Metabolite Profiling by Direct Analysis in Real Time Mass Spectrometry

Abstract

Untargeted metabolite profiling is a discovery tool in the identification of metabolites associated to the responses of perturbations to biological systems, such as a disease. Direct Analysis in Real Time mass spectrometry (DART MS) promises to be a powerful analytical technique for high-throughput metabolome analysis of human blood sera. Here, we describe the steps involved in untargeted blood sera metabolic profiling experiments using DART MS with two different sample introduction methods: probe mode and transmission mode geometries. Information regarding the optimization of different DART parameters that directly affect metabolite desorption and ionization, thus influencing sensitivity, is included.