Identification of Endogenous and Artificial Formaldehyde Biomarkers in Bombay Duck (Harpodon nehereus) Using 1H NMR-Based Metabolomics Approach

Formaldehyde can occur endogenously in fisheries products by enzymatic processes. However, the practice of illegally adding artificial formaldehyde still occurs in several developing countries, including Indonesia. The aim of this study is to identify the biomarkers used to distinguish endogenous from artificial formaldehyde in Bombay duck (Harpodon nehereus) as a sample fisheries product. The 1H NMR-based metabolomic approach was used to identify metabolites in samples. Metabolite analysis with proton NMR detected 11 metabolites in Bombay duck fillet samples (i.e. lactic acid, acetic acid, trimethylamine oxide (TMAO), trimethylamine (TMA), dimethylamine, lysine, anserine, inosine, inosine-5'-monophospate, and hypoxanthine). The results of the study showed that three metabolites in this list, namely trimethylamine oxide (TMAO), trimethylamine (TMA), and lysine, can be used as indicators to distinguish endogenous formaldehyde from artificial formaldehyde in Bombay duck fish.

Automated summary

This study identified biomarkers in Bombay duck fish and found that three metabolites can be used as indicators to distinguish endogenous formaldehyde from artificial formaldehyde.