Recent developments in liquid-phase separation techniques for metabolomics.

Metabolomics is the comprehensive analysis of low molecular weight compounds in biological samples such as cells, body fluids and tissues. Comprehensive profiling of metabolites in complex sample matrices with the current analytical toolbox remains a huge challenge. Over the past few years, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and capillary electrophoresis-mass spectrometry (CE-MS) have emerged as powerful complementary analytical techniques in the field of metabolomics. This Review provides an update of the most recent developments in LC-MS and CE-MS for metabolomics. Concerning LC-MS, attention is paid to developments in column technology and miniaturized systems, while strategies are discussed to improve the reproducibility and the concentration sensitivity of CE-MS for metabolomics studies. Novel interfacing techniques for coupling CE to MS are also considered. Representative examples illustrate the potential of the recent developments in LC-MS and CE-MS for metabolomics. Finally, some conclusions and perspectives are provided.