NMR-based Metabolomics
Metabolomics utilises the quantitative nature of NMR to analyse biological samples containing many compounds simultaneously and is at the forefront of the identification of biomarkers for disease characterisation and progression. We can characterise biofluid samples (urine, plasma/serum, CSF, ruminal fluid etc.) as well as tissue extracts (human, animal, plant), microbial, agricultural, and food samples.
NMR-based metabolomics requires minimal sample preparation, is inherently quantitative and non-destructive. Therefore, NMR-based metabolomics is complementary to mass spectrometry-based approaches and an ideal platform characterisation technology to select further
analytical technologies.
The Centre for Advanced Imaging houses facilities for NMR-based metabolomics that are unparalleled in Australia, among them a 900 MHz NMR spectrometer and a 700 MHz spectrometer, both equipped with cryoprobes for increased sensitivity and with chilled sample changers for high-throughput sample measurement. A sample preparation robot is available for large sample numbers. The centre also fosters collaboration with the Queensland node of Metabolomics Australia, located nearby.
Expert staff at CAI offer support for all stages of the metabolomics pipeline, including:
- Experiment design
- Sample preparation
- Data acquisition, processing and curation
- Data analysis and interpretation
Research examples include:
- Food science: analysis of wine, honey and native Australian foods
- Plants: NMR samples of plant extracts were used to study what makes plant species a food source for herbivores
- Insects and food security: metabolomics research at CAI led to the discovery of a single enzyme that is responsible for phosphine resistance in insects
- Livestock: inflammatory metabolism and heat stress
- Health and disease: metabolomics can be used to characterise time-resolved metabolite changes in biological systems. For example, it can provide information about critical time periods during the development of late-onset obesity
CAI also offers services to prepare and run samples for all researchers, including those interstate.
For more information on using the metabolomics facility, please refer to the NMR Frequently Asked Questions or contact the Facility Manager.