Fast monitoring of species-specific peptide biomarkers using high-intensity-focused-ultrasound-assisted tryptic digestion and selected MS/MS ion monitoring

Anal Chem. 2011 Jul 15;83(14):5688-95. doi: 10.1021/ac200890w. Epub 2011 Jun 17.

Abstract

A new strategy for the fast monitoring of peptide biomarkers is described. It is based on the use of accelerated in-solution trypsin digestions under an ultrasonic field provided by high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) and the monitoring of several peptides by selected MS/MS ion monitoring in a linear ion trap mass spectrometer. The performance of the method was established for the unequivocal identification of all commercial fish species belonging to the Merlucciidae family. Using a particular combination of only 11 peptides, resulting from the HIFU-assisted tryptic digestion of the thermostable proteins parvalbumins, the workflow allowed the unequivocal identification of these closely related fish species in any seafood product, including processed and precooked products, in less than 2 h. The present strategy constitutes the fastest method for peptide biomarker monitoring. Its application for food quality control provides to the authorities an effective and rapid method of food authentication and traceability to guarantee the quality and safety to the consumers.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Animals
  • Fish Products / analysis*
  • Fish Proteins / analysis*
  • Gadiformes / metabolism*
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Peptides / analysis*
  • Species Specificity
  • Tandem Mass Spectrometry / economics
  • Tandem Mass Spectrometry / methods*
  • Ultrasonics

Substances

  • Fish Proteins
  • Peptides