LC-MS Peptide Fingerprinting for Animal Hide Identification
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for identifying donkey hides are inaccurate and cumbersome, especially in distinguishing them from horse and mule hides, due to morphological similarities and limited genetic differences, and existing liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry methods lack specific markers for differentiation.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry with specific multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) scanning to identify and differentiate donkey, horse, mule, and cow hides by detecting characteristic ion pairs, including m/z ratios of 386.3 → 402.3, 393.3 → 402.3, 499.3, 690.8 → 752.4, and 809.5, which are unique to each species, allowing for rapid and accurate identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If direct observation of hides with naked eyes is used, then operation is simple, but identification accuracy is low due to morphological similarities and subjectivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/visual observation system with a chemical analysis system using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Instead of relying on human visual inspection of hide morphology, the method uses LC-MS to detect and quantify specific peptide markers (m/z ratios) that are unique to each animal species, thereby substituting subjective mechanical observation with objective chemical analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameters from macroscopic morphological features to microscopic chemical composition parameters. By analyzing the peptide fingerprint profiles (specific m/z ratios such as 1257.6, 1271.7, 1285.8) of collagen hydrolysates, the method transforms the identification problem from visual pattern recognition to quantitative chemical parameter comparison, achieving higher precision.
2Reliability
If DNA molecular identification method is used, then species distinction is possible, but operation is cumbersome with false negatives and positives
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and analyzes specific peptide markers from the complex biological material. Instead of using the entire DNA molecule or complex protein structures, the method isolates and detects specific peptide fragments (identified by their m/z ratios) that serve as reliable species-specific markers, simplifying the analysis while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses mass spectrometry detection which produces distinct spectral 'fingerprints' for each species. The unique pattern of m/z ratios and their relative abundances acts as a chemical signature or 'color code' that clearly distinguishes between different animal species, eliminating the ambiguity and false results associated with DNA methods.
3Measurement precision
If DNA molecular identification method is used, then species can be distinguished, but detection cost is high and time consumed is long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary hydrolysis of collagen to release peptides before analysis. By pre-processing the sample to break down the complex collagen structure into smaller, detectable peptide fragments, the method enables faster subsequent LC-MS analysis compared to complete DNA extraction and sequencing, while still achieving reliable species identification through the characteristic peptide fingerprints.
4Adaptability or versatility
If existing liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry method is used, then detection capability is available, but specific markers for donkey, horse, and mule hide differentiation are lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent identifies and targets specific local characteristics within the collagen peptide profile of each species. Rather than relying on overall protein composition or general collagen structure, the method detects specific peptide sequences (identified by their unique m/z ratios) that are locally present in donkey, horse, or mule hides, providing precise differentiation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the complex collagen protein into smaller peptide fragments through hydrolysis, then analyzes the fingerprint profile of these segments using LC-MS. By dividing the large collagen molecule into detectable peptide pieces and examining their specific mass-to-charge ratios, the method achieves species-specific identification that would be impossible with intact protein analysis.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The method achieves 100% accuracy, high specificity, ease of operation, low cost, and suitability for batch testing, effectively distinguishing between donkey, horse, mule, and cow hides, ensuring the quality assurance of Ejiao raw materials.
Implementation Method 1
liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry
Implementation Method 2
liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and monitoring species-specific precursor ions
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A method for identifying an animal skin/hide by using a liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) technology, which can be used for the identification of donkey skin, horse skin, mule skin and cow hide. The method includes the following steps: (1) preparing a test solution; (2) detecting with a liquid chromatography-mass spectrometer; (3) determining the animal skin/hide type of the sample according to the mass spectrum map. The method can be used for the identification and discrimination of donkey skin, horse skin, mule skin and cow hide, the accuracy rate thereof can reach 100%, and the method also has the advantages of high specificity, consistency and ease of operation, etc.