Shimadzu Selection Guide Metabolite Analysis - Metabolomics Product Portfolio

Importance of Metabolite Analysis

Metabolomics provides a direct window into cellular function by profiling small molecules produced by biological systems. High-throughput detection of metabolites enables biomarker discovery, disease diagnosis, quality control in food and biotech sectors, and supports multi-omics integration for systems biology.

Study Objective and Overview

This document presents a comprehensive portfolio for metabolite analysis. It reviews targeted and non-targeted workflows spanning primary metabolites, lipid mediators, phospholipids, and complex multi-omics strategies. The goal is to outline robust analytical solutions combining mass spectrometry technologies, curated databases, and software tools to accelerate research and industrial applications.

Methodology and Instrumentation

Shimadzu offers a suite of MS platforms and associated databases:

• Triple-quadrupole LC-MS/MS (8050/8060 series) for wide-target quantitative analysis and method packages for primary metabolites, lipids, amino acids, bile acids, and cell culture profiling.
• GC-MS/MS with Smart Metabolites Database for high-resolution analysis of volatile and polar compounds.
• Q-TOF LC/MS-9030 for high-resolution, accurate-mass non-targeted and targeted metabolomics.
• MALDI imaging MS (iMScope TRIO) coupled with optical microscopy for spatial metabolomics.

Main Results and Discussion

Combining optimized instrument methods and databases enables simultaneous quantitation of hundreds of compounds. Key achievements include:

• Rapid quantification of over 150 primary metabolites in under 20 minutes, validated by beer and food studies.
• GC-MS/MS profiling of 475 metabolites for regression models in coffee sensory evaluation.
• Non-targeted discovery workflows using Q-TOF for cell culture profiling, revealing dynamic metabolic shifts and novel markers such as N’-formylkynurenine.
• Imaging mass spectrometry demonstrated localization of functional components like strictinin in tissue and pesticide distribution in plants.
• Comprehensive lipid mediator profiling with 214 compounds in a 20 minute run time, supported by retention time correction tools.
• Phospholipid classification and fatty acid composition analysis covering up to 867 species with polarity-switch MRM.
• Integration of multi-omics analysis software (Traverse MS, Signpost MS, LabSolutions Insight, Multi-omics Analysis Package) for streamlined data processing, statistical analysis, and pathway mapping.

Benefits and Practical Applications

These solutions deliver:

• High throughput and reproducibility for large-scale studies.
• Reduced method development time through “ready-to-use” packages.
• Flexibility across biological, food, clinical, and industrial biotech applications.
• Deep insights via combined targeted, non-targeted, and spatial metabolomics.
• Enhanced decision-making through integrated statistical and visualization tools.

Future Trends and Possibilities

Ongoing developments aim to further accelerate metabolomics:

• AI-driven, parameter-free peak picking to handle ever-larger datasets.
• Direct probe electrospray ionization (DPiMS-8060) for real-time microsampling of complex matrices.
• Supercritical fluid extraction/chromatography and lab automation platforms for streamlined workflows.
• Expansion of curated databases and multi-omics integration for personalized medicine and precision agriculture.
• Collaborative research hubs and open platforms (GARUDA) to foster innovation and data sharing.

Conclusion

Shimadzu’s integrated portfolio of MS instrumentation, databases, method packages, and software provides a powerful framework for reliable, high-throughput metabolite analysis. These tools accelerate research in health, food quality, and biotechnology, while ongoing innovations promise to broaden capabilities and ease of use.

References

No external references provided.