lactoscan, dairy producers can detect any adulteration or dilution of milk and ensure that their products meet regulatory standards.

The integration of a protein test in dairy products, coupled with a melamine detection device, serves both consumers and dairy producers alike. For consumers, this solution ensures greater food safety by providing accurate information about the protein content and detecting any presence of harmful substances like melamine. With this technology in place, consumers can make informed choices, safeguarding their health and well-being. For dairy producers, it enhances product quality control, thereby bolstering consumer trust and confidence in their brand. Moreover, by detecting melamine, which is a known contaminant in dairy products and poses serious health risks, producers can prevent costly recalls and protect their reputation. Ultimately, this solution fosters a safer and more reliable dairy industry, benefiting both producers and consumers by prioritizing health and quality assurance.

Our team is exceptionally positioned to deliver a solution for assessing protein levels in milk products. With a diverse skill set encompassing expertise in food science, data analysis, and engineering, we have the necessary tools to tackle the multifaceted challenges inherent in this task. Leveraging our collective knowledge and experience in signal and data analyzing, we can develop innovative methodologies and cutting-edge technologies tailored specifically for accurate and reliable protein level analysis in milk products. Through rigorous testing, validation, and refinement processes, we ensure that our solution not only meets but exceeds industry standards, providing our clients with invaluable insights into the quality and nutritional content of their products. Our unwavering commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction drives us to continuously push the boundaries of innovation, making us the ideal partner for delivering a comprehensive and dependable solution for milk product protein level assessment.

At this stage, we're still in the conceptualization phase, and we haven't built or tested the product/service yet. However, we've conducted thorough market research and feasibility studies to validate the potential demand and feasibility of our idea. Our team is currently working on developing prototypes and initiating testing phases to validate our assumptions and refine our concept further. While we haven't served any customers or beneficiaries yet, we're actively working towards bringing our idea to fruition and serving our target audience effectively in the future.

We seek Solve's support to navigate technical, regulatory, and market challenges in scaling Lactoscan. Access to funding, expertise, and partnerships will aid in refining our solution and ensuring its successful deployment, ultimately enhancing good health and well being

Lactoscan stands out for its innovative approach to protein testing in the dairy industry. Unlike traditional methods that may be time-consuming and require specialized expertise, lactoscan offers a rapid and non-destructive solution. It enables quick and accurate analysis of milk samples, allowing producers to detect adulteration or dilution efficiently. Moreover, its portability and ease of use make it suitable for on-site testing, empowering dairy producers to implement quality control measures directly in their production facilities. Additionally, the device's advanced data processing capabilities ensure reliable and reproducible results, contributing to enhanced product quality and consumer trust.

Our Lactoscan is expected to have a significant impact on the problem of ensuring unadulterated milk products by providing a quick and reliable way to measure protein content. By using near-infrared light to analyze milk samples, the device can detect any changes or additions to the milk composition, such as dilution or adulteration. This technology allows dairy producers to identify and prevent the sale of substandard products, ensuring that consumers receive high-quality and authentic dairy items. With its portability and efficiency, the device can be seamlessly integrated into dairy production processes, enabling real-time monitoring and quality control. 

Our aim for Lactoscan aligns with SDG 3: Ensure healthy lives. Progress is gauged by reducing protein deficiency, improving food safety, enhancing healthcare access, and fostering quality in dairy foods awareness. Tracking these metrics ensures our impact goals are met.

Lactoscan operates on the principle of near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy, a non-destructive analytical technique that exploits the interaction of light with molecules to determine their composition. It emits a broad spectrum of near-infrared light onto the sample, which interacts with the protein molecules present. The device then measures the absorption, reflection, or transmission of this light by the sample across a range of wavelengths. By analyzing the resulting spectrum, the device can quantitatively determine the protein concentration in the sample. This technology relies on sophisticated optical components, such as light sources, detectors, and spectrometers, as well as advanced data processing algorithms to accurately interpret the spectral data and provide rapid and reliable protein measurements. 

4 Full Time Workers

2 Part Time Workers

1 year

Throughout our work, we ensure diversity, equity, and inclusivity by actively engaging with diverse communities, including Indigenous populations, in solution development. Our team reflects this commitment, with members from various backgrounds. We integrate feedback from stakeholders and target users, ensuring our solution meets their unique needs. Additionally, we prioritize accessibility, making sure our technology is user-friendly for all individuals.

Our business plan for Lactoscan involves selling 130 units in Year 1, gradually increasing to 5980 units by Year 6. Each product costs approximately 83.7 USD to produce and sells for around 215.28 USD. By Year 6, we anticipate a profit of approximately 12,87,374.40 USD with revenue growing at 123% year-on-year.

Our plan for financial sustainability involves selling Lactoscan units, service contracts, and government partnerships. Sales projections and revenue growth demonstrate our sustainable model's success.