A Workflow from Untargeted LC-MS Profiling to Targeted Natural Product Isolation

Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS or HPLC-MS) is an extremely sensitive analytical technique that enables the detection of metabolites with a vast range of chemistries and molecular masses. Extracts from any biological starting material are first fractionated chromatographically on a stationary phase suitable for the retention of the target molecules. The eluent is then transferred directly to the ionization source for MS detection. There is a vast range of chromatographic separation methods and MS configurations. This chapter describes a method for the detection of a broad range of metabolites using reversed phase (C18) LC-MS as well as a method for the isolation of targeted metabolites of interest.