Kaohsiung Medical University / Prof. Chi-Yu Lu

 Pain Points Solved 

• Conventional detection procedures for chemical hazards and functional components are complex and time-consuming, making real-time or rapid monitoring difficult.
• Samples with complex matrices, such as foods and pharmaceuticals, are prone to interfere with analytical results, thereby reducing detection accuracy.
• Existing analytical methods still have limitations in sensitivity, specificity, or the ability to discriminate between isomers or enantiomers.
• There is a lack of detection technologies that simultaneously offer rapid analysis, high accuracy, and broad applicability.

 Technology Introduction 

1.Oligopeptide, Kit and Method for Detecting Acrylamide
Acrylamide is a colorless and odorless chemical that may cause neurotoxicity, reproductive toxicity, and genotoxicity. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified it as a Group 2A potential human carcinogen. This study designed a special peptide to react with acrylamide. Then, it is detected by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry, which can quickly detect acrylamide content in a short time.

2.Oligopeptide, Kit, and Method for Detecting Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is a Class I carcinogen, and there is sufficient evidence to show that it is carcinogenic to humans. Formaldehyde test paper uses color change to detect formaldehyde and is not suitable for samples that are colored or will interfere with color change. The present invention provides an oligopeptide for detecting formaldehyde. The oligopeptide has the property of reacting with formaldehyde and uses a water plug to capture formaldehyde. A small amount of the product can be detected by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry, and the oligopeptide is suitable for detecting the formaldehyde content in samples with complex matrices.

3.Kit and Method for Detecting Enantiomers of Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug that is widely used worldwide and is commonly used to treat chronic pain and inflammation. Ibuprofen has R-form and S-form isomers in its structure, and the racemic mixture is often used in clinical practice. Ibuprofen is relatively easy to obtain in the over-the-counter drug market, and its dangers and side effects are easily overlooked. This technology used a special peptide combined with nano-flow liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry to detect the enantiomers of ibuprofen.

4.Kit and Method for Detecting Trans Fatty Acid
Evidence shows that trans fatty acids increase the incidence of metabolic syndromes such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. This study used a special peptide combined with nano-flow liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry to establish a rapid detection method for trans fatty acid. The results showed that this analytical method can be used to separate and detect cis-oleic acid and trans-oleic acid.

Figure 1. Peptide, Kit, and Method for Acrylamide and Formaldehyde Detection.

Figure 2. Kit and Method for Ibuprofen Enantiomer and Trans Fatty Acid Detection.

 Application Examples 

The above technologies enable rapid and accurate detection of specific chemical substances and can be applied in various fields, including food safety, environmental monitoring, and biomedical analysis, thereby contributing to improved product quality and public health protection.

 Related Links 

None

 Patent Name and Number 

TW I693402、TW I727640、TW I715968、TW I823798

 Industry-Academia / Tech Transfer Partner 

None

 Honors and Awards  

None

 Technical Contact  

Mr. Hung, Assistant Manager

Kaohsiung Medical University 
Tel: +886 7-3121101 ext. 2360
Email: R121084@kmu.edu.tw