Using 'smartphone'

US scientists have unveiled a compact device, called iTube, that is attached to a cell phone to detect allergens found in food samples.

Aydogan Ozcan, head of research at the University of California, Los Angeles, said the iTube device takes advantage of the phone's camera for analysis.

Mobile Laboratory - (Photo: UCLA)

With the same application on the phone, the device will run the test with a sensitivity that is comparable to the result if done in a normal laboratory.

Weight less than 57g, iTube analyzes the mixture in the test tube by the method called color comparison.

Accordingly, food samples are mixed in vitro with hot water and dissolved, and the mixture will be ready for testing within a few minutes.

Next, the sample is mixed with other catalyst fluids, and based on color via a photo taken by phone connected to iTube, users will know the end result, according to Gizmag.

iTube incorporates smartphones that can test a wide range of allergens in foods, including peanuts, eggs, nuts, and so on.