The Role of CE–MS in Metabolomics

Metabolomics is concerned with the comprehensive analysis of endogenous low-molecular-weight compounds in biological samples. Capillary electrophoresis–mass spectrometry (CE–MS) has demonstrated to be a powerful technique for the profiling of polar and charged metabolites in biological samples. In this chapter we describe the most recent developments in CE–MS for metabolomics, including both targeted and nontargeted approaches. This chapter covers the use of various CE separation modes, capillary coatings, CE–MS interfacing, sample pretreatment, and data analysis methods used in CE–MS for metabolomics. The applicability of CE–MS in metabolomics research is illustrated by examples of the analysis of various biological samples. Future considerations such as the use of sheathless CE–MS interfacing and challenges for large-scale and (quantitative) clinical metabolomics studies are discussed. CE-MS-based metabolomics studies reported between January 2006 and June 2011 and information on sample type and pretreatment and MS detection mode are summarized in tables.