Metabolomics is transforming our understanding of health, disease, and biological systems by enabling comprehensive profiling of metabolites across diverse sample types. As the field advances, researchers face a growing demand for workflows that are not only robust and reproducible but also efficient, scalable, and compatible with automation. Recent research from the University of Minnesota, in collaboration with Biocrates and Waters Corporation, demonstrates how integrating the Biocrates MxP® Quant 500 kit, automation technologies, and a 96 well plate evaporator can deliver critical advantages for high-throughput metabolic research [1].
Biocrates MxP Quant 500 Kit: Setting the Standard in Targeted Metabolomics
The Biocrates MxP® Quant 500 kit is a gold standard solution for quantitative metabolomics, enabling the targeted profiling of up to 630 metabolites from 26 biochemical classes. Their patented 96-well filter plates come preloaded with internal standards, calibration standards, and quality controls for supporting research in nutrition, host-microbiome interactions, disease mechanisms, and more. The kit’s ready-to-use, fully integrated workflow is ideal for high-throughput studies and multifield projects, while also placing high value on sample preparation consistency and efficiency [2].
Automating Sample Preparation: Efficiency Meets Reproducibility
The University of Minnesota team validated an automated workflow using the Waters Andrew + pipetting robot for sample preparation with the MxP® Quant 500 kit. Their protocol was tested across multiple matrices, including plasma, stool, tissue, and cell pellets, and was directly compared to manual preparation [1].
Key findings from the research poster include:
- Comparable Results: Automated preparation paralleled manual workflows in metabolite detection and variability.
- Improved Efficiency: Total preparation time dropped from ~6 hours (manual) to ~5 hours (automated), with hands-on time reduced from ~3 hours to ~1 hour.
- Great Reproducibility: Automation reduced the coefficient of variation for metabolite concentrations, supporting consistent, high-quality data for large-scale studies.
The Critical Role of Nitrogen Blowdown: Where the MICROVAP Excels
A vital step in the MxP® Quant 500 protocol is sample drying after loading and derivatization [3]. The research poster specifies that an offline positive pressure manifold or a nitrogen evaporator is required for these steps [1]. The Organomation MICROVAP microplate evaporator is specifically designed for tasks like these, offering:
- Uniform nitrogen flow for consistent evaporation across all wells in a 96-well plate.
- Gentle, controlled drying that preserves sensitive metabolites and prevents cross-contamination.
- High-throughput compatibility to match the demands of large studies using the MxP® Quant 500 kit.
By integrating the MICROVAP into the automated workflow, laboratories can ensure reproducible, high-quality sample concentration, which is imperative for accurate metabolomics data.
Integrated Workflow: From Sample to Insight
The optimized workflow, as demonstrated by Mayer et al., incorporates:
- Waters Andrew + pipetting robot for automated liquid handling and precise sample prep.
- Extraction + vacuum manifold and Microplate-Shaker + for extraction and mixing.
- Organomation's MICROVAP microplate evaporator for drying.
- LC-MS/MS analysis and data processing with Biocrates WebIDQ software.
This approach enables researchers to confidently process diverse sample types at scale, with less hands-on time and improved consistency, ultimately streamlining high-throughput studies while reducing variability and operator-dependent error.
A Winning Tandem for Modern Metabolomics
The combination of robust automation and precise nitrogen blowdown evaporation enables laboratories to scale their workflows efficiently and maintain data integrity. For researchers using the Biocrates MxP® Quant 500 kit, integrating the Organomation MICROVAP microplate evaporator into an automated process offers several key advantages, including:
- Enhanced sample processing capacity
- Reliable, gentle sample concentration
- Reduced labor and hands-on time
- Consistent, high-quality data produced across large studies
Ready to elevate your metabolomics research? The Organomation MICROVAP microplate evaporator is the perfect partner for the Biocrates MxP® Quant 500 kit. They work to streamline workflows and ensure your data stands up to the highest standards of reproducibility and reliability.
Citations:
- Mayer ZJ et al., “Automated sample preparation for high-throughput metabolomic profiling using Waters Andrew+ pipetting robot with biocrates MxP® Quant 500 kit,” University of Minnesota, Center for Metabolomics and Proteomics. https://onelab.andrewalliance.com/static/publication/assets/cmsptc_mayer498_19245_poster_ver4.pdf
- Biocrates MxP® Quant 500 kit. https://biocrates.com/mxp-quant-500-kit/
- Biocrates MxP® Quant 500 kit requirements and protocols. https://shop.biocrates.com/media/24/62/11/1721302661/Technical%20guide-Quant500%20kit%20requirements%20(v17-2024).pdf?ts=1727341149