CHAPTER 6: Discovery-based Studies of Mammalian Metabolomes with the Application of Mass Spectrometry Platforms

Mass spectrometry is the analytical platform most frequently applied in the metabolomic study of mammals, typically acting as a sensitive and specific detector when coupled with gas or liquid chromatography or capillary electrophoresis. In this chapter we introduce the scientific discipline of metabolomics to the reader and describe different experimental strategies applied. Subsequently, the concepts related to and the basics of how mass spectrometry is applied in metabolomics studies including the range of sample introduction systems and mass analysers applied in these studies are described. Finally, the importance of large-scale studies of human biofluids and appropriate experimental design and quality assurance procedures are described.