Has anyone used or read about blood plasma lyophilization (my interest would be for safe transport/conservation of samples over long distances) for posterior analysis of metabolomics/ lipidomics/proteomics?
thanks! :)
Lyophilization is my go-to method to prepare most samples for metabolomics. The samples are completely dried and then resuspended in extraction solvent. To ensure maximum extraction, the samples are aggressively sonicated, and then placed on an end-over-end rotator overnight. The insoluble material is then filtered or centrifuged away from the extracted metabolites, and the soluble portion is further concentrated via drying and resuspension in a minimal amount of target solvent (usually methanol). I've done this for countless systems, including blood plasma, for use in untargeted metabolomic analysis. Works great.
Dear Ariela,
There are several works in the literature describing the metabolome on dried blood spots prepared by deposition on paper filters as an attractive alternative to storage, shipment, and analysis of conventional liquid venous blood samples for omic studies (pls see Article Evaluation of Dried Blood Spot Sampling for Clinical Metabol...
). Due to its simplicity this is a sampling method that can easily be done by the patient at home. In this sense, the use of lyophilization to speed-up the drying process under vacuum (which may prevent/limit extensive air-oxidation reactions) seems like an option to pursue.Hope this helps.
Best regards,
Ana
I agree with Dr. Ana Reis that DBS application is the safest and the most practical way of sampling and transfer for omic purposes. But also please take into account that if your work needs enrichment, lyophilization can also enrich metabolome beside its transfer and stability advantages.
The leading work on lyo of plasma was done by Alan MacKenzie in the 1970s, it is a long process, about 96 hours. Keep in mind that plasma is a natural and therefore a variable product. You will need a freeze dryer that has refrigerated shelves, don't attempt this on a basic lab freeze dryer!
Henry Le thank you so much for sharing your experience! helped me a lot!
Ana Reis
Cara professora Ana, vi que temos a mesma língua-mãe e não resisti em te responder em português, sou brasileira.
Muito obrigada pela ajuda e por disponibilizar a referência, certamente me ajudou muito!
um abraço brasileiro,
Ariela.
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