The identification of aerosolized snow crab protein by electrophoresis and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry

Whiteway, Geoffrey (2003) The identification of aerosolized snow crab protein by electrophoresis and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

[English] PDF (Migrated (PDF/A Conversion) from original format: (application/pdf)) - Accepted Version Available under License - The author retains copyright ownership and moral rights in this thesis. Neither the thesis nor substantial extracts from it may be printed or otherwise reproduced without the author's permission. Download (6MB) [English] PDF - Accepted Version Available under License - The author retains copyright ownership and moral rights in this thesis. Neither the thesis nor substantial extracts from it may be printed or otherwise reproduced without the author's permission. (Original Version)

Abstract

Modern proteomics tools allow for quick identification of proteins that may be present in aerosolized samples collected from snow crab processing. The coupling of electrophoresis and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) has allowed for a rapid, 2-3 day, technique for the identification of these proteins. The protein bands are excised from gel slices, the protein present digested using trypsin and then analyzed using a MALDI-TOF MS instrument to produce a peptide mass fingerprint. -- On-line database searching of the peptide mass fingerprints through Swiss-Prot or other database engines provide an efficient and effective means for protein identification, provided the protein has been sequenced. As well, unmatched peptide peaks can be analyzed through a post-translational modification database to help understand any chemical modifications that have occurred. -- This combinational approach has produced a rapid technique for the screening of possible proteins aerosolized during commercial snow crab processing, some of which are allergens. Using the Swiss-Prot database, tropomyosin was identified in both lab-produced condensate and an air filter sample collected from a commercial snow crab processing plant.

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