Metabolomics: What It Is and Why It Matters

Metabolomics is a field of research focused on the study of metabolites, that is, small molecules produced in the course of metabolism. They often reflect the current state of a cell, a tissue or the entire organism. That is why metabolomics is considered a useful tool for applied medicine, scientific research and biopharmaceutical projects.

Metabolites reveal the rapid response of a biological system to disease, stress, treatment, nutrition or external factors.

Where Metabolomics Is Used

Metabolomics is used in the following areas:

• discovery of disease biomarkers;
• research on metabolic disorders;
• toxicology;
• pharmaceutical research;
• assessment of treatment efficacy;
• projects studying cellular and tissue processes.

Why the Field Demands Discipline

Metabolites are sensitive to storage and sample preparation conditions. A small deviation in time, temperature or solvent composition can affect the result. That is why it is important for a laboratory to establish stable protocols and ensure repeatability.

What a Metabolomics Workflow Typically Includes

• sample collection and labeling;
• stabilization and storage;
• metabolite extraction;
• separation by liquid chromatography;
• analysis using mass spectrometry;
• subsequent data processing.

Which Solutions You May Need

Depending on the laboratory's tasks, it may need LC-MS/MS solutions, sample preparation systems, freezer storage, centrifuges, shakers, consumables and data processing software.

KombiMED helps institutions select equipment and consumables for modern analytical applications, including metabolomics instruments such as metabolite analyzers, and supports deliveries from Europe.