Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry 'quantifies thousands of molecules'

A single measurement using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) can quantify hundreds to thousands of molecules, according to researchers from California.

The team, comprising representatives of the Joint BioEnergy Institute and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, write in BioTechniques of the value that GC-MS brings to experiments.

"Our understanding of biology has been greatly improved through recent developments in mass spectrometry, which is providing detailed information on protein and metabolite composition," they assert.

This is not limited only to gas chromatography, but also includes liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry processes.

Using mass spectrometry, high-throughput screening of reactions involved in biochemical processes can be observed, shedding light on protein-metabolite interactions and other related events, they add.

BioTechniques addresses technological issues involved in conducting experiments, helping scientists to remain abreast of developing ways in which they might carry out research to produce high-quality results.

Founded over 27 years ago, the publication says it aims to allow researchers to improve their methods immediately, rather than "years down the road".