Separative Techniques Coupled to Mass Spectrometry for Metabolomic Analysis

Advanced analytical techniques are required to decipher metabolome complexity. The previous chapter ("Latest Developments in Mass Spectrometry-Based Techniques for Metabolomics Analysis") shows general aspect of mass spectrometry techniques for the detection, identification, and quantification of metabolites by target and non-targeted approaches. It also points out that, in some instances, the sole direct analysis by mass spectrometry is a limitation for deciphering the high molecular complexity of the metabolome. Therefore, upstream separative methods such as chromatography, capillary electrophoresis, or ion mobility can be an effective solution. Indeed, these techniques reduce the ion suppression effects, separate some isomers, and increase the capacity measurement for metabolite identification and quantification. This chapter focuses on the separative methods most frequently used in metabolomic studies. Their principles and some examples are addressed along with their coupling with MS.Lastly, analytical improvements and recent advances in MS hyphenated approaches for metabolomic study are also discussed with multidimensional analysis.