Service Group Metabolomics & Lipidomics


Metabolomics comprises the characterization of metabolites in organisms, their quantification at different time points and the differentiation of metabolite concentrations under the influence of external stress factors or other modified influencing variables.

Progress in the field of genomics, proteomics and transcriptomics is increasingly giving rise to questions that can only be answered by these investigations of primary and secondary metabolism.

Using state-of-the-art mass spectrometry (MS) equipment, the FBN's Metabolomics platform offers the simultaneous analysis, characterization and quantification of hundreds of different metabolites, thus providing the ideal basis for understanding the biological processes of farm animals. Common metabolites are e. g. proteinogenic amino acids, metabolites from the range of organic acids, nonproteinogenic amino acids, carbohydrates and fatty acids. MS databases (GC-MS: NIST database, LC-MS: m/z cloud) are used for the analysis of the spectra, which are constantly being expanded and allow a fast identification of the investigated metabolites.

The choice of the optimal analysis method is essentially determined by the type (hydrophilic properties, molecular weight) of the metabolites to be investigated:

  • Sample quantity: approx. 100 mg wet weight mass on cells, tissue or body fluid
  • Size of the metabolites: GC-MS: up to max. 1,000 Da, LC-MS up to max. 6,000 Da
  • Metabolite concentration: in the nanomolar to picomolar range

The following criteria must be met:

  • Quantitative and reproducible decomposition of biological material
  • Addition of an internal standard for decomposition control & relative quantification
  • Lyophilisation of the decomposed biological sample for dry matter determination & derivatisation

Possible applications for metabolism studies:

  • Optimization of cultivation conditions within cultivation experiments
  • Investigation of the influence of test substances on the metabolism of organisms
  • Systems biology issues in connection with proteome and transcriptome investigations

Note: The Metabolomics Plattform is under construction.