Analysis of Oligopeptides from Pilose Antler Using Tandem Mass Tags Combined with Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Q-Orbitrap/Mass Spectrometry

Abstract

Reports on oligopeptides derived from pilose antler remain scarce. There is an urgent need to establish a robust analytical method for detecting and characterizing these compounds. In this study, oligopeptide extracts from pilose antler were labeled with tandem mass tag (TMT) reagents and analyzed using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with Q-Orbitrap/mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap/MS). Amino acid profiles and oligopeptide sequences were determined from accurate m/z values and tandem mass information. Twenty-six amino acids and 33 oligopeptides were identified in pilose antler extracts. The integrated TMT and UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap/MS approach enabled comprehensive analysis of oligopeptides and amino acids, establishing a foundation for holistic quality assessment of pilose antler oligopeptides.