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LC-MS Metabolomics Services

More metabolites.
Named with confidence.

Targeted and untargeted metabolomics for biomarker discovery, mechanism and translational research. BioTree's AQ1100 panel covers more than 1,100 targeted metabolites; NGM 2 Pro reports over 1,000 Level-1 metabolite identifications.

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Which service do I need?
Publication examples cited by BioTree Nature Communications AQ1100
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Targeted metabolomics

Quantify what matters.

A broad panel covering more than 1,100 metabolites across 20 classes, plus focused assays for bile acids, SCFAs, hormones, neurotransmitters and more. BioTree states that a mixed standard containing the listed metabolites is tested alongside samples.

1,100+
metabolites on panel
600+
average detections reported by BioTree
Explore targeted metabolomics →
NGM 2 Pro · untargeted

Discover what you didn't know to look for.

Untargeted profiling on an Orbitrap, using a combined multi-column strategy and BioTree's in-house library and algorithms to support higher-confidence metabolite identification.

1,000+
Level-1 identifications
98.5%
up to, vendor-reported
Explore NGM 2 Pro →

Thousands of features is not the same as an answer.

BioTree lists the analytical platform, metabolite library and quality-control procedures for each metabolomics service.

1,100+
Targeted metabolites, 20 classes

Broad coverage in one AQ1100 workflow may reduce the need for multiple separate class assays, depending on the analytes required.

1,000+
Level-1 identifications

BioTree reports more than 1,000 Level-1 identifications for NGM 2 Pro. Annotation confidence should be considered when interpreting findings.

3,500+
Reliably identified metabolites

BioTree reports more than 3,500 reliably identified metabolites; the number observed in a project depends on the sample matrix and study design.

21%
Missed by conventional workflows

In a BioTree-cited microbiota-metabolite study, 21% of identified compounds had been overlooked by conventional non-targeted peak detection.

AQ1100 at a glance

Broad targeted coverage, with the details stated clearly.

The figures below are BioTree's public AQ1100 specifications. Detection counts vary by sample type and study conditions.

Our broad targeted panel (AQ1100)1,100+
Average detections reported by BioTree600+
Metabolite classes20
LC conditions2

Coverage is a starting point. A broad panel may reduce the need for multiple separate assays when the required analytes span several classes.

Reported detections, with context. BioTree reports an average of 600+ detections across the displayed human serum, stool, urine and mouse-liver samples; actual counts vary by matrix.

Two chromatographic conditions. BioTree uses Z-HILIC and C18 LC conditions to cover polar and non-polar metabolites.

30 seconds

Which service do I need?

Two questions. No email required. Review the listed service information based on your selections.

01
Do you already know which metabolites you need to measure?
No — I'm comparing groups
Yes — I have a list or pathway
I'm not sure yet
02
What are you measuring?
Metabolites across many classes
Gut microbiota metabolites
One pathway or class
Lipids
Something unusual
Service information
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Applications

What researchers use it to answer.

Biomarker discovery

Explore metabolites associated with differences between cohorts, then consider targeted follow-up where the study objective and assay scope support it.

Metabolic pathways

Central carbon metabolism, including glycolysis, the pentose phosphate pathway and the TCA cycle.

Gut microbiota-related metabolites

Analysis of short-chain fatty acids, bile acids, indoles, TMAO and other gut microbiota-related metabolites.

Drug development

Applications include pharmacological research and toxicity evaluation.

Nutrition and environment

Applications include food nutrition and environmental toxicology.

Clinical research

Minimum biological replicates: n ≥ 30 per group.

Example applications cited by BioTree

Examples that help put the platforms in context.

Nature Communications
AQ1100 example cited by BioTree

BioTree cites a study in which metabolomic analysis identified indole-3-propionic acid as a key protective metabolite in a mouse cardiotoxicity model.

NGM 2 Pro
Untargeted metabolomics specification

BioTree reports more than 1,000 Level-1 metabolite identifications and more than 3,500 reliable metabolite detections for NGM 2 Pro.

Methods benchmark
Microbiota metabolites · faeces, plasma, urine

A BioTree-cited study annotated 672 microbiota-related metabolites; 21% had been overlooked by conventional non-targeted peak detection in that study.

Please request the source publication and current service documentation before relying on an example for study design.

Not sure which platform your study needs?

Tell us the biological question, the sample type and roughly how many samples. We'll come back with a recommended workflow — and say so plainly if a cheaper approach would answer it.

