Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry in Metabolomics: Identification and Quantification of Metabolites

The field of metabolomics, particularly the identification and quantification of metabolites, has been greatly expedited by advancements in liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) technology. LC-MS combines the physical separation properties of liquid chromatography with the mass analysis capabilities of mass spectrometry, thus rendering an unparalleled potential for accurate profiling of metabolites in biological samples.

The power of metabolomics lies in its ability to survey the complete set of metabolites or the metabolome in biological systems. However, the extensive diversity of the metabolome, characterized by wide-ranging physicochemical properties, presents a formidable challenge for any single analytical methodology. That’s where LC-MS comes into play.

In LC-MS, liquid chromatography separates complex biological samples into individual metabolite components, while mass spectrometry provides exact mass measurements facilitating the identification and quantification of each compound. Paired together, these two methodologies enable comprehensive and high-resolution metabolomic analyses.

The LC-MS workflow starts with meticulous sample preparation, where metabolites are extracted and purified from the biological samples. Upon successful extraction, the metabolites are resolved using the liquid chromatography column, followed by their detection and mass analysis through the mass spectrometer.

One key advantage of LC-MS in metabolomics is its ability to provide both molecular weight data and structural information about metabolites, supporting accurate identification and quantification. The integration of MS with LC can also provide the sensitivity necessary for detecting metabolites present at very low concentrations.

While data generated from LC-MS is complex, advancements in data processing software and bioinformatics tools have made deciphering and analyzing this information more manageable and accessible. By visualizing and interpreting LC-MS generated data, we can get a deeper understanding of metabolic pathways and mechanisms in various biological systems.

In conclusion, LC-MS, as an indispensable tool in metabolomics, has opened up new avenues for exploring the wonders of the metabolome and advancing our understanding of how biomolecules interact and operate within biological systems. Its powerful capabilities in metabolite separation, identification, and quantification have provided tremendous opportunities in advancing research in various fields including biomedical, environmental, and agricultural science.

The MetID team of Medicilon is composed of experienced scientists. We provide fast and reliable in vivo and in vitro MetID and reactive metabolite capture services. We also support new drug screening and domestic and oversees IND filings. Since the establishment of MetID team, Medicilon has successfully completed multiple different types of research projects for clients, including challenging peptide MetID research.

What is preclinical testing?

In the process of preclinical testing of a compound or biological agent into a drug, the compound involved must go through the testing phase. First, we need to identify potential targets that can treat the disease. Then, a variety of compounds or preparations are screened out. Any compound that has shown potential as a drug for the treatment of this disease needs to be tested for toxicity before clinical testing to reduce the possibility of injury. preclinical testing What is the basis of preclinical testing? According to US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, a series of tests are required before a new drug is approved for use. In the first stage, basic research determines a hypothetical target for the treatment of a certain disease, and then screens small molecules or biological compounds to discover any substance with the potential to treat the disease. Then, a preclinical research phase followed, before which, as described above, the potential tox...

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Inventory of the three major in vitro pharmacokinetic research methods

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Enzyme Activity Assay Service

Enzymatic assay Lance Assay Alphascreen Assay Z’-LYTE Assay Adapta Assay Kinase-Glo Assay ADP-Glo Assay Ligand Binding Assay ELISA Assay HTRF Assay Enzyme activity assays are laboratory methods for measuring enzymatic activity. They are vital for the study of enzyme kinetics and enzyme inhibition. Enzyme units : Amounts of enzymes can either be expressed as molar amounts, as with any other chemical, or measured in terms of activity, in enzyme units. Medicilon provides various enzyme activity assays for kinases , phosphatases, proteinases, deacetylase, peptidase, esterase, and other enzymes. Our line of well-characterized immunoassays and biochemical kits ensures accurate and reproducible results. Enzyme is a large category of bio-molecules that catalyze various biological processes including metabolic processes, cellular signaling and regulation, cell division and apoptosis. Enzymatic reactions convert substrate molecules into chemically modifi...

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