Samples

MetaSysX possesses the whole infrastructure to perform sample preparation and subsequent metabolomic analysis.

METABOLITES AND LIPIDS EXTRACTION

At metaSysX, we offer high throughput sample preparation workflows that are compatible with mass spectrometry and are suitable for different types of samples. We use published (Salem et al, 2017) two-phase separation method with the use of methyl-tert-buthyl ether, methanol, and water for separation of polar and hydrophobic compounds. This method was published by Salem et al in 2017 and was shown to be an efficient method for extraction and fractionation of different compound classes based on their hydrophobicity. This method has been shown by the authors to be suitable for extraction of metabolites from different matrices. If requested, to efficiently extract compounds of particular interest metaSysX can perform customized extraction.

SAMPLE ORIGIN

We have experience with different organisms and different types of samples.

We performed analysis of samples representing almost 100 different species, amongst them model organisms like Arabidopsis thaliana, Nicotiana benthamiana, Drosophila melanogaster, Caenorhabditis elegans, Danio rerio, rat and mice.

Many of the crop plants like: Barley, Weat, Rise, Tomato, Maiz, Strawberry, Blackcurrant, Quinoa, Phaseolus vulgaris, Soybean, sugar beet

We also analyzed very demanding samples like cow milk, peanut, wine

SAMPLE TYPES

At metSysX, we perform untargeted metabolomics analysis and lipidomics analysis of almost all types of samples. The workflow can be applied to samples like plant tissues, animal tissues, enriched compartments like plasma membrane, human biofluids as well as media.

Plant tissues and parts: leaves, roots seeds, flowers, phloem, xylem, fruits, whole seedlings

Plant cell compartments: purified chloroplasts, enriched plasma membrane, cytoplasm

Animal tissues: liver, heart, brain, serum, plasma, skin, kidneys, testicles,

Animal biofluids: milk, urine, snakes and spiders' venoms, CSF

Whole animals: Caenorhabditis elegans, mosquitos, Drosophila melanogaster, rotifer, pests, spidermites,

Food samples: wine, oils, fermentation products (yogurts)

Human biofluids, tissues and biopsies: serum, plasma, urine, CSF, saliva, urine, dry blood spots from finger pricking and blood studies, skin biopsies, skin stripping discs,

Samples to control processes: fermentation, media, cell cultures

SAMPLE FORM

Samples can be delivered fresh on dry ice, lyophilized (freeze dried), enriched in compartments or dried. We also accept already extracted metabolites. Fresh samples must be flash frozen in liquid nitrogen

SAMPLE PREPARATION

The samples can be delivered ground (fine powder), or grinding can be performed prior metabolites extraction at metaSysX laboratories. Grinding is particularly important for samples of organisms which contain cell walls like plants and fungi and samples with big pieces of tissues or whole animals like insects.

To perform reliable analysis and obtain high-quality data, the samples which are going to be compared should have a standardized volume, weight, or amount. Samples can be delivered aliquoted, or the weighing or aliquoting can be performed in metaSysX.

Different matrices can have an impact on the efficiency of metabolites and lipids detection. Samples should not contain additives interfering with mass spectrometric analysis. The high concentration of detergent might have a positive or negative impact on ionization of metabolites therefore we should be informed if the samples are contain it.

Cell cultures can be washed with buffers like phosphate buffers, ammonium bicarbonate, or other buffers compatible with MS analysis. Cell cultures which were not cultivated in media that contain organic substances do not need to be washed extensively. The media which contains organic compounds or grown with bovine serum should be washed properly. If you don’t know how to harvest samples for metabolomic analysis, please contact us.

We can perform metabolite profiling even for small amounts of material. To do this we must adjust the pipeline, therefor inform us if you have less material.

EQUIPMENT FOR SAMPLE PREPARATION

Laboratories of metaSysX are fully equipped and possess the whole infrastructure for samples preparation and subsequent metabolomic analysis.

BEFORE YOU SEND THE SAMPLES OR MATERIAL

Before you send the material for metabolomic or lipidomic analysis, please fill out the info file you got from with the information you find relevant.

We will send the barcodes for your samples per post.

To download sample shipment and preparation guideline document:
Download Guideline Document