Optimization of fecal sample preparation for untargeted LC-HRMS based metabolomics

• DOI: 10.1007/s11306-017-1233-8
• Publication Date: 2017-07-07T04:09:37Z
• Authors: N. Cesbron; A.-L. Royer; Y. Guitton; A. Sydor; B. Le Bizec; G. Dervilly-Pinel
• Keywords: Metabolome; Sample Preparation; Serial dilution; Human feces

Collecting feces is easy. It offers direct outcome to endogenous and microbial metabolites. In a context of lack of consensus about fecal sample preparation, especially in animal species, we developed a robust protocol allowing untargeted LC-HRMS fingerprinting. The conditions of extraction (quantity, preparation, solvents, dilutions) were investigated in bovine feces. A rapid and simple protocol involving feces extraction with methanol (1/3, M/V) followed by centrifugation and a step filtration (10 kDa) was developed. The workflow generated repeatable and informative fingerprints for robust metabolome characterization.