RIKILT investigates samples for a wide range of issues, which includes various levels of identification. The field of microscopic research, for instance, considers especially issues in the field of authentication and identification and lies between visual inspection and instrumental research (chemical, DNA, protein detection).
The types of microscopes used include low-magnification ones (providing magnification of factors 10 to 40) as well as compound microscopes (factor 100 to 400), while various kinds of colour reactions and illuminations are used to make specific details or aspects visible. Important applications include control for banned animal proteins in animal feed, control of the composition of different types of milk powder and milk replacer feed, determination of the composition of mixed feed in the framework of the open declaration, control for banned admixtures (poisonous weed seeds, packaging material), and a whole range of products in the field of import regulations.
A completely different application of microscopic research is the determination of tissue damage due to the use of banned veterinary drugs and growth promoters (histology). This research is also carried out by RIKILT.
One essential aspect of microscopic research is the assessment of microscopic views by experienced researchers. The high level of expertise present at RIKILT gives us a unique position in this field on a European as well as national level. In addition to researcher expertise, a great deal of investment is made in knowledge-based systems for collecting, structuring and dissemination of expertise. These systems are used for training and e-learning.
For more information, contact Leo van Raamsdonk.