Targeted Lipidomics Analysis
Targeted Lipidomics Analysis
Services
Online Inquiry

Targeted Lipidomics Analysis

Targeted Lipidomics

Quantify predefined lipid panels using LC-MS/MS with multiple reaction monitoring to validate biomarkers and elucidate lipid metabolism.

  • LC-MS/MS with dynamic MRM acquisition for sensitive quantitation
  • Absolute quantification using isotopically labeled internal standards
  • Coverage across glycerolipids, sphingolipids, glycerophospholipids, and sterols
  • Custom panel design tailored to your research hypothesis
  • Rigorous quality control with pooled QC samples and internal standard recovery

What can targeted lipidomics do for your research?

Our targeted lipidomics service delivers absolute quantification of known lipid species across multiple classes, enabling robust biomarker validation and pathway analysis for cardiovascular, metabolic, and oncology research.

  • Precise quantitation using isotopically labeled internal standards
  • Coverage of up to 590+ individual lipid species from 34 classes
  • Applicable to serum, plasma, tissue, and cellular samples
  • Dynamic MRM with polarity switching for broad coverage
  • Data normalized and quality-controlled for reproducibility
Quantitative
Reproducible
Validated
How It Works

Targeted Lipidomics Analysis Workflow

From sample extraction to quantified lipid concentrations, our integrated pipeline ensures data quality and biological relevance.

LC-MS/MS MRM Quantification

Lipids are extracted from biological samples using a modified Bligh-Dyer method with spiked internal standards. Chromatographic separation is performed by normal-phase and reverse-phase HPLC, followed by dynamic multiple reaction monitoring on a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer.

  • Modified Bligh-Dyer extraction with internal standards
  • Normal-phase and reverse-phase LC separation
  • Dynamic MRM with positive/negative polarity switching

Data Processing & Statistical Analysis

Raw MRM data are processed to quantify each lipid species by referencing internal standards. Concentrations are normalized and subjected to multivariate and univariate statistical analysis to identify significant changes.

  • Automated peak integration and quality review
  • Concentration calculation using internal standard response
  • PCA, PLS-DA, and volcano plot analysis

Quality Control

Every batch includes process blanks, pooled QC samples, and replicate injections to monitor extraction efficiency, instrument performance, and reproducibility.

Statistical Rigor

Differential analysis applies appropriate multiple testing correction (e.g., BH) and fold-change thresholds to minimize false discoveries.

Biological Interpretation

Results are contextualized with lipid class composition, pathway mapping, and correlation with clinical or phenotypic data.

What You Receive

Deliverables & Reporting

Standard deliverables include quantified lipid concentrations and a comprehensive analysis report.

Data Deliverables

  • Concentration matrix for all quantified lipid species per sample
  • QC metrics including internal standard recovery and CV
  • Differential abundance analysis results with p-values and fold-changes
  • Individual lipid species and class-level summary statistics

Reporting & Support

  • Written report with methods, results, and interpretations
  • PCA and heatmap visualizations
  • Custom analysis upon request (e.g., lipid class sums, ratios)
  • Project-specific consultation during study design
Service Scope

Customizable Parameters

Every project is scoped individually based on your biological question and sample type. The table below outlines typical options.

ParameterTypical Project Scope
Sample TypesSerum, plasma, tissue homogenates, cells (matrix-specific extraction protocols)
Lipid PanelPredefined panels covering 100–590+ lipid species; custom panel design available on request
Extraction MethodModified Bligh-Dyer with isotopically labeled internal standards per class
InstrumentationLC-MS/MS (triple quadrupole) with dynamic MRM and polarity switching
QuantificationAbsolute concentration via internal standard normalization
Statistical AnalysisUnivariate (t-test, ANOVA) and multivariate (PCA, PLS-DA) with BH correction
DeliverablesConcentration matrix, QC report, differential results, visualizations
Our Process

End-to-End Workflow

Each step is optimized for robustness and reproducibility, from sample receipt to final quantified data.

Sample Collection & Extraction

Biological samples are collected according to standard protocols and lipids are extracted using a modified Bligh-Dyer procedure after spiking with isotopically labeled internal standards for each target class.

LC Separation

Extracted lipids are separated by normal-phase or reverse-phase liquid chromatography to resolve lipid classes and isomers prior to mass spectrometric analysis.

