Analytical Instrument
Laser-based mass spectrometers measure the molecular weight of large biomolecules by ionizing them and recording their drift time. In a Maldi Tof system, the sample is mixed with a protective matrix and targeted with a pulsed ultraviolet laser. This technique allows for the rapid analysis of proteins without breaking their complex chemical structures.
It uses the time of flight of ionized particles through a vacuum tube to determine their mass to charge ratio with high precision.
Sample Preparation
Fiber extraction requires dissolving the textile sample in a chemical buffer to isolate the target proteins. The extracted solution is applied to a metal target plate and allowed to co-crystallize with the matrix. This co-crystallization ensures that the laser energy is absorbed and transferred to the sample molecules.
Fiber Identification
Distinct peptide maps generated by this analysis allow laboratories to distinguish cashmere from sheep wool. This profiling helps trace the geographical and genetic origin of high-value natural fibers. It provides an automated, objective alternative to manual microscopy for identifying fiber blends.
Technical Limit
Damage from chemical bleaching can alter the target protein structure and limit the accuracy of the mass spectra. In these cases, the signal intensity decreases and the peptide peaks become difficult to distinguish from background noise. The method is therefore most reliable when applied to raw or minimally processed animal fibers.
