Insect Non-Targeted Metabolomics

Untargeted metabolomics is a metabolomics approach that simultaneously detects and analyzes all small-molecule metabolites without bias. It is used to detect and quantify the overall metabolic information of biological samples, group samples under different treatments or physiological states, and identify differential metabolites between groups through untargeted metabolomics methods, which are then utilized for subsequent studies on physiological mechanisms. Lifeasible specializes in the field of insect research. The insect untargeted metabolomics services we provide offer researchers a crucial tool for delving into insect metabolic mechanisms, helping them gain a deeper understanding of insect life processes and providing new insights and methodologies for entomological research and applications.

What Can We Offer?

We have years of experience in providing services in non-targeted metabolomics for insects. By utilizing LC-MS, GC-MS, and NMR technologies, we can objectively detect the dynamic changes in all small-molecule metabolites in insect cells, tissues, organs, or organisms before and after stimulation or disturbance. Through bioinformatics analysis, we screen for differentially expressed metabolites, perform pathway analysis on these metabolites, and reveal the physiological mechanisms underlying their changes. We are committed to providing our customers with high-quality non-targeted metabolomics services for insects, including but not limited to the following services. Please contact us if you would like to learn more.

Sample pretreatment and metabolite extraction

We support various types of insect biological samples, such as whole insects, organs, hemolymph, or body fluids. We combine NMR with LC-MS or GC-MS to ensure precise detection even under low biomass conditions. Therefore, we can process samples with extremely low quantities (e.g., a single micro-insect).

Data collection and high-throughput analysis

We use multiple platforms, including GC-MS, LC-MS, NMR, etc. Our technical platform can cover polar and non-polar metabolites. In addition, we combine high-resolution mass spectrometry databases for information processing and annotation. Furthermore, we provide high-quality QC processes, reference standard calibration, and internal standard control to ensure accurate quantification and high repeatability.

Data processing and statistical analysis

We perform multivariate statistical analysis on the detected data to extract differential features. Through KEGG and metabolic pathway enrichment analysis, we interpret biological significance and metabolic networks.

Result interpretation

We provide a list of differential metabolites, visualize key pathways affected by the changes, and offer comparative analysis between control and treatment groups, incorporating statistical significance, annotation levels, and potential biological functions.

Fig.2 Our experimental process. (Lifeasible)

Application Areas of Insect Non-Targeted Metabolomics Analysis

• Insect development and differentiation. Studying metabolic differences between different developmental stages of insects to understand changes in metabolic regulation during insect growth and development.
• Insect responses to environmental changes. Metabolic responses of insects to environmental changes such as temperature, humidity, and food can be used to understand how insects resist stress through metabolic regulation, such as drought and hypoxia.
• Research on the interaction between insects and symbiotic microorganisms and pathogens. Analyzing metabolic disturbances in insects following infection, symbiosis, or disruption of microbial communities, such as metabolic changes in bees after infection by parasitic protozoa.
• Developing new pesticides and biological control methods. By studying changes in the insect metabolome, metabolic vulnerabilities in insects can be identified, enabling the development of new pesticides or biological control methods.

Sample Requirements

• All insect samples must be freshly collected and immediately placed in liquid nitrogen for rapid freezing, then stored at -80°C. The total weight of each sample is recommended to be 100 mg, not less than 50 mg.
• The sample quantity should be sufficient to meet all testing requirements of the experiment. The minimum sample quantity can ensure basic testing requirements, but it also entails a certain experimental risk, and the final experimental results shall prevail.

Why Choose Us?

• Multi-platform integration. We use a combination of platforms such as GC-MS, LC-MS, and NMR to cover a wide range of metabolite spectra, enabling us to obtain high-resolution data even with low sample volumes.
• Professional databases. We rely on high-quality databases for metabolite annotation, and we have established species-specific metabolite databases for insects to enable rapid comparison.
• Experienced team. Our team has a cross-disciplinary background in metabolomics and insect biology, with expertise in insect physiology, host interactions, resistance mechanisms, and other fields, enabling us to provide customized experimental design and interpretation support.
• Comprehensive services. We offer services ranging from initial discovery to subsequent targeted validation protocols, as well as integrated experimental recommendations, ensuring that results are easily translatable and applicable.

Lifeasible's insect non-targeted metabolomics service covers the entire process from sample processing, data collection, and analysis to result interpretation and validation recommendations. This service plays a crucial role in advancing insect research from scientific exploration to industrial applications. If you are interested, please feel free to contact us.