Qualitative and Quantitative Analyses of Cashmere and Yak Fibers: MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry vs. Microscopic Method

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry was employed for the qualitative and quantitative analyses of cashmere and yak fibers. Yak fibers have been a great concern for fraudulent labelling in the luxurious cashmere market. Species-specific ion peaks were identified qualitatively, and mass spectrometry was used for the first-time in an effort to quantitatively analyze these fibers. The results indicated that the identification of unknown compositions was quantitatively possible even in commercial samples. The technique exhibited important advantages over conventional microscopic analysis such as the possibility of analyzing a small size of sample and colored or chemically treated fibers, and greater reproducibility and objectivity.