SHARP Metabolomics Platform

What Is SHARP?

In December 2024 (News), TMIC Li Node is proud to introduce SHARP (Small-Scale Highly Accurate and Reproducible Platform)—a cutting-edge LC-MS-based metabolomics platform designed for researchers working with limited amounts of samples (cells, blood, etc.).

Powered by the Thermo Scientific Vanquish NEO LC and Orbitrap Exploris 240 Mass Spectrometer, SHARP enables metabolome profiling with outstanding sensitivity, allowing researchers to analyze thousands of metabolites from as little as 5,000 cells or 4 μL of blood.

Built on our advanced chemical isotope labeling technology, SHARP overcomes the challenges of limited sample availability by delivering superior peak pair detection and high-confidence metabolite identification across multiple channels, including amine/phenol, carboxyl, hydroxyl, and carbonyl.

Key Features

  • Minimal Sample Requirement – Advanced Chemical Isotope Labeling LC-MS technology enables comprehensive analysis of scarce or valuable samples.
  • Comprehensive Metabolome Coverage – Enhanced metabolite separation, ionization, and detection for high-confidence identification.
  • High Accuracy & Precision – Unique “one-to-one” internal standard approach ensures superior quantification with accuracy and precision.
  • Cutting-Edge Instrumentation – Powered by Thermo Scientific Vanquish NEO LC and Orbitrap Exploris 240 Mass Spectrometer for exceptional performance.

Applications

SHARP is perfect for research in Cellular Biology, Translational Medicine, Biomarker Discovery, and Drug Development, where sample availability is often a challenge. 

Workflow

How It Works: A Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Sample Reception: We start by receiving your raw samples, which can include a variety of biological materials such as unprocessed urine, plasma, serum, cell pellets, tissue, plant etc.
  2. Sample Aliquoting: Each sample is carefully aliquoted, depending on the number of submetabolomes (channels) required and whether a lipidome profiling analysis is also interested.
  3. Sample Analysis:  Basic SHARP Metabolome Assay (one channel) is conducted.
  4. Reporting and Consultation: Following the analysis, we will provide a detailed report of the findings and engage in a consultation to discuss the results and their implications.
  5. Client Decision Point:
  • Option A: If you decide to pursue further analysis for a more comprehensive coverage, such as Elevated or Comprehensive Metabolomics Analysis and/or lipidome analysis, we seamlessly continue the process. The total cost will be determined based on the number of channels analyzed and the inclusion of lipidome analysis.
  • Option B: Should you choose not to proceed with additional analysis, only the cost of the one- channel analysis will be charged.

What Is Included in Our Standard Service ?

We handle sample preparation, sample extraction, sample labeling, LC-MS analysis, data analysis, metabolite identification, and statistical analysis (volcano plots, pca, pls-da, heatmaps, etc.).

What Is Delivered in Our Report Package?

  • Comprehensive Metabolomics Profiling Report – Includes detailed information on experimental methods, data quality checks, metabolite identification, univariate and multivariate analysis, biomarker discovery, and pathway analysis. [see demo report]
  • Supplemental Tables (Excel Format) – Summarizes results, including peak pairs, metabolite IDs, and relative quantification data, compatible with bioinformatics tools such as MetaboAnalyst.
  • Metabolomics Analysis Report FAQ – A compiled list of frequently asked questions for quick reference and clarification.

Three-tiered ID approach:

Tier 1: CIL Library based on accurate mass, RT and peak pairs.

Tier 2: Linked Identity Library, high confidence putative identifications (90% accurate) based on accurate mass and predicted RTs.

Tier 3: Putative identification, which is primarily based on mass-to-charge ratio (m/z) data matched to
database hits

Example Result (Cells)

  • Basic SHARP Metabolome Assay: Targets amine/phenol-containing metabolites, including amino acids, dipeptides, polyamides, and more.
  • Up to 700 metabolites and 1,050 metabolite candidates [see list].
  • Elevated SHARP Metabolome Assay: Expands coverage to include amine-, phenol-, and carboxyl-containing metabolites, such as amino acids, dipeptides, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and TCA cycle intermediates.
  •  Up to 950 metabolites and 2,000 metabolite candidates [see list].
  • Comprehensive SHARP Metabolome Assay: Provides the most extensive coverage, encompassing all metabolites included in the Basic and Elevated assays, along with hydroxyl- and carbonyl-containing metabolites.
  • Up to 1,200 metabolites and 3,900 metabolite candidates [see list].
  • Flexible SHARP Metabolome Assay: Offers customizable options to focus on specific metabolite types based on your research needs.

These services ensure precise identification and validation of a wide range of cell metabolites, critical for a variety of cell studies. 

Note: The number of metabolites that can be identified or detected may vary depending on the specific cell type.

Basic SHARP Metabolome Assay (Amine & Phenol)

  • Academic/Government: $169 CAD per sample
  • Industry: $219.70 CAD per sample

Elevated SHARP Metabolome Assay (Amine & Phenol, Carboxyl)

  • Academic/Government: $299 CAD per sample
  • Industry: $388.70 CAD per sample

Comprehensive SHARP Metabolome Assay (Amine & Phenol, Carboxyl, Carbonyl, Hydroxyl)

  • Academic/Government: $559 CAD per sample
  • Industry: $726.70 CAD per sample

Flexible SHARP Metabolome Assay (Customized Options)

  • Please inquire
  • The above prices apply to a sample size of 20 or more. For less than 20 samples, an additional $400 CAD applies per channel.
  • All services require a flat fee of $200 CAD for sample handling per project.

 

Our SHARP Metabolomics Platform requires a specific cell sample amount depending on the selected service mode.

  • Basic SHARP-CMA: minimum cell count is 5,000 cells; preferred cell count is 20,000 cells 
  • Elevated SHARP-CMA: minimum cell count is 10,000 cells; preferred cell count is 40,000 cells 
  • Comprehensive SHARP-CMA: minimum cell count is 20,000 cells; preferred cell count is 80,000 cells
  • Flexible SHARP-CMA: minimum cell count is 20,000 cells per channel 

Should you require further information or have any inquiries, please visit our Get a Quote page.

Funding Agencies and Partners