The Need for Small Sample Metabolomics
Metabolomics offers powerful insights into biological systems through the analysis of biofluids like blood and urine. But when working with rare specimens, small animal models, or scarce clinical materials, collecting large sample volumes isn’t always possible.
Small sample metabolomics now makes it possible to perform comprehensive, quantitative analysis from minimal material, increasing study sensitivity, and revealing new insights into metabolic pathways, disease mechanisms, and biological variation.
The SHARP Platform: Power Meets Precision
TMIC’s Li Node, at University of Alberta, offers the SHARP Metabolomics Platform, a quantitative, highly accurate and reproducible platform that delivers maximum insight from small sample volumes.
The Small-Scale Highly Accurate and Reproducible Platform Metabolomic Platform (SHARP) provides an advanced service that empowers researchers working with minimal amounts of various types of samples, such as serum, plasma, cells, etc, by delivering high-sensitivity metabolome profiling through advanced liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). By applying TMIC’s signature Chemical Isotope Labeling (CIL) LC-MS technology, this platform enhances metabolite detection and ensures confident compound identification, bridging the gap between analytical power and sample availability.
What Makes SHARP Different?
- Low Sample Volume: Advanced Chemical Isotope Labeling LC-MS technology designed to analyze serum/plasma samples as small as 4 µL and cell samples with as few as 5,000 cells. Ideal for working with precious or scarce samples.
- Comprehensive Metabolome Coverage: Optimized separation and ionization enhance metabolite detection and high-confidence metabolite identification.
- High Accuracy and Precision: Unique “one-to-one” internal standard approach enables superior quantification.
- Cutting-Edge Instrumentation: Powered by the Thermo Scientific Vanquish NEO UHPLC system integrated with the Orbitrap Exploris 240 Mass Spectrometer.
Choose the SHARP Metabolomics Platform That Fits Your Research
- Basic SHARP Metabolomics : Targets amine/phenol-containing metabolites, including amino acids, dipeptides, polyamines, and more.
- Elevated SHARP Metabolomics: Expands coverage to include amine-, phenol-, and carboxyl-containing metabolites, such as amino acids, dipeptides, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and TCA cycle intermediates.
- Comprehensive SHARP Metabolomics: Provides the most extensive coverage, encompassing all metabolites included in the Basic and Elevated assays, along with hydroxyl- and carbonyl-containing metabolites.
Tmic Li Node Offers customizable options to focus on specific metabolite types based on your research needs.
Ready to Scale Down and Discover More?
Experience the full potential of metabolomics for limited-volume research with the SHARP Metabolomic Platform. Designed for studies where every microliter counts, SHARP delivers the precision, sensitivity, and adaptability needed to advance therapeutic development, biomarker discovery, and metabolic profiling from even the smallest samples.
For more information click here or contact us today at info@metabolomicscentre.ca
