Metabolomic Applications of Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS)

Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry is a versatile technique for rapid multielement analysis of metabolomic samples. It allows analysis of elements in solution or solids at the major, minor, or trace component levels in a very wide range of sample matrices. Laser Ablation, Gas Chromatography, Liquid Chromatography, and Capillary Electrophoresis have been successfully interfaced to extend the analytical capability of the technique for the speciation of organometallic metabolites. The principles of the technique are described, with practical details, followed by illustrative examples in the metabolomics field.