Precise, Rapid and Scalable Proteomics Solutions for Archaeology, Ecology, Wildlife Forensics and Food-chain Authentication

Introduction

Taxonomic identification of tiny organic samples using proteins (proteomics) has major, but only partially realised, potential in archaeology, ecology, wildlife forensics, and food-chain authentication. It is a cost-effective and minimally destructive alternative to DNA analysis that can be applied even when DNA is not preserved.

Limitations of Current Methods

However, the most widespread method, known as zooarchaeology by mass spectrometry (ZooMS) or peptide mass fingerprinting, cannot differentiate some taxa of major historical and ecological significance. Contaminated and mixed samples are also poorly resolved by ZooMS.

Challenges with Alternatives

Yet existing alternative methods are comparatively slow and expensive, even when optimised.

Project Overview

The PReciSe project will develop a new proteomics approach to taxonomic identification that is fast, cheap, precise, reliable, and realistically scalable to sample batches of varying size. The method will combine the speed and simplicity of ZooMS with the discriminating power of more complex techniques.

Immediate Applications

It will immediately solve archaeological and ecological problems (extending to wildlife forensics in the case of endangered species) through the implementation of a research and commercial service at the National Laboratory for Age Determination in Trondheim.

Long-term Impact

Moreover, by transferring innovations to industrial partners, environmental agencies, and public health organisations, it will ultimately provide an alternative for quick and inexpensive supply-chain verification of aquaculture and livestock feeds in order to exclude species that may be unsustainably sourced (e.g. in fishmeal) or potentially harmful (e.g. ruminant byproducts).

Broader Implications

Applications of the innovation will range from archaeological discoveries to revealing the past and present sustainability of life in the oceans, to enhancing global food security and public health.