Principle
Untargeted metabolomics compares metabolic profiles to screen candidate metabolites. Targeted metabolomics uses predefined targets and standards for quantitative studies. Screening or validation strategies are selected around the research question.
Applications
- Investigate metabolic changes associated with disease, drugs or external stimuli
- Screen candidate metabolites and perform targeted validation
- Explore metabolism in plants, microorganisms, food and other systems
Method features
- Untargeted strategies support broader candidate screening
- Targeted strategies quantify predefined metabolites
- Supports integrated interpretation with other omics measurements
Workflow
- 01
Define untargeted screening or targeted quantification goals
- 02
Process samples, extract metabolites and perform quality control
- 03
Conduct suitable chromatography-mass spectrometry measurements
- 04
Annotate or quantify metabolites and analyze differences and pathways
This is a workflow overview. Experimental and analytical details depend on sample conditions and research objectives.