MRM Acquisition

The triple quadrupole mass spectrometer acquires multiple reaction monitoring transitions for each lipid species under optimized positive and negative electrospray ionization.

Data Processing

Raw MRM data are processed to integrate peaks, verify retention times, and calculate absolute concentrations by referencing internal standard responses.

Statistical Analysis & Reporting

Quantified data undergo quality filtering, normalization, and differential analysis. Results are compiled into a report with visualizations and biological interpretation.

Applications

Accelerate Your Research with Targeted Lipidomics

Our service supports hypothesis-driven studies across multiple therapeutic areas where lipid metabolism plays a central role.

Biomarker Discovery for Heart and Vascular Disease

Targeted lipidomics enables quantification of ceramides, sphingolipids, and phospholipids associated with atherosclerosis, heart failure, and coronary artery disease.

  • Validation of ceramide-based risk scores
  • Profiling of lipid mediators in plaque and plasma
  • Monitoring of lipid-lowering therapy response

Insight into Lipid Metabolism in Obesity and Diabetes

Measure changes in triacylglycerides, diacylglycerides, and fatty acids in adipose and muscle tissues to understand insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome.

  • Quantitation of lipid species in adipose and skeletal muscle
  • Tracking of lipid accumulation in NAFLD models
  • Identification of lipid signatures for metabolic risk stratification

Lipidomic Signatures in Cancer Progression and Treatment

Altered lipid metabolism is a hallmark of many cancers; targeted analysis reveals changes in phospholipid and sphingolipid profiles that may serve as biomarkers or therapeutic targets.

  • Profiling of tumor and plasma lipidome
  • Detection of lipid classes involved in ferroptosis
  • Evaluation of drug-induced lipid remodeling
Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to Common Questions

If you have additional questions, please contact our scientific team during project consultation.

  • Our targeted lipidomics service is compatible with serum, plasma, tissue homogenates, and cell lysates. Sample preparation is optimized per matrix to ensure efficient extraction and reproducible quantification. Please discuss your specific sample type during consultation.

  • Our standard panels cover up to 590+ individual lipid species across 34 classes, including glycerolipids, sphingolipids, glycerophospholipids, and sterols. Custom panels can be designed to focus on a subset of lipids relevant to your hypothesis.

  • Using triple quadrupole mass spectrometry with dynamic MRM and advanced ion-funnel technology, we achieve low nanomolar to picomolar detection limits for most lipid classes. Precise limits depend on the specific lipid and sample matrix and will be scoped during project planning.

  • Each batch includes process blanks, pooled QC samples injected at regular intervals, and internal standard recoveries monitored for every analyte. Multi-run QC metrics such as CV and signal drift are reported to confirm reproducibility before statistical analysis.

  • Yes, quantified lipid profiles can be integrated with transcriptomics, proteomics, or metabolomics data for multi-omics analysis. Our reporting can include correlation analyses and pathway mapping to support systems-level interpretations.

Scientific Literature

References

  1. Costanzo M, Caterino M. Targeted lipidomics data of COVID-19 patients. Data in brief. 2023;48:109089. View on PubMed
  2. Zhao XE, Zhu S, Liu H. Recent progresses of derivatization approaches in the targeted lipidomics analysis by mass spectrometry. Journal of separation science. 2020;43(9-10):1838-1846. View on PubMed
  3. Chen X, Ferreira CR, Kuang S. Targeted Lipidomics Analysis of Adipose and Skeletal Muscle Tissues by Multiple Reaction Monitoring Profiling. Methods in molecular biology (Clifton, N.J.). 2023;2640:351-368. View on PubMed
  4. Huang FQ, Wang HF, Yang T, et al. Ceramides increase mitochondrial permeabilization to trigger mtDNA-dependent inflammation in astrocytes during brain ischemia. Metabolism: clinical and experimental. 2025;166:156161. View on PubMed
  5. Kang M, Zhan X, Huang X, et al. Elovl7 sensitizes podocytes to ferroptosis in podocytopathy by elongating polyunsaturated fatty acids. Cell death & disease. 2025;16(1):857. View on PubMed
  6. Burla B, Oh J, Nowak A, et al. Plasma and platelet lipidome changes in Fabry disease. Clinica chimica acta; international journal of clinical chemistry. 2024;562:119833. View on PubMed

Please kindly note that our products and services are for research use only.