Proteomic Identification Principles for Fine Animal Fiber Verification
LC-MS/MS tryptic peptide analysis provides species-specific verification of fine animal fibers, overriding optical scale degradation in processed blends.
Biomarker Peptides
Diagnostic Sequence
Unique amino acid chains derived from wool and hair keratins act as specific molecular signatures during forensic fibre analysis. The detection of biomarker peptides in an unknown textile sample provides undeniable proof of the animal species from which the fleece was harvested. This identification relies on tiny differences in the genetic code of the animals.
Species Discrimination
Keratin proteins from sheep, cashmere goats and camels possess distinct sequence variations. Finding specific biomarker peptides allows the laboratory to confirm the presence of cashmere even in highly processed or dyed yarn. This differentiation remains unaffected by chemical damage that ruins traditional microscope tests.
Fibre Classification
Technicians extract the proteins from the textile sample and digest them with enzymes before mass spectrometry. The resulting peptide profiles are matched against a reference database of known animal keratins. This comparison is highly reliable because these sequences do not change with the age or diet of the animal.
Retailers run these assays to protect their brand value and verify that their luxury outerwear contains the claimed premium animal fibers.
Origin Verification
Clean mass spectra show distinct peaks corresponding to the target animal proteins. Identifying these biomarker peptides guarantees that the supply chain documentation matches the physical composition of the fabric.