[Skip to Content](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com#main-content) [](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en) Products Cart0 USEN Products [Login / Register](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/oidc-sign-in) [Order Lookup](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/order-lookup) [Quick Order](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/quick-order) Cart0 [Home](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en)[Applications](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/applications)[Research & Disease Areas](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/applications/research-disease-areas)Metabolomics Research # Metabolomics Research  Metabolomics is the comprehensive study of metabolites, or the small molecule substrates, intermediates and products of metabolism, within cells, biofluids, tissues, or organisms. These unique chemical fingerprints are left behind by cellular processes. Metabolomics research provides a biochemical synopsis of a biological system and the physiological impact of disease, nutrition, therapy, or genetic modifications on an organism. * * * ## Related Products Slide 1 of 13 1 of 3 [ \ Sigma-Aldrich \ LSMLS \ Large Scale Metabolite Library](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/product/sigma/lsmls) Quick View [ \ Sigma-Aldrich \ BACSMLS \ Bile Acid/Carnitine/Sterol Metabolite Library of Standards](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/product/sigma/bacsmls) Quick View [ \ Sigma-Aldrich \ FAMLS \ Fatty Acid Metabolite Library of Standards](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/product/sigma/famls) Quick View [ \ Sigma-Aldrich \ OAMLS \ Organic Acid Metabolite Library of Standards](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/product/sigma/oamls) Quick View [ \ Sigma-Aldrich \ MSMLS \ Mass Spectrometry Metabolite Library](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/product/sigma/msmls) Quick View [ \ Sigma-Aldrich \ ML0013 \ Glycolysis/Gluconeogenesis Metabolite Library](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/product/sigma/ml0013) Quick View [ \ Sigma-Aldrich \ ML0012 \ Pentose Phosphate Metabolite Library](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/product/sigma/ml0012) Quick View [ \ Sigma-Aldrich \ ML0010 \ TCA Cycle Metabolite Library](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/product/sigma/ml0010) Quick View [ \ Sigma-Aldrich \ ML0011 \ Urea Cycle Metabolite Library](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/product/sigma/ml0011) Quick View [ \ Sigma-Aldrich \ CAR10 \ Carbohydrates Kit](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/product/sigma/car10) Quick View [ \ Sigma-Aldrich \ I8014 \ Inborn Errors of Metabolism, 21st ed.](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/product/sigma/i8014) Quick View [ \ Sigma-Aldrich \ M3782 \ Metabolic Pathways, 22nd Ed.](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/product/sigma/m3782) Quick View [ \ Sigma-Aldrich \ M3907 \ Metabolic Pathways, 22nd Ed.](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/product/sigma/m3907) Quick View * * * ## Featured Categories [](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/products/chemistry-and-biochemicals/biochemicals/lipids) [Lipids and Lipid Derivatives for Research](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/products/chemistry-and-biochemicals/biochemicals/lipids) Explore high-quality lipids for empowering innovation in lipidomics, drug delivery, and... 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[Shop Products](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/products/chemistry-and-biochemicals/biochemicals/metabolism-assay-kits) [](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/products/chemistry-and-biochemicals/biochemicals/metabolite-libraries) [Metabolite Libraries](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/products/chemistry-and-biochemicals/biochemicals/metabolite-libraries) We provide small molecule metabolite libraries and kits with a comprehensive range of primary metabolite compounds covering key metabolic pathways for your metabolomics research. [Shop Products](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/products/chemistry-and-biochemicals/biochemicals/metabolite-libraries) [](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/products/chemistry-and-biochemicals/stable-isotopes) [Stable Isotopes](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/products/chemistry-and-biochemicals/stable-isotopes) ISOTEC® Stable Isotopes are useful for tracer studies in proteomics and metabolomics, agents for MRI / MRS, and in a wide range of other biomedical applications. [Shop Products](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/products/chemistry-and-biochemicals/stable-isotopes) * * * Overview Related Articles & Protocols Support ## Applications of Metabolomics Metabolomics, with its wide-ranging applications, significantly influences pharmaceutical research by identifying disease biomarkers