Compositions and methods for detecting allergens

Abstract

Compositions and methods for detecting food-based allergens on a surface are disclosed. A composition can include ninhydrin and a protease enzyme. The protease enzyme can be a cysteine protease enzyme, an aspartic protease enzyme, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the composition can include a carrier. Methods of detecting a food-based allergen on a surface can include providing a composition including ninhydrin and providing a protease enzyme. The method can include applying the composition and the protease enzyme to the surface. The method can also include allowing the ninhydrin and the protease enzyme to interact with particulates from the surface for a detection period. Detecting the food-based allergen can occur when the composition changes color after the detection period.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.