Gut Microbiota Metabolomics Services for Functional and Pathway Insights

How do I choose between LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS for my gut microbiota metabolomics study?

he choice of method depends on the type of metabolites you're interested in. LC-MS/MS is ideal for detecting polar metabolites, such as SCFAs, bile acids, indoles, and phenolic compounds, while GC-MS/MS is typically used for volatile compounds (like SCFAs) and is more suitable for metabolites requiring derivatization. If you're unsure which method is best for your study, our team can help assess your needs and recommend the right approach.

What makes your service different from other gut microbiome metabolomics providers?

Our service stands out due to our high coverage of over 300 metabolites across multiple biological matrices, ultrasensitive quantification down to 0.1 ng/mL, and a commitment to outstanding reproducibility (CV <10%, R² ≥ 0.995). We also support high-throughput studies, processing over 200 samples per day, making us well-suited for large intervention or cohort studies.

Can I use stool samples from animals, or is this service only for human samples?

Yes, we accept both human and animal stool samples. Our methodologies are optimized for a wide variety of biological matrices, including human and animal tissues, blood, urine, and microbiome culture supernatants. Be sure to follow the provided sample collection guidelines for the best results.

Are the metabolites detected in fecal samples the same as those found in plasma or urine?

Not all metabolites are present in the same concentrations across different biological matrices. Fecal samples are rich in microbial-derived metabolites (like SCFAs and bile acids), whereas plasma and urine may contain metabolites that have been absorbed and are circulating in the body. We tailor our analysis based on the sample type to ensure accurate detection and quantification.

What should I do if I want to track long-term dietary or probiotic interventions?

For longitudinal studies, we recommend collecting multiple time-point samples to track changes over time. Our service is equipped to handle such time-course studies, enabling you to assess how dietary changes, probiotics, or FMT (fecal microbiota transplants) influence the gut microbiota metabolome across different stages of intervention.

What if my sample has low metabolite concentrations? Can your service still detect them?

Yes, we use highly sensitive methods (LC-MS/MS with isotope-labeled internal standards, GC-MS/MS with high-resolution separation) that can detect metabolites even at low concentrations (down to 0.1 ng/mL). However, it's important to provide the recommended sample amount to ensure a sufficient signal-to-noise ratio, especially for volatile compounds.

What happens if I submit a sample that doesn't meet the recommended specifications?

While we encourage following the sample specifications for the best possible results, we understand that deviations may occur. If your sample doesn't meet the guidelines, our team will assess the sample quality and may contact you for further clarification or to suggest alternative collection methods. In some cases, the analysis may still be possible, but we cannot guarantee optimal data quality.

How can I ensure my data is reliable for publication or regulatory submissions?

We employ strict quality control measures throughout the analysis process, including internal standards for calibration and validation, randomization, and QC samples every 10 injections. Our method yields high reproducibility (CV <10%) and high correlation (R² ≥ 0.995), ensuring that the data is both reliable and suitable for scientific publication or further regulatory work.

Can I request targeted analyses for a specific group of metabolites instead of a full panel?

Yes, we offer both targeted and untargeted metabolomics. If you're only interested in a specific class of metabolites (e.g., SCFAs, bile acids, or tryptophan derivatives), we can tailor the analysis to focus on those compounds. Contact us to discuss which metabolites or pathways you'd like to target.

How do you handle potential contamination or cross-sample interference in microbiome samples?

We take contamination seriously and use rigorous sample handling procedures to minimize potential interference. Samples are processed in a contamination-free environment, and we include QC samples and blanks throughout the analysis to detect and mitigate any unwanted background signals. Our methods also ensure sample randomization to reduce bias during batch processing.

Is there an option for joint analysis of the gut microbiome and other omics data, like proteomics or genomics?

Absolutely! We offer the option to integrate metabolomics data with other types of omics data, including proteomics, genomics, and transcriptomics. This multi-omics approach provides deeper insights into the biological processes at play and can help you correlate metabolite abundance with other markers of health or disease.

What if I need help interpreting the data or generating hypotheses from the results?

In addition to raw data and statistical analyses, we offer data interpretation services to help generate actionable insights from your results. Our team can assist with pathway analysis, biomarker discovery, and experimental design suggestions, ensuring that your findings are both meaningful and aligned with your research goals.