Abstract

A rapid identification method using high mass range matrix assisted laser desorption ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) with direct polymer mapping (analyze material as-is without digestion or separation) is developed and demonstrated to be successful in rapid identification of incoming protein raw materials for quality control. This identification method is using an established MALDI-TOF-MS protein library from eight protein standard materials. Future received lots of protein raw materials can be tested for identification based on their MALDI-TOF-MS biopolymer mapping profile compared to those protein mass spectra profiles in the established library. This test method is demonstrated to be specific, rapid, and suitable for its intended use of eight protein materials in our nutrition products with a potential for identification of more raw material types of biopolymers or complicated natural raw materials. To the best of our knowledge this is the first report of such high mass range MALDI-TOF-MS with direct polymer mapping method for rapid protein identification of incoming raw material quality control.