A1 or A2? Conlight Unveils First Rapid Test to Differentiate Milk Protein Types in Powdered and Liquid Dairy

2025-07-14

A game-changer for formula producers and consumers seeking clarity and confidence in Milk protein sourcing

[Shanghai | July 2025] — As awareness of A1 and A2 β-casein milk grows globally, dairy producers and consumers alike are demanding accurate tools to verify what lies behind the label. Traditionally, verifying A1/A2 protein types has required complex laboratory techniques such as HPLC or DNA-based genotyping — tools far removed from daily manufacturing or retail environments.

Now, Conlight Biotechnology introduces the world’s first portable rapid test kit capable of distinguishing A1-type and A2-type β-casein proteins in both liquid milk and powdered formula, in just 15 minutes, with no instrumentation required.

Background: Why A1 vs A2 Matters Milk contains different variants of β-casein, mainly A1 and A2. Some studies suggest that A2-type milk is more digestion-friendly and closer to human breast milk, while A1-type may release BCM-7 peptides during digestion, potentially linked to inflammation or gastrointestinal discomfort in sensitive individuals.

Although definitive scientific consensus is ongoing, the commercial market for A2 milk has surged across New Zealand, Australia, China, and the Middle East. However, product integrity often relies solely on supply chain certification, without on-the-spot verification.

Current Limitations in A1/A2 Testing

DNA genotyping (PCR): identifies cow genotype, not the actual product
LC-MS/HPLC protein testing: costly, slow, requires trained lab staff
No consumer- or manufacturer-side test previously available for powdered or retail dairy verification

Conlight's Breakthrough: A Portable A1/A2 Protein Test

Detects and distinguishes A1 vs A2 β-casein directly from milk powder or fresh milk
Visual results in 10–15 minutes
Based on enhanced lateral flow immunoassay with proprietary monoclonal antibodies
No electricity or instruments required
Packaged for OEM/private label and at-line QA usage

Applications

Infant formula producers seeking to verify or label A2-only milk bases
Dairy processors wanting batch-based traceability of milk sources
Import/export QA teams validating product claims at customs
Retailers or e-commerce brands ensuring supply chain compliance

Quote from the Company "Consumers deserve clarity, and manufacturers need trustable tools," said Jackie Ho, GM at HK Conlight. "We are proud to offer the first field-deployable, no-instrument test for A1/A2 verification. This test makes label transparency enforceable and science-backed."

Market Rollout The Conlight A1/A2 rapid test is undergoing pilot deployments with formula exporters and major Chinese dairy brands. Full commercial launch is scheduled for Q4 2025, with OEM/ODM partnerships available.

About Conlight HK Conlight Biotechnology develops next-generation rapid diagnostics in food safety, animal health, and water quality. Known for integrating signal-enhanced immunoassay technology with field usability, Conlight partners globally to bring lab-grade screening into real-world settings.

MEDIA SUMMARY

Topic: First-ever portable test to detect A1 vs A2 milk protein in finished dairy products
Technology: Lateral flow immunoassay with protein-specific monoclonal antibodies
Use Cases: QA for formula factories, dairy exporters, customs, and brand verification
Key Value: 15-minutes, no equipment, visual results, usable on powder/liquid
Status: Launching Q4 2025
Assets Available: Demo video, kit photo, validation data, co-branding options