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Four fields. No phone number. No sales sequence.
Targeted metabolomics

Quantify the metabolites your hypothesis depends on.

AQ1100 uses a triple-quadrupole LC-MS platform and a broad panel of more than 1,100 metabolites. A focused targeted method may be more suitable when your question is limited to a defined analyte class.

Request a quote
Download the panel list
Flagship · AQ1100

More than 1,100 metabolites. One broad targeted workflow.

AQ1100 covers 20 metabolite classes, including key pathways, microbiota-associated metabolites and published biomarkers. BioTree lists 100 µL plasma or serum as the minimum sample requirement; confirm suitability for your analytes and matrix before collection.

600+
BioTree reports an average of 600+ detections across the displayed serum, urine, stool and liver samples
2
chromatographic separation methods — Z-HILIC and C18 — covering polar and non-polar metabolites
100 µL
of plasma or serum. 50 mg for tissue or stool. Precious samples stay precious.
QTRAP 6500+
SCIEX triple quadrupole — we name the instrument, because the specification matters
Best for
Studies with a defined metabolite list or pathway question
Studies whose metabolites of interest sit in several different classes
Projects where multiple classes need to be considered together
Studies that need clearly documented panel coverage and identification procedures
Why the data holds up
Mixed standards tested alongside samples. BioTree states that its mixed standard contains every metabolite listed on the AQ1100 panel.
Two LC conditions. Z-HILIC and C18 conditions are used to cover polar and non-polar metabolites.
Reported detection context. BioTree reports average detections as well as panel coverage; actual project results vary by matrix and study conditions.
Selected metabolite classes
Amino acids & derivatives200+
Organic acids160+
Nucleosides90+
Benzenoids90+
Bile acids60+
Carbohydrates50+
Steroids50+
Biogenic amines40+
Oxylipins40+
Fatty acids30+
Indoles30+
Purines20+
Vitamins20+
Lipids20+
Carnitines15+
Pyridines · coenzymes · pyrimidines10+ ea.
Get the full metabolite list
Check my metabolites are covered

Focused assays, when a defined question needs a defined method.

A focused targeted method may be more suitable when candidates cluster in a defined class or pathway. Confirm analyte coverage, sample requirements and quantification options before collection.

Microbiome & gut metabolism
AQ Gut Flora 300 · short-chain fatty acids · bile acids · TMAO · indoles & tryptophan metabolites

AQ Gut Flora 300 covers ten major categories of gut-related substances. In one BioTree-cited study, some identified microbiota-related metabolites had been overlooked by conventional non-targeted peak detection.

Metabolic pathways
Central carbon metabolism · amino acids · free fatty acids · carnitines

Glycolysis, PPP and TCA intermediates for energy-metabolism, cancer-metabolism and mitochondrial studies.

Signalling & regulatory molecules
Steroid hormones · neurotransmitters · oxylipins · vitamins

Defined signalling-molecule classes that may benefit from a focused targeted method; confirm limits and coverage for your matrix.

AQ1100 broad targeted panel
1,100+ metabolites · 20 metabolite classes · two chromatographic separation methods

BioTree lists the QTRAP 6500+ platform and Z-HILIC and C18 chromatographic separation methods for AQ1100.

AQ Gut Flora 300
Ten categories of gut microbiota-related metabolites

The listed categories include short-chain fatty acids, bile acids, indoles and trimethylamine-related metabolites.

Central carbon metabolism
Glycolysis · pentose phosphate pathway · TCA cycle

A targeted service covering metabolites associated with central carbon metabolism.

Ask about a specific assay
No candidate list yet? Start untargeted →

Sample requirements

Plasma / serum
100 µL
Urine
100 µL
Tissue
50 mg
Stool
50 mg
Cells / bacteria
1×10⁷

Working with a matrix that isn't listed — CSF, milk, exosomes, culture medium or an unusual tissue? Please confirm feasibility and sample requirements before collection.

Discuss your project
NGM 2 Pro · untargeted metabolomics

Untargeted metabolomics with identification confidence stated clearly.

Untargeted profiling can produce many detected features with different levels of identification confidence. NGM 2 Pro is designed to support broader, higher-confidence metabolite identification; results vary by sample matrix and study design.

Discuss your study design
Get the technical overview
1,000+
Level-1 metabolites

BioTree reports more than 1,000 Level-1 metabolite identifications for NGM 2 Pro.

98.5%
Reported ID accuracy

Platform-reported Level-1 identification accuracy, up to 98.5%.

