Analytical methods and recent developments in the detection of melamine

Melamine (MEL) is an emerging contaminant in milk, infant formula and pet food, and is the subject of much recent research. This review focuses on analytical methods for detecting MEL residue.We present and discuss the advantages, the disadvantages and the applicability of methods, including common techniques [e.g., capillary electrophoresis, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), LC with mass spectrometry (LC-MS), LC with tandem (LC-MS2), gas chromatography with MS (GC-MS), matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization MS (MALDI-MS), nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, vibrational spectroscopy, chemiluminescence analysis and immunoassay] and several novel detection methods.We propose that the new generation of analytical methods for detecting MEL requires development of powerful analytical devices, combination of multiple techniques, and application of new materials.