and assessing personalized medicine's toxicity. In functional genomics integration, it plays a pivotal role in predicting gene function by studying interactions among the genome, transcriptome, proteome, and metabolome. Microbial mining benefits from metabolomic insights for enhanced strain optimization, while [__plant metabolomics__](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/products/chemistry-and-biochemicals/biochemicals/natural-products?language=en&cmsRoute=products&cmsRoute=chemistry-and-biochemicals&cmsRoute=biochemicals&cmsRoute=natural-products&page=1) advances agriculture biotechnology through the study of plant metabolites. Environmental research employs metabolomics to test pollutant effects and optimize biofuel production, while nutritional research utilizes metabolomics for assessing nutrition levels and ensuring food safety.  ## Understanding Metabolites and the Metablome The interaction of metabolites within a biological system is referred to as the metabolome. The metabolome is the complete set of metabolites in an organism or biological sample. Metabolites are compounds with low molecular weight, generally less than 1.5 KDa, which are the intermediates or products of biosynthesis/catabolism pathways. Examples include [amino acids](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/products/chemistry-and-biochemicals/biochemicals/amino-acids), [nucleotides](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/products/chemistry-and-biochemicals/biochemicals/nucleosides-and-nucleotides), [carbohydrates](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/products/chemistry-and-biochemicals/biochemicals/carbohydrates), and [lipids](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/products/chemistry-and-biochemicals/biochemicals/lipids), which are often studied separately in lipidomics research. Primary metabolites are endogenous and directly involved in normal growth, development, and reproduction. Secondary metabolites are exogenous and not involved in these processes but have important ecological functions. ## Metabolomic Pathways and Analytical Techniques Metabolomic pathways are investigated utilizing metabolites, enzymes, separation tools, and metabolite analysis and labeling. Two common metabolic profiling techniques are targeted and untargeted metabolomic analyses. Targeted analysis quantifies specific known metabolites, while untargeted analysis provides the global metabolic profile for both known and unknown metabolites. Metabolic fingerprinting is a rapid, global analysis without the intention of specifically identifying each metabolite. ## Metabolomics Workflow and Analytical Methods A metabolomics workflow involves an integrated approach of sample preparation, standardization, calibration, separation methods, detection of metabolites, and data analysis. Common sample types include plasma, urine, saliva, tissue, and cells. Separation methods such as gas chromatography (GC), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), or capillary electrophoresis (CE) are paired with detection methods like mass spectrometry (MS). Analytical techniques commonly used in metabolite detection include MS, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. Sophisticated tools and software are required for metabolomics data analysis, ensuring stringent compound identification and quantification, and accurate data interpretation. [](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/documents-search) [Looking for More Specific Information?](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/documents-search) Visit our document search for data sheets, certificates and technical documentation. [Find Documents](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/documents-search) ## Related Articles - [Cholesterol Biosynthesis](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/technical-documents/technical-article/research-and-disease-areas/metabolism-research/cholesterol-biosynthesis) Cholesterol biosynthesis starts in the hepatic endoplasmic reticulum with acetyl-CoA, yielding 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA via HMG-CoA synthase. - [Papain, Cysteine Protease, Properties & Products](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/technical-documents/technical-article/research-and-disease-areas/metabolism-research/papain) Uncover properties and applications of the cysteine protease papain and find inhibitors, substrates, and other papain products. - [UHPLC Vitamin D Analysis on Supel™ Carbon LC Columns](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/technical-documents/technical-article/analytical-chemistry/low-pressure-liquid-chromatography/uhplc-analysis-vitamin-d2-d3-metabolites-epimers-supel-carbon-lc-columns) UHPLC separation of Vitamin D Metabolites using Supel™ Carbon LC column ensures excellent peak shape and sensitivity. - [Analysis: Activated Nucleotide Sugars by LC-MS/MS](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/technical-documents/technical-article/analytical-chemistry/small-molecule-hplc/analysis-of-nucleotide-activated-sugars) LC-MS/MS