3,500+
Reliably identified in total

BioTree reports more than 3,500 reliably identified metabolites; observed results vary by project.

60%
Consistent across cohorts

BioTree reports that up to 60% of metabolites may be consistently detected across cohorts at Level 1.

Why annotation confidence matters for interpretation.

Untargeted datasets can include compounds reported at different annotation-confidence levels. Those levels should be considered when results are interpreted, reported and selected for follow-up.

BioTree reports more than 1,000 Level-1 metabolite identifications for NGM 2 Pro. Request the current technical documentation and annotation criteria for the exact project before making downstream decisions.

Multi-column chromatography

No single column retains the whole metabolome. BioTree states that NGM 2 Pro uses a combined multi-column strategy covering polar and non-polar metabolites, plus polar and non-polar lipids.

In-house library and algorithms

BioTree states that it has developed metabolite libraries and algorithms for more than a decade, and reports 96 patents and software copyrights across the company.

Orbitrap Exploris 120

BioTree lists the Orbitrap Exploris 120 as the NGM 2 Pro platform. Its primary analytical targets are small molecules below 1,500 Da.

Nine-dimension quality control

BioTree describes a stringent 9D quality-control system for NGM 2 Pro. Confirm project-specific QC documentation and acceptance criteria at quotation.

Minimum biological replicates

BioTree lists the following minimum numbers of biological replicates per group.

Clinical samplesn ≥ 30
Animal samplesn ≥ 10
Plant & microorganismn ≥ 6

Per group, biological replicates, each analysed independently.

Sample requirements

Serum / plasma200 µL
Urine200 µL
Tissue200 mg
Faeces / intestinal contents200 mg
Cells / microorganisms1×10⁷
Culture medium200 µL
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Questions researchers ask us

Should I run untargeted or targeted first?

If your study has no defined candidate list, untargeted metabolomics may be appropriate. A targeted method may then be considered for follow-up, depending on the study objective and required quantification.

What do I actually receive?

Deliverables are confirmed in the project quotation and may include data tables, quality-control information and agreed analysis outputs. Confirm annotation, statistical and pathway-analysis scope before ordering.

Is this relative or absolute quantification?

NGM 2 Pro is used for untargeted profiling. Quantification type, reporting format and any concentration-based options should be confirmed for the selected service and project scope.

Can you help with the methods section?

Method information available for your project should be confirmed with the final service documentation. Please ask about the platform, chromatography, quality-control and annotation information relevant to your study.

Ask a metabolomics specialist
Technology

Every term on this site, in plain language.

You should not need to be a mass-spectrometrist to buy mass spectrometry. Here is what the vocabulary means and why each piece changes the data you get back.

Targeted metabolomics

Measurement of a defined metabolite list using a method selected for those analytes. It is commonly considered when the study has a focused biological question.

Untargeted metabolomics

We look across the metabolome without a prior list, then identify what changed. Best for discovery — when the interesting metabolite is one you wouldn't have thought to request.

Level-1 identification

A high-confidence identification category used in metabolomics. Ask for the platform's current annotation criteria and how each reported metabolite is classified.

Absolute quantification

Concentration reporting in defined units. Whether it is available, and how results can be compared, depends on the selected assay, standards and validation scope.

Relative quantification

A comparison of relative signal or abundance between samples or groups within a study. It is commonly used for discovery-oriented analyses.

Triple quadrupole (QTRAP 6500+)

A mass-spectrometry platform commonly used for targeted analysis of defined compounds. BioTree lists the QTRAP 6500+ for AQ1100.

Orbitrap (Exploris 120)

A high-resolution mass-spectrometry platform. BioTree lists the Orbitrap Exploris 120 for NGM 2 Pro untargeted metabolomics.

Internal standards

Reference compounds added to an analytical workflow to support quality control and quantification. Their use and scope depend on the selected service.

QC samples

Quality-control samples are used to monitor analytical performance. Request the project-specific QC approach and documentation at quotation.

Spectral libraries

Reference collections used to compare detected signals with known metabolite information. BioTree states that it has developed metabolite libraries and algorithms for more than a decade.

Chromatography (Z-HILIC + C18)

Two chromatographic separation methods are used to cover polar and non-polar metabolites.

Annotation levels

Categories used to communicate identification confidence. Ask which annotation criteria and confidence information will be provided for your project.

Where the analysis happens

BioTree was established in 2012 and reports a 6,000 m²+ R&D and service centre.

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