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Updated: May 1, 2026

Large Scale Non-targeted Metabolomic Profiling of Serum by Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry UPLC-MS
Published on: March 14, 2013
Design and Analysis of Untargeted Metabolomics Experiments
Zane G Long1, Rachel W Martin1,2
1Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California.
Untargeted metabolomics, using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), offers a fast and cost-effective method for identifying unknown small molecules in complex biological samples like plants. This guide provides a comprehensive protocol for researchers new to the technique.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Biochemistry
- Plant Science
Background:
- Untargeted metabolomics identifies unknown small molecules in complex mixtures.
- It is crucial for biomedical, environmental, and plant metabolite discovery.
- Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) is a key detection method.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide practical and technical knowledge on untargeted metabolomics using LC-MS/MS.
- To offer a consolidated protocol for experimental design, data collection, and analysis.
- To explain terminology and technical details within the context of real-world experiments.
Main Methods:
- Focus on liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).
- Detailed protocols for sample preparation, LC-MS/MS data collection, and data analysis.
- Utilizes widely available software (MSConvert, MZMine, SIRIUS).
Main Results:
- Presents a step-by-step protocol applicable to various complex biological samples.
- Demonstrates the approach using a plant metabolite data set.
- Includes protocols for preparing samples and assessing LC-MS/MS sensitivity.
Conclusions:
- Untargeted metabolomics with LC-MS/MS is a powerful tool for metabolite discovery.
- The provided protocol serves as a starting point for new users in diverse research areas.
- The methodology is adaptable for analyzing various complex biological samples.
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