Spatial Untargeted Metabolomics Service
At the intersection of mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) and high-dimensional metabolomics, our Spatial Untargeted Metabolomics platform offers a label-free, hypothesis-free approach to mapping thousands of metabolites directly across tissue sections. We empower researchers to decode metabolic heterogeneity, visualize drug distribution, and discover novel biomarkers within their native histological context.
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- What is
- Platform
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- Why it matters
- Applications
- Why choose
- FAQs
- Sample preparation
Unlocking the Spatial Distribution of Metabolites in Biological Systems
Spatial Untargeted Metabolomics is an advanced analytical technique that allows researchers to explore the metabolic landscape of biological samples at unprecedented spatial resolution. Unlike traditional metabolomics methods, which focus on analyzing metabolites in bulk samples, spatial untargeted metabolomics combines high-throughput, unbiased detection of metabolites with spatially resolved mapping. This powerful combination provides a comprehensive view of how metabolites are distributed across tissues, organs, or even at the single-cell level.
This approach is invaluable for studying complex biological systems, including disease mechanisms, drug distribution, and tissue-specific metabolic changes. By enabling the visualization of metabolic heterogeneity, spatial metabolomics offers new insights into the molecular underpinnings of health and disease, bridging the gap between metabolic profiles and spatial information.
Our Technology Platform
We utilize state-of-the-art Mass Spectrometry Imaging (MSI) technologies to deliver high-resolution metabolic maps.
MALDI-MSI (Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization)
Best for: High spatial resolution (down to 5-10 µm) and broad coverage of lipids, small molecules, and peptides.
Mechanism: A matrix is applied to the tissue to assist ionization. A laser raster-scans the sample, generating a mass spectrum at every pixel.
Benefit: Ideal for detailed anatomical mapping and subcellular resolution studies.
DESI-MSI (Desorption Electrospray Ionization)
Best for: Ambient ionization with minimal sample preparation and no matrix interference.
Mechanism: Charged solvent droplets desorb and ionize molecules directly from the tissue surface. While DESI is highly effective for untargeted metabolomics, its spatial resolution is generally limited to the 50–200 µm range. We recommend considering this resolution threshold when designing your study's spatial mapping requirements.
Benefit: Minimally destructive, allowing for subsequent H&E staining on the same section; excellent for lipidomics and small molecule drugs.
How It Works
Our spatial untargeted metabolomics service offers a full end-to-end workflow, from tissue embedding and cryosectioning to optional H&E or immunofluorescence staining, matrix application, and mass spectrometry imaging. All results are delivered in high-quality, interpretable formats, so you can focus on biological insights without handling raw mass spectrometry data.
Why Spatial Context Matters
Traditional metabolomics (LC-MS/GC-MS) provides a powerful inventory of metabolites but destroys spatial information during tissue homogenization. This "bulk" average masks critical micro-environmental differences.
Spatial Untargeted Metabolomics preserves the architecture of biology.
- Resolve Tissue Heterogeneity: Distinguish metabolic profiles between tumor cores and margins, or cortex and medulla.
- Label-Free Discovery: No antibodies, tags, or prior knowledge required. Detect thousands of endogenous metabolites, lipids, and exogenous drugs simultaneously.
- Direct Histological Correlation: Overlay metabolic heatmaps with H&E or IHC staining to link phenotype to biochemistry.
Integrated Spatial Multi-Omics Solutions
Our spatial untargeted metabolomics service can be seamlessly combined with downstream analyses to provide a comprehensive spatial biology workflow:
- Spatial Transcriptomics (Visium): Align metabolic profiles with gene expression patterns in the same tissue regions.
- Spatial Proteomics (IMC): Integrate metabolite data with protein distribution for multi-layered tissue insights.
- Spatial Targeted Validation (MALDI-MSI): Perform targeted scans of key metabolites identified in untargeted studies to validate and quantify findings.
This integrated approach allows you to correlate metabolites, transcripts, and proteins within the same spatial context, giving you a complete, one-stop solution for tissue-level multi-omics research.
Your Deliverables
With our spatial untargeted metabolomics service, you will receive:
- High-Resolution Metabolite Maps: Visualize spatial distribution directly in tissue sections.
- Processed & QC’d Data: Normalized, annotated datasets ready for analysis.
- Visualization & Figures: Heatmaps, ion images, and spatial plots for intuitive interpretation.
