Challenges in ESI-MS-based Untargeted Metabolomics

Abstract

Untargeted metabolomics is now widely recognized as a useful tool for exploring metabolic changes taking place in biological systems under different conditions. In this article, we aim to provide a short overview of the liquid-phase separation methods hyphenated to MS to perform untargeted metabolomics of biological samples. Each approach is complemented by up-to-date literature to guide readers, as well as practical information for avoiding or fixing some of the most frequently encountered pitfalls. This article covers mainly data acquisition, but a short discussion is provided regarding signal processing and data treatment, as well as data analysis and its biological interpretation in the context of metabolomic studies.

Keywords

• Annotation
• Capillary electrophoresis
• Liquid chromatography
• Mass spectrometry
• Metabolomics
• Supercritical fluid chromatography