Species-specific identification of pangolin scales using UPLC/Q-TOF-MS with LC-MS/MS validation

Pangolin scales (PS) are derived from various pangolin species and are commonly subjected to thermal processing. Identifying their species of origin using traditional methods is challenging. Therefore, a reliable approach for species identification of PS and their processed products is urgently needed. In this study, a method combining ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC/Q-TOF-MS) with principal component analysis (PCA) was developed to distinguish PS from three different species. Seven species-specific ions were identified and demonstrated good specificity for their corresponding species. Based on these markers, a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) method was established, enabling rapid species identification of PS and their processed products within 20 min. The method was successfully applied to 58 PS samples of unknown origin, demonstrating high reliability and applicability. This study provides an effective approach for the authentication and quality control of PS and their processed products.