Mass Spectrometry Proteomic Profiling for Fine Animal Fiber Verification
LC-MS/MS proteomic profiling quantifies species-specific keratin peptide markers, bypassing optical scale damage to verify fine animal fiber purity.
LC-MS/MS Quantification
Laboratory Technique
Analytical measurement combining liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry identifies and counts molecules with extreme accuracy. In the textile industry, LC-MS/MS quantification is used to determine the exact percentage of different animal fibers in a blended fabric. This method separates the components of a sample before measuring the mass of specific peptides.
It is much more precise than manual counting under a microscope.
Instrumental Array
High pressure pumps and sensitive detectors work together to process the textile extract. Performing LC-MS/MS quantification requires a sophisticated setup where the liquid chromatograph feeds directly into the mass spectrometer. The first stage separates the peptides by their chemical properties.
The second stage breaks them into fragments for identification.
Analytical Sensitivity
Detection limits for this method are low enough to find trace contaminants in a large batch of fiber. Using LC-MS/MS quantification allows a lab to detect as little as one percent of an undeclared fiber in a cashmere sweater. This precision is vital for meeting strict labeling laws in the European Union and the United States.
It eliminates the guesswork in fiber analysis.
Batch Verification
Production lots are tested using this method to ensure they match the approved sample. Results from LC-MS/MS quantification provide a numerical value for the fiber content that can be compared against the bill of materials. This data is recorded in the quality management system for every shipment.
It serves as a final checkpoint before the goods enter the retail store.