CHAPTER 2: CE-MS Workflows for Metabolomics: A Focus on Sample Preparation

CE-MS is a very attractive microscale analytical platform in metabolomics, especially for the analysis of highly polar and ionic metabolites in a wide range of samples, particularly those for which the amount is very limited. A number of well-defined steps are linked to undertake a metabolomics study; a typical workflow comprises: experimental design, sample preparation, data acquisition, data processing, statistical analysis, metabolite identification and biological interpretation, including validation of the results. In this chapter, we will focus on the sample preparation step. General considerations regarding sample type and collection, and detailed aspects regarding sample treatment prior to CE-MS will be reviewed.