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

ABSTRACTFormaldehyde 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.KEYWORDS: BiomarkersFormaldehydeHarpodon nehereusmetabolomic Disclosure statementNo potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).Additional informationFundingThis study was funded by the Indonesian Endowment Fund for Education (LPDP) scholarship program for 2020. Our special thanks goes to Sri Iswani who assisted us with laboratory analysis. During the course of the study and its preparation for publication preparation, the author Giri Rohmad Barokah has been the main contributor.