Proteomic fingerprinting as a rapid and cost-effective tool for the identification and traceability of fishery products

The German start up applies proteomic techniques, the so called matrix-assisted laser desorption / ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) to clearly determine fresh and processed fishery products, which provides a time- and cost effective methodology to guarantee the identity of seafood. The start up offers a unique identification service to meet EU standards for fish and fishery products. A full service is ensured including high-quality analyses, competent expert consultation, and confidential treatment of the data as well as consideration of individual needs. The method is based on the knowledge that species can be separated on the basis of their proteomic signatures. The goal is to establish proteomic fingerprinting as a standard identification method for seafood, which will address socio-economic as well as conservational requirements alike. The start up seeks to collaborate with partners from the seafood industry as well as research institutes in the field of fisheries and biodiversity research to design pilot studies and establish a work flow. The vision is to apply this method to a broad array of multi-celled organisms (incl. plants, meat products), so the start up also seeks collaboration with representatives from animal production, agriculture and forestry.