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Mass spectrometry NAUKA
as a tool for understanding
the metabolome

– MAIN STRATEGIES AND CHALLENGES

Research in the field of metabolomics are focused on the determination of low molecular weight (<1000Da)
endogenous compounds (e.g. amino acids, sugars, lipids) in biological samples (mainly blood and urine) and
exhaled breath condensates (EBC). Due to wide range of incidence and low concentration levels of metabolites in
samples with complex matrix, metabolomic analyses require the use of high sensitivity and selectivity techniques,
such as high performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Analytical strategies used in
metabolomic studies based on the LC-MS technique, depending on the desired effect, can be accomplished in
two ways: with use of targeted and non-targeted analysis. Each of these strategies requires the use of different
instrumental arrangements what is a big challenge for analytical researchers.

ANALITYKA – NUMER 1, ROK (XVII) 2016 19