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Principles of lipidomics analyses

Efficient separation of the lipids is achieved using ultra performance liquid chromatography.

The overall lipid structures will influence how different lipids can be separated during analysis. An example of a chromatographic analysis separating different types of lipids in blood plasma is shown in the figure below. 

A representative chromatogram of the separation of a selection of different lipid classes from blood plasma sample using UPLC coupled to high resolution mass spectrometry. – Vitas Analytical Services
A representative chromatogram of the separation of a selection of different lipid classes from blood plasma sample using UPLC coupled to high resolution mass spectrometry.

An additional dimension of separation is introduced as the effluent enters into a high-resolution mass spectrometric detector (TOF-MS). The efficient separation allows us to distinguish between lipids of different molecular weights with identical retention time (first dimension). High and efficient separation is crucial for analysis of the several hundred lipids present in samples like plasma, serum, saliva, tissues, etc. The two-dimensional separation is illustrated in the  figure below. 

Illustration of the resolution obtained in two dimensions. First dimension: chromatographic separation in time. Second dimension: separation as mass-to-charge ratio using high resolution mass spectrometric detection. – Vitas Analytical Services
Illustration of the resolution obtained in two dimensions. First dimension: chromatographic separation in time. Second dimension: separation as mass-to-charge ratio using high resolution mass spectrometric detection.

To find out more about our lipidomic services, please contact us.