Mass spectrometry analyses

Moderator: Thomas HANKEMEIER (University of Leiden)

Background:

The number of applications of MS in nutritional metabolomics is growing and amongst these are examples of both target and comprehensive profiling. Furthermore, within these two categories, many different MS techniques can be used. All these possibilities can influence the type and amount of information present in the final dataset.

Goal:

Discuss the most commonly used MS methods, determine their application fields. Discuss the needs and possibilities of standardization of methods and results.

Approach:

Several questions will be addressed:

• What is most suitable for nutritional metabolomics, the analysis of a target list of metabolites, or a holistic profiling?
• If it is a target list, what will be the list?
• Do we want to have standardized methods, or only standardized results?

The answer on these questions will determine the analytics strategies. Several aspects are of importance:

• Choice of separation mechanism (LC, GC, capillary electrophoresis and various options to improve peak capacity)
• Quantification: how to deal with ion suppression? How to control the performance of the method? Dynamic range of MS
• Choice of ionisation mode (for LC-MS: EI, APCI, APPI, positive vs. negative mode, in-source fragmentation, miniaturization, for GC-MS: electron impact, chemical ionization)
• Choice of mass spectrometric detection method (Tof, Ion traps, FT-ICR)
• How to validate the method?
• How to assure comparability of data obtained?
• Are there any alternatives to mass spectrometry?

Result:

Establish recommended MS approach(es) (analysis, quantification, quality control etc.), for application in nutrition metabolomics studies.

Recent publications:
We strongly encourage all the participants of this session to have a look at the selection of recent publications prepared by the Moderators and Organizing Committee. Each participant of this session should have critical ideas on the present state of the art, and will actively contribute to the elaboratation of recommendations when taking part to this session.

The pdf files for the session mass spectrometry analyses can be found at:
pdf files_mass spectrometry analysis

The slides shown during this session can be found in the attachments.

mass spectrometry.ppt mass spectrometry session

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