High resolution gas chromatography and mass spectrometry methods for metabolite profiling

In recent years, many studies have been undertaken aimed at supporting mass-spectrometry based metabolite profiling. Given the chemical complexity and dynamic range of metabolites present in micro-organisms and biological based-samples, profiling the levels of a broad range of metabolites is highly challenging. The identification metabolites is considered an essential step toward a better understanding of micro-organism and biological-based samples. In regards to human metabolomics, most common diseases are caused by complex interactions between genetic factors such as diet and the environment. These factors can influence the range and concentrations of metabolites and other low molecular weight compounds in tissue and body fluids. In this work an analytical method has been developed comprising a rapid microwave-heated oximation and silylation derivatization reaction followed by subsequent analysis using gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. The methodology and technique has been applied to a study of infant blood plasma, and various metabolites, potential biomarkers for specific infant disorders, separated and quantified. Yeast cultures represent a complex microorganism and are another area for analysis reported in this study. Yeast has played a significant role in human culture over thousand of years, due to its application in both traditional and modern biotechnology for the production of food and beverages. The separation and analysis of several commercial yeast samples is undertaken by gas chromatography coupled with time-of flight mass spectrometry. Multivariate data analysis techniques, including factor analysis, are employed to aid identification of metabolite extractions.