Abstract
Species identification is of key significance for exploring the origin and transmission of ancient silks. In this study, two novel methods, i.e. western blot (WB) and proteomics analyses, were proposed and established to identify the differences between silks from Bombyx mori (B. mori) and two other distinctive species (Eri silkworm and Chestnut silkworm). Three diagnostic antibodies, a polyclonal anti-silk fibroin (anti-SF) antibody (pAb), a polyclonal anti-SF-specific peptide antibody (pAsb), and a monoclonal anti-SF antibody (mAb) were designed and prepared to distinguish silk species using the antibody-based WB technique. Proteomics analysis by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry was performed to further identify silk species at the protein level. WB results indicated that the three antibodies showed high specificity and affinity and could discern B. mori silk from Eri and Chestnut silks. Biomarkers for each SF were obtained using proteomics analysis, and they have the potential to serve as standards for identifying silk species. Thus, combining WB and proteomics analyses with conventional methods can provide more accurate silk information and may be suitable for identifying other proteinaceous materials in archaeological field.
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Acknowledgments
Financial support was provided by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (51603188), the Public Technology Research Plan of Zhejiang Province, China (2016C33175), the Outstanding Young Research Program of Science and Technology for the Protection of Cultural Relics (2015-294), and the Special Funds from the Administration of Cultural Heritage of Zhejiang Province (2017014).
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Gu, J., Xu, C., Li, M. et al. Species Identification of Silks from Bombyx mori, Eri Silkworm and Chestnut Silkworm Using Western Blot and Proteomics Analyses. ANAL. SCI. 35, 175–180 (2019). https://doi.org/10.2116/analsci.18P314
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.2116/analsci.18P314