PCR Fiber analytik
The detection of animal fibres in luxury textiles and garments was based till now on scanning electron microscopy (SEM). This method is very time-consuming, expensive and strongly depends on the experience of the microscopist. However, certain fiber combinations cannot be differentiated using the SEM, e.g. yak cannot be differentiated from cashmere.
The method developed in our lab is suitable to identify animal species which are of commercial relevance to the textile industry with high specificity and sensitivity even in bleached and dyed blends.
The increasing demand for luxury fibers, high prices and the very restricted availability often cause adulteration or false declaration. Our technology helps to control international trading agreements and improves quality control and consumer protection.
For the first time it is also possible to identify plant fibers like flax, hemp and ramie with high specificity even in blends.