Abstract

The concept of a metabolic profile was introduced in 1971, when gas chromatography demonstrated a range of compounds present in human samples. Now termed metabolomics, the field is still emerging, and chromatography remains an essential tool for determining metabolites in a living system. This is the first book to present the chromatographic techniques used in metabolomics in a fundamental way. Sample preparation and quality control are described in detail, and all forms of chromatography applied to metabolomics are included. The editors present guidelines on selecting the most appropriate methodology, making the book an accessible guide to anyone entering the field. Handling data and applications are also described. This is an essential handbook for any laboratory looking to embark on a metabolomics research programme and includes the fundamentals of chromatography alongside the latest developments in the field.
Tuulia Hyötyläinen is manager of metabolonomics at the VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland and has over a decade of experience in lecturing, researching, and developing chromatographic techniques. Susanne Wiedmer is based in the Department of Chemistry in the University of Helsinki. Her research is currently focussed on the properties and behaviour of liposomes, predominately using miniaturised analytical techniques.