High-Resolution Broad-Spectrum Lipidomics: Insights into Lipid Metabolism and Analytical Techniques

Lipids are essential bioactive molecules involved in fundamental biological processes such as membrane structure, signaling, and energy storage. As a result, lipid dysregulation is closely associated with diseases such as metabolic disorders, neurodegeneration, and cancer. To investigate lipid metabolism and its implications in health and disease, lipidomics has become a crucial tool for modern biological research. MtoZ Biolabs offers state-of-the-art high-resolution broad-spectrum lipidomics relative quantitative analysis services, built on advanced mass spectrometry (MS) platforms and expert analytical techniques.

 

1. Technical Principles

Lipidomics focuses on the comprehensive analysis of lipids in biological systems. Lipids are categorized into various classes, such as fatty acyls, glycerolipids, glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids, sterol lipids, and others. These molecules play critical roles in cellular signaling, inflammation, and energy metabolism. Given their diversity, lipidomics encompasses both targeted and untargeted approaches to quantify lipid species accurately.

 

At MtoZ Biolabs, our lipidomics service leverages UPLC-Orbitrap mass spectrometry, a high-resolution technology that combines ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) and Orbitrap-based MS. This allows for the precise separation and identification of lipids from complex biological matrices. The analysis encompasses two key strategies:

（1）Non-targeted lipidomics

This approach systematically detects a wide range of lipid species without prior selection, providing a comprehensive overview of lipid profiles in a given sample.

 

（2）Targeted lipidomics

In this mode, specific lipid molecules are quantified with high accuracy and precision, focusing on known biomarkers or lipids of interest.

 

To enhance the accuracy of quantification, the use of internal standards and isotope labeling is critical, enabling the determination of absolute or relative lipid concentrations. Additionally, LipidSearch software (Thermo Fisher) is employed for lipid identification, quantitation, and alignment, ensuring high-quality and reproducible results.

 

2. Analysis Workflow

The workflow for our high-resolution lipidomics analysis consists of the following steps:

(1) Sample Preparation: Biological samples undergo standardized extraction protocols to isolate lipids efficiently. QC samples are included to ensure analytical consistency.

 

(2) LC-MS/MS Analysis: Lipid extracts are analyzed using UPLC coupled with high-resolution Orbitrap mass spectrometry. Chromatographic separation of lipid species is performed on ACQUITY UPLC CSH C18 columns, allowing high-resolution separation.

 

(3) Data Processing: MS data are processed using LipidSearch software, which identifies and quantifies lipid species based on their mass-to-charge (m/z) ratios. This step involves both peak identification and alignment, as well as the quantification of individual lipid species relative to the internal standards.

 

(4) Statistical Analysis: Differences in lipid profiles between sample groups are statistically evaluated, providing insights into lipid metabolism and its perturbation in various biological contexts.

 

3. Experimental Instruments and Reagents

To deliver high-quality lipidomics data, MtoZ Biolabs utilizes cutting-edge instruments and reagents, ensuring both precision and reproducibility:

✅ Thermo Scientific Q-Exactive Plus Mass Spectrometer

A high-resolution mass spectrometer designed for in-depth lipid analysis.

 

✅ UHPLC Nexera LC-30A Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography

Ensures optimal separation of lipid species for precise detection.

 

✅ Eppendorf 5430R Centrifuge

Used during sample preparation to separate lipid fractions.

 

✅ Waters ACQUITY UPLC CSH C18 Column

For high-resolution lipid separation, ensuring clear identification of complex lipid mixtures.

 

✅ High-Quality Solvents

including ethanol, isopropanol, and methanol (supplied by Thermo Fisher) ensure contamination-free sample handling.

 

MtoZ Biolabs offers a robust, high-resolution broad-spectrum lipidomics relative quantitative analysis service designed to support cutting-edge research in lipid metabolism, disease biomarkers, and therapeutic target discovery. Through the combination of advanced UPLC-Orbitrap mass spectrometry and sophisticated data analysis techniques, we provide researchers with comprehensive and accurate lipid profiles. This service is ideal for researchers seeking to elucidate lipid pathways in health and disease, drive biomarker discovery, or gain a deeper understanding of lipid-based therapeutics.

 

Contact MtoZ Biolabs today to explore how our lipidomics services can empower your research and accelerate your scientific discoveries.