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Updated: Jun 12, 2025
Untargeted Metabolomics from Biological Sources Using Ultraperformance Liquid Chromatography-High Resolution Mass Spectrometry UPLC-HRMS
Published on: May 20, 2013
Optimizing Skin Surface Metabolomics: A Comprehensive Evaluation of Sampling Methods, Extraction Solvents, and
Huizhen Chen1, Yu Chen2, Yi Zhou3
1Human Phenome Institute, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Greater Bay Area Institute of Precision Medicine (Guangzhou), School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
Standardizing skin surface metabolomics is crucial for accurate biological insights. This study optimizes methods, finding specific tape and solvent combinations for reliable lipid and water-soluble compound analysis, revealing host-microbe interactions.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Biochemistry
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Skin surface metabolomics offers insights into skin biology and microbe-host interactions.
- Standard operating procedures are lacking for reproducible skin surface metabolomics.
- Optimization is needed for sampling materials, extraction solvents, and taping methods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish optimized standard operating procedures for skin surface metabolomics.
- To evaluate different sampling materials, extraction solvents, taping frequencies, and analytical techniques.
- To identify associations between skin surface metabolites and their role in host-microbe interactions.
Main Methods:
- Systematic evaluation of various sampling materials (e.g., D-Squame D100 tape).
- Assessment of different extraction solvents (e.g., methyl tert-butyl ether/methanol).
- Optimization of skin-taping procedures, including frequency and number of tapes.
Main Results:
- The optimal method for skin surface lipidomics involves D-Squame D100 tape and a methyl tert-butyl ether/methanol extractant.
- Five taping applications with one tape provide sufficient biomass for lipid analysis.
- Optimal taping procedures differ for water-soluble compounds.
- Associations among skin surface metabolites were identified, potentially influencing microbial cutotypes.
Conclusions:
- Established optimized protocols for skin surface metabolomics, enhancing data accuracy and reproducibility.
- Demonstrated specific optimal conditions for lipid and water-soluble metabolite extraction.
- Provided insights into the role of skin surface metabolites in host-microbe interactions and microbial community formation.
