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Metabolomics : Official journal of the Metabolomic Society2018; 14(2); 19; doi: 10.1007/s11306-017-1315-7

A comparison of sample preparation methods for extracting volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from equine faeces using HS-SPME.

Abstract: Disturbance to the hindgut microbiota can be detrimental to equine health. Metabolomics provides a robust approach to studying the functional aspect of hindgut microorganisms. Sample preparation is an important step towards achieving optimal results in the later stages of analysis. The preparation of samples is unique depending on the technique employed and the sample matrix to be analysed. Gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GCMS) is one of the most widely used platforms for the study of metabolomics and until now an optimised method has not been developed for equine faeces. Objective: To compare a sample preparation method for extracting volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from equine faeces. Methods: Volatile organic compounds were determined by headspace solid phase microextraction gas chromatography mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GCMS). Factors investigated were the mass of equine faeces, type of SPME fibre coating, vial volume and storage conditions. Results: The resultant method was unique to those developed for other species. Aliquots of 1000 or 2000 mg in 10 ml or 20 ml SPME headspace were optimal. From those tested, the extraction of VOCs should ideally be performed using a divinylbenzene-carboxen-polydimethysiloxane (DVB-CAR-PDMS) SPME fibre. Storage of faeces for up to 12 months at - 80 °C shared a greater percentage of VOCs with a fresh sample than the equivalent stored at - 20 °C. Conclusions: An optimised method for extracting VOCs from equine faeces using HS-SPME-GCMS has been developed and will act as a standard to enable comparisons between studies. This work has also highlighted storage conditions as an important factor to consider in experimental design for faecal metabolomics studies.
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Publication Date: 2018-01-04 PubMed ID: 29367839PubMed Central: PMC5754382DOI: 10.1007/s11306-017-1315-7Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research article discusses the comparison of various sample preparation methods for extracting volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from horse droppings. It states that an optimised method has been developed that not only helps extract VOCs but also provides guidelines for storage conditions in experimental design for faecal metabolomics studies.

Objective of the Research

  • The main aim of this article is to compare and identify an optimised method of sample preparation for extracting volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from equine faeces. VOCs provide valuable insights into the functioning of hindgut microorganisms. The right method of preparing these samples is crucial as it heavily influences the later stages of analysis. Thus, it was imperative to develop a method specifically optimised for equine faeces.

Methods Used in the Research

  • Various factors were considered while determining volatile organic compounds. The study employed the headspace solid phase microextraction gas chromatography mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GCMS) technique.
  • The factors included differing masses of equine faeces, the type of SPME fibre coating used, the volume of the vial, and the storage conditions.

Results of the Research

  • The study found that the optimal aliquots were either 1000 or 2000 mg in either 10 ml or 20 ml SPME headspace.
  • The preferred type of SPME fibre for extracting VOCs was identified as divinylbenzene-carboxen-polydimethysiloxane (DVB-CAR-PDMS).
  • As for storage, faeces stored for up to 12 months at -80 °C had a greater percentage of VOCs congruent with a fresh sample than ones stored at -20 °C.

Conclusions of the Research

  • Overall, the study developed an optimised method for extracting volatile organic compounds from equine faeces using HS-SPME-GCMS.
  • This method is intended to serve as a standard for future studies and highlights the importance of considering storage conditions in the design of faecal metabolomics studies.

Cite This Article

APA
Hough R, Archer D, Probert C. (2018). A comparison of sample preparation methods for extracting volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from equine faeces using HS-SPME. Metabolomics, 14(2), 19. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11306-017-1315-7

Publication

Metabolomics : Official journal of the Metabolomic Society
ISSN: 1573-3882
NlmUniqueID: 101274889
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 14
Issue: 2
Pages: 19
PII: 19

Researcher Affiliations

Hough, Rachael
  • Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK. rachael.hough@liverpool.ac.uk.
Archer, Debra
  • Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
Probert, Christopher
  • Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.

Conflict of Interest Statement

Compliance with ethical standardsRH, DA and CP declare that they have no conflict of interest.Ethical approval was granted by the University of Liverpool ethics committee (ref: VREC279). All applicable international, national, and/or institutional guidelines for the care and use of animals were followed.

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