Can liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry measure the metabolome?

Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) is not only used for metabolomics analysis but is also a classic technique for such analysis. The principle of analyzing metabolites using mass spectrometry is similar to that of analyzing proteins. It involves ionizing components into charged ions using an ion source, accelerating them through an electric field to form an ion beam, which enters a mass analyzer for detection. This produces a mass spectrum showing the mass-to-charge ratio of each ion, allowing for determination of molecular mass and qualitative identification. Quantitative analysis is then performed based on ion peak intensity, either relatively or absolutely.

In addition to liquid chromatography, gas chromatography and nuclear magnetic resonance can also be used for metabolomics analysis. The choice of analytical method depends on the experimental goals and sample type. Chromatography-mass spectrometry methods require prior separation and ionization of each metabolite component before subsequent qualitative and quantitative analysis. Gas chromatography also requires vaporization of components. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry is suitable for analyzing water-soluble small molecules and large lipid molecules such as amino acids, sugars, alcohols, fatty acids, amines, and intermediates of the TCA cycle, making it the preferred analytical technique for (non-)targeted metabolomics/lipidomics.

Beijing PTM Biolabs uses Thermo Fisher's Orbitrap Fusion Lumos mass spectrometry platform combined with Nano-LC nano-scale chromatography to providemetabolomicsLC-MSanalysisservice packages, allowing for qualitative and quantitative analysis of various water-soluble small molecules and large lipid molecules from samples such as cells, tissues, organs, or bacteria. Free consultations are welcome.

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