- Targeted Validation Support: Key metabolites identified for follow-up via MALDI-MSI or other targeted methods.
Applications
Oncology & Immuno-Oncology
- Tumor Microenvironment (TME): Map metabolic gradients (e.g., hypoxia-driven lactate accumulation) and immune cell metabolism.
- Biomarker Discovery: Identify prognostic metabolic signatures unique to specific tumor sub-regions.
Pharmaceutical Development (ADME/Tox)
- Drug Distribution: Visualize the penetration of parent drugs and their metabolites into target tissues without radioactive labeling.
- Toxicology: Correlate localized tissue damage with specific accumulation of drug metabolites or lipid alterations.
Neuroscience
- Brain Mapping: Visualize neurotransmitter and lipid distribution across distinct brain regions (e.g., hippocampus vs. cerebellum).
- Neurodegeneration: Track metabolic dysregulation in plaques or lesions associated with Alzheimer's or Parkinson's models.
Why Choose Us?
- Comprehensive Insights: Gain a deeper understanding of how metabolic processes are spatially organized and interact with other biological systems, offering insights beyond what traditional metabolomics or imaging techniques can provide.
- Unbiased Discovery: With the ability to detect a wide range of metabolites without the need for prior knowledge, spatial untargeted metabolomics uncovers novel metabolic biomarkers and pathways that may be missed by targeted approaches.
- Cutting-Edge Technology: Powered by the latest advancements in mass spectrometry, imaging technologies, and computational analysis, this technique represents the forefront of metabolic research, driving innovation in drug discovery, personalized medicine, and disease modeling.
- Tailored Applications: Whether you're focused on basic research, clinical applications, or drug development, spatial untargeted metabolomics provides flexibility to suit your specific needs and objectives.
FAQs
What types of samples can you analyze?
We primarily work with fresh-frozen tissue, which provides the broadest coverage of metabolites.
What is the spatial resolution?
Our standard service offers a resolution of 10-100 µm, which is sufficient to distinguish tissue microstructures (e.g., cortex vs. medulla). High-definition services can push resolution down to 5–10 µm (near single-cell level), though this entails longer scan times, larger data volumes, and higher service fees.
Can you identify the metabolites detected?
Yes, but with different levels of confidence. In untargeted mode, we typically detect thousands of "features" (m/z values). We use Exact Mass Matching to provide preliminary identifications based on m/z values. For high-confidence identification, we offer MS/MS Fragmentation as an optional add-on. This allows us to compare fragment patterns against spectral libraries to confirm the structural identity of key biomarkers.
What is the typical turnaround time for spatial untargeted metabolomics?
Our standard turnaround time is typically 3-4 weeks from sample receipt to delivery of processed data. Timelines may be adjusted based on sample number, tissue type, and specific project requirements.
Learn about other Q&A.
Sample Preparation Guidelines
To ensure the unbiased detection of thousands of metabolites, strict adherence to these protocols is required. Chemical cross-linking or polymer contamination can mask thousands of biological features in an untargeted analysis.
- Tissue Requirement (Fresh Frozen Only) We predominantly analyze fresh-frozen tissue. Do not use chemical fixatives like Formalin (FFPE) or Glutaraldehyde. These agents cross-link molecules, making the ionization of small metabolites impossible and destroying the native metabolic profile.
- Snap-Freezing Procedure Metabolic profiles change within seconds of tissue removal. Tissues must be snap-frozen immediately (within<1 minute of excision) to "stop the clock" on enzymatic turnover. We recommend using isopentane cooled by liquid nitrogen. This method prevents the formation of large ice crystals that can rupture cells and delocalize metabolites.
- Embedding Media (Critical) Please embed tissues in CMC (Carboxymethyl Cellulose) or Gelatin. You must strictly avoid OCT (Optimal Cutting Temperature) compound. Standard OCT contains PEG polymers; in an untargeted analysis, these PEG signals will overwhelm the mass spectrometer detector, masking thousands of biological metabolites. If you plan to embed your own samples, please consult our experts before proceeding. In many cases, we recommend sectioning without embedding to achieve superior results.
- Storage and Shipping Samples must remain at -80°C at all times to prevent the sublimation and degradation of labile metabolites (such as lipids and antioxidants). Ship samples on ample dry ice to ensure they never thaw during transit. Even brief thawing can render the spatial metabolic map useless.
Please contact us for technical support before sending your samples for testing.
