A modified template matching algorithm for chromatographic fingerprint of S. miltiorrhiza Bge, a traditional Chinese herb / 第二军医大学学报

ABSTRACT

Objective: To introduce a new template peak matching algorithm for calculating the similarity of chromatographic fingerprint of traditional Chinese herbs. Methods: Tanshinone II A in S. miltiorrhiza Bge of different batches were determined by HPLC and the chromatograms of them were obtained. We designated a new peak matching algorithm based on the previous algorithms, which employed a certain real chromatographic fingerprint as their template. In the new algorithm, we arranged the retention times of chromatographic peaks of all chromatograms into an ascending order, forming a template. The sorting procedure complied with the following 2 rules. First, the same peak matches the nearest corresponding peak. Second, one peak does not appear twice in the same chromatogram. Results: The new algorithm avoided the shortcomings of previous algorithm, such as mismatching and missed matching, and obtained a satisfactory outcome. Conclusion: Our new algorithm provides a basis for improving the reliability of retention time-based peak matching algorithm.