Biomolecular Profiling by MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry in Food and Beverage Analyses

Abstract

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) has frequently been applied to the analysis of biomolecules. Its strength resides not only in compound identification but particularly in acquiring molecular profiles providing a high discriminating power. The main advantages include its speed, simplicity, versatility, minimum sample preparation needs, and a relatively high tolerance to salts. Other benefits are represented by the possibility of automation, high throughput, sensitivity, accuracy, and good reproducibility, allowing quantitative studies. This review deals with the prominent use of MALDI-TOF MS profiling in food and beverage analysis ranging from the simple detection of sample constituents to quantifications of marker compounds, quality control, and assessment of product authenticity. This review summarizes relevant discoveries that have been obtained with milk and milk products, edible oils, wine, beer, flour, meat, honey, and other alimentary products. Marker molecules are specified: proteins and peptides for milk, cheeses, flour, meat, wine and beer; triacylglycerols and phospholipids for oils; and low-molecular-weight metabolites for wine, beer and chocolate. Special attention is paid to sample preparation techniques and the combination of spectral profiling and statistical evaluation methods, which is powerful for the differentiation of samples and the sensitive detection of frauds and adulterations.

Targeted delivery of HSP90 inhibitors for efficient therapy of CD44-positive acute myeloid leukemia and solid tumor-colon cancer

“…The differences in molecular weight indicated the successful conjugation of A6 peptide to HSA through SMCC. The matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MADLI-TOF-MS) was further applied to analyze the obtained peptide-conjugated albumin [ 41 ]. The results revealed that the molecular-related ion peaks of HSA and different degrees of A6-HSA were at m/z 66,464, 67,993 and 70,119, respectively (Fig.…”

Contribution of MALDI‐TOF‐MS‐based principal component analysis for distinguishing foodborne pathogens

“…According to future requirements, a bioinformatics‐based approach should be applied to investigate protein assignment and provide robust identification and differentiation procedures of foodborne pathogens at the strain level. In recent years, it has occurred that a PCA‐based approach was used to increase the share of peaks separating and reducing the weighting of the common peak in the datasets from closely related organisms (Šebela, 2022). The identification of a potential biomarker peak by PCA was an important clue for further studies (Sassi, Arena, & Scaloni, 2015; Yu, Yu, et al, 2019).…”

A Five-Year Update on Matrix Compounds for MALDI-MS Analysis of Lipids

“…Little progress regarding the most suitable matrix has been made since the first TAG analysis by MALDI. DHB and super-DHB (a 9:1 mixture of DHB and 2-hydroxy-5-methoxybenzoic acid) were used in the majority of cases [ 41 ]. The poor interest in matrix optimization is presumably due to the fact that the majority of TAG is available in major amounts, and there is no need to increase the sensitivity of detection.…”