Recent developments in plasma sample preparation methods for targeted metabolomics studies with liquid chromatography...

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Biochemistry
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Targeted metabolomics quantifies specific metabolites to understand biological states.
• Plasma analysis via liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry requires sample preparation.
• Preclinical studies face challenges with limited sample volumes and low metabolite concentrations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and critically evaluate miniaturized sample preparation methods for targeted metabolomics.
• To highlight limitations of conventional methods and introduce novel strategies.
• To assess the potential of alternative methods inspired by untargeted metabolomics.

Main Methods:

• Review of literature on sample preparation techniques for targeted metabolomics.
• Discussion of conventional methods (e.g., liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry) and their drawbacks.
• Exploration of novel strategies including SPE, MEPS, 3D-printed sorbents, MIPs, magnetic nanoparticles, and various microextraction techniques.

Main Results:

• Conventional methods suffer from poor sample clean-up, low selectivity, long extraction times, and hazardous solvent use.
• Novel techniques like solid-phase microextraction, magnetic nanoparticles, and microextraction by packed sorbents offer improved efficiency and miniaturization.
• These advanced methods address the challenges posed by limited sample volumes and low analyte concentrations.

Conclusions:

• Miniaturized sample preparation with high extraction efficiency is crucial for targeted metabolomics of limited plasma samples.
• Novel strategies significantly improve upon conventional methods, enabling better metabolite quantification.
• Further exploration of alternative techniques may enhance plasma metabolomics analysis.