Overview

The UC Riverside Metabolomics Core counts with an experienced team of scientist in Metabolomics, LC-MS and GC-MS approaches.  We have developed multiple analytical platforms geared towards specific classes of metabolites (targeted and untargeted Metabolomics, Lipidomics, sugars, medicinal drugs, environmental contaminants, phytohormones and a variety of other methods).   For comprehensive coverage, a single sample or metabolite extract can be analyzed on several different platforms. Sample cost is largely dependent on sample preparation complexity and sample set size.

Services can include:
Sample preparation / Metabolite extraction
(lyophilization/freeze drying and homogenization; monophasic, biphasic, solid-phase extraction and custom methods)
Data collection
(UPLC and GC metabolite separation coupled to MS detection)
Data processing 
(peak finding, alignment, integration, normalization and metabolite ID)
Statistical analysis with interactive plots
(univariate, multivariate, post-hoc analysis, heat maps, PCA plots, box plots, violin plots and volcano plots)
Training and consultation
Training services in metabolomics, LC-MS or GC-MS is available 

Costs

As an example, we provide the cost per sample for two projects; one with a total 24 samples and another with 100 samples (includes treatments and biological replicates). This simulation describes a full service project including sample preparation, data collection, data processing and statistical analysis using our data exploration package.

Costs / sample, 24 and 100 sample projects

*Rates for the 2024-2025 fiscal year.

**Rates vary significantly depending on the project. Please contact the Metabolomics Core Team (metabolomics@ucr.edu) to discuss options and pricing for your project.

Analytical platforms

Central Carbon Metabolism 

Over 200 constituents of central carbon metabolism are typically
detected with this approach:
Sugar phosphates (Glycolysis)
Organic acids (TCA cycle)
Amino acids
Purines
Pyrimidines
Many other small polar compounds

Lipidomics

Up to 300 lipids can be detected with this approach:
Sphingomyelins
Ceramides
Phospholipids
Sterols
Fatty acids
Triglycerides

Secondary Metabolites

The number and type of secondary metabolites detected with this approach is largely dependent on sample type, but typically include:
Flavonoids
Glycosides
Anthocyanins
Sterols
Phenolics
Alkaloids
Terpenoids
Lipids

Neutral Sugars

A GC-MS assay capable of separating several neutral sugar isomers:
Monosaccahrides
Disaccharides
Trisaccharides

Phytohormones

A panel of 8 phytohormones:
Auxins (IAA, ICA)
Cytokinins (trans-Zeatin)
Jasmonic acid
Jasmonic acid-Isoleucine
OPDA
Abscisic acid
Salicylic acid