Ionic Metabolomics Assay
Central Metabolism Coverage
Targets highly polar metabolites that regulate core metabolic pathways including glycolysis, the pentose phosphate pathway, and nucleotide metabolism.
Optimized LC–MS Detection
Specialized chromatographic separation and mass spectrometry workflows enable sensitive detection of ionic metabolites often difficult to measure using conventional metabolomics methods.
Reliable Quantitative Data
Validated workflows provide reproducible relative quantification across biological samples, enabling confident comparison of metabolic states.
Broad Sample Compatibility
Compatible with diverse biological matrices including serum, plasma, tissues, cultured cells, microbes, urine, saliva, feces, plant samples, and culture media.
WHAT IS IONIC METABOLOMICS ASSAY?
The Ionic Metabolomics Assay (IMA) is a targeted LC–MS metabolomics assay designed to quantify highly polar metabolites that regulate central metabolic pathways and cellular energy balance.
These metabolites play critical roles in key biochemical processes including glycolysis, the pentose phosphate pathway, nucleotide metabolism, and cellular redox regulation.
Because many ionic metabolites are difficult to retain and detect using conventional metabolomics methods, this assay utilizes optimized chromatographic separation and high-resolution mass spectrometry to improve detection sensitivity and analytical reliability.
By enabling accurate measurement of these central metabolic intermediates, the Ionic Metabolite Assay provides researchers with pathway-level insight into metabolic regulation, cellular energy status, and biochemical responses to disease, environmental changes, or therapeutic intervention.
Why Ionic Metabolomics Assay?
Highly polar metabolites are essential regulators of cellular metabolism, yet they are often under-represented in conventional metabolomics analyses. The Ionic Metabolite Assay is specifically designed to detect and quantify these challenging compounds with improved sensitivity and analytical reliability.
|
EVALUATED PARAMETERS |
CONVENTIONAL APPROACH |
OUR APPROACH |
|
Detection of Polar Metabolites |
Often Limited | Optimized for ionic metabolites |
|
Pathway Coverage |
Partial coverage of central metabolism | Comprehensive detection of key metabolic intermediates |
|
Quantitative Consistency |
Variable due to matrix effects | Robust and reproducible quantification |
APPLICATIONS
Regardless of research focus or biological system, the Ionic Metabolite Assay enables investigation of metabolic pathways that regulate cellular energy production, redox balance, and biosynthetic activity.
IMA is optimized for compounds that are poorly retained in conventional reversed-phase chromatography and not well suited to chemical labeling workflows. By leveraging HILIC-based LC–MS analysis, the assay enables reliable detection and relative quantification of metabolites that regulate core metabolic functions.
The assay supports studies investigating cellular energy balance, mitochondrial activity, metabolic pathway perturbations, and drug-induced metabolic responses, allowing researchers to examine pathway-level metabolic changes across different biological conditions.
Energy Metabolism Research
Investigate metabolic flux and pathway regulation across glycolysis, the pentose phosphate pathway, and nucleotide metabolism.
Cancer Metabolism
Characterize metabolic reprogramming and altered central metabolism associated with tumor progression and therapeutic response
Microbiology & Microbial Metabolism
Study microbial metabolic pathways and metabolic exchanges in host–microbe interactions.
Drug Response & Pharmacometabolomics
Evaluate metabolic responses to drug treatments and identify pathway-level biomarkers of therapeutic efficacy.
KINDLY NOTE
- The sample amount in each cell is shown as “minimum amount / preferred amount.”
- Biofluids or tissues requiring special handling (e.g., dialysates, exosomes, needle biopsies) should be discussed with TMIC.
- Always measure or weigh samples during collection and send this information.
OUR WORKFLOW
Our process
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
Sample Aliquoting
Each sample is carefully aliquoted, depending on the number of submetabolomes (channels) required and whether a lipidome profiling analysis is also interested.
Sample Analysis
Basic HP-CIL Metabolomics Platform (one channel) is conducted.
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.
What’s Included
Our Seemless End-End Process
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.).
Your Choice
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. Should you choose not to proceed with additional analysis, only the cost of the one channel analysis will be charged.
PUBLICATIONS
FAQ
What metabolites are measured in the Ionic Metabolite Assay?
The assay targets highly polar metabolites involved in central metabolic pathways including glycolysis intermediates, nucleotide metabolites, and compounds involved in redox regulation.
What sample types can be analyzed?
The assay supports a wide range of biological samples including plasma, serum, urine, tissues, cultured cells, microbes, plant samples, and other biological fluids.
Is the assay quantitative?
The assay provides robust relative quantification across samples, enabling reliable comparison of metabolite levels between experimental groups.
Can this assay be combined with other metabolomics analyses?
Yes. The Ionic Metabolite Assay can be integrated with other targeted or untargeted metabolomics platforms to expand metabolome coverage depending on the research objectives.
ANALYZED SAMPLES
SERVICE PROJECTS
LC-MS INSTRUMENTS
CLIENTS
SPEAK TO AN EXPERT
Our experts will help you identify the right metabolomics platform that fit your study design, sample type, and discovery goals. In your free consultation, we’ll discuss your research objectives, outline tailored analytical strategies, and show how our precision LC–MS solutions can accelerate your path from data to discovery.
Funding Agencies and Partners