method quantifies similar polar nucleotide activated sugars using Supel™ Carbon LC column for simultaneous analysis. - [Untargeted profiling of *Glycyrrhiza glabra* extract with 2D LC MS](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/technical-documents/technical-article/analytical-chemistry/small-molecule-hplc/untargeted-profiling-of-glycyrrhiza-glabra-extract-with-2d-lc-ms) An RP-LC×RP-LC-PDA-MS method for the metabolic profiling of *G. glabra* extract using the MSG approach for enhanced metabolic coverage. - [See All (58)](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/search/facet-search?focus=sitecontent&term=facet-search) ## Related Protocols - [Lipopolysaccharides Product Information](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/technical-documents/protocol/clinical-testing-and-diagnostics-manufacturing/bacteriology/lipopolysaccharides) Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) are characteristic components of the cell wall of Gram negative bacteria; they are not found in Gram positive bacteria. - [Enzymatic Assay of α-Amylase (EC 3.2.1.1)](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/technical-documents/protocol/protein-biology/enzyme-activity-assays/enzymatic-assay-of-a-amylase) Follow our procedure for the determination of alpha-Amylase activity. This enzymatic assay of a-Amylase guides you through the entire process and necessary calculations. - [Enzymatic Assay of Acid Phosphatase (EC 3.1.3.2)](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/technical-documents/protocol/protein-biology/enzyme-activity-assays/enzymatic-assay-of-acid-phosphatase) Enzymatic Assay of Acid Phosphatase (EC 3.1.3.2) - [Enzymatic Assay of Alcohol Dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.1)](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/technical-documents/protocol/protein-biology/enzyme-activity-assays/enzymatic-assay-of-alcohol-dehydrogenase) To measure alcohol dehydrogenase activity, this assay uses β-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate and a continuous spectrophotometric rate determination at 340 nm. - [Enzymatic Assay of Cellulase](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/technical-documents/protocol/protein-biology/enzyme-activity-assays/enzymatic-assay-of-cellulase) To standardize an enzymatic assay procedure of cellulase. - [See All (15)](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/search/facet-search?focus=sitecontent&term=facet-search) ### Find More Articles and Protocols Enter Keywords Search ## How Can We Help In case of any questions, please submit a [customer support request](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/support/customer-support) or talk to our customer service team: Email [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]) or call +1 (800) 244-1173 ## Additional Support - [Chromatogram Search](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/chromatogram-search) Use the Chromatogram Search to identify unknown compounds in your sample. - [Calculators & Apps](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/support/calculators-and-apps) Web Toolbox - science research tools and resources for analytical chemistry, life science, chemical synthesis and materials science. - [Customer Support Request](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/support/customer-support) Customer support including help with orders, products, accounts, and website technical issues. - [FAQ](https://maestro.my.site.com/knowledgeportal/s/) Explore our Frequently Asked Questions for answers to commonly asked questions about our products and services. * * * __Featured Articles__ [Cleanup and Concentration of Trace-level Analytes from Complex Matrices Using ZipTip® Micro-SPE Pipette Tips](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/technical-documents/technical-article/protein-biology/protein-mass-spectrometry/ziptip-micro-spe-pipette-tips) ZipTip® micro-SPE pipette tips are used as a single-step desalting, concentration, and purification tool for complex samples before mass spec analyses. [HybridSPE®-Phospholipid Technology](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/technical-documents/technical-article/analytical-chemistry/solid-phase-extraction/hybridspe-ppt) SPE technology uses phospholipid retention, interacting with zirconia ions, for selective phospholipid and protein removal. [Supel™ BioSPME 96-Pin Devices](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/technical-documents/technical-article/analytical-chemistry/solid-phase-microextraction/supel-biospme-96-pin-devices) Supel™ BioSPME 96-Pin devices enhance speed and simplicity for plasma protein binding studies and LCMS analyses. [Chiral Chromatography Frequently Asked Questions](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/technical-documents/technical-article/analytical-chemistry/purification/faq) Chiral Chromatography Frequently Asked Questions Top __Sign In To Continue__ To continue reading please sign in or create an account. 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