Metabolomics Australia helps life sciences researchers study small molecules, or metabolites, within living organisms.
Metabolomics Australia offers mass spectrometry technologies for studying the metabolome (the interactions of small molecules, or metabolites, within a biological system). This enables researchers to detect and quantify metabolites in biological materials (i.e. plasma, tissue, plant or microbial extracts) to understand an organism’s physiological state. We work with researchers from a wide range of areas including biomedicine, agri-biotech and the environment.
Our team of researchers offer a range of consultative, analytical and bioinformatic services in small molecules, including:
- Advice on experimental design and implementation throughout a project’s life-cycle
- Expertise in targeted and untargeted detection of a wide range of metabolites using advanced mass spectrometry technology, such as high-resolution accurate mass spectrometry
- Access to large metabolite databases and standards
- Provision of dynamic metabolic flux analysis
- Support on data analysis, informatics and data interpretation
- Assistance with preparing grant applications and publications.
We commonly work with researchers across our workflows encompassing:
- Sample extraction
- Data collection, quality control and analysis
- Bioinformatics support
- Pathway analysis
- Skills training.
For example, we worked with the Cooperative Research Centre for Alertness, Safety and Productivity to identify biological molecules associated with sleep loss.
Case study
Alertness CRC discovers molecules linked to sleep loss
Biomarkers that predict sleep loss with high accuracy have been identified by the Alertness CRC with the help of Metabolomics Australia.
Resources
- 2 x LC-IDX-Orbitrap-MS – Liquid chromatography(or Ion Chromatography) tribrid orbitrap-quadrupole-linear ion trap mass spectrometer
- 2 x LC-IQX-Orbitrap-MS – Liquid chromatography(or Ion Chromatography) tribrid orbitrap-quadrupole-linear ion trap mass spectrometer
- 4 x GC-QQQ-MS - Gas chromatography triple quadrupole mass spectrometer
- 3 x LC-QQQ-MS - Liquid chromatography triple quadrupole mass spectrometer
- 1 x LC-QTOF-MS - Liquid chromatography quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometer
- iMScope QT - Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization Imaging QTOF mass spectrometer
User information
The platform is open to all researchers from academia to industry on a fee-for-service basis.
Other platforms
Our platform works on a broad range of biological material and our researchers at any time use complementary platforms to enable and broaden the depth of their research.
The platform can be used in conjunction with the
- Biological Optical Microscopy Platform
- Biosciences Microscopy Unit
- Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Facility
- Materials Characterisation and Fabrication Platform
- Melbourne Advanced Microscopy Facility
- Melbourne Bioimaging
- Melbourne Bioinformatics
- Melbourne Bioresources Platform
- Melbourne Cytometry Platform
- Melbourne Histology Platform
- Melbourne Magnetic Resonance
- Melbourne Trace Analysis for Chemical, Earth and Environmental Sciences Platform
- Platform for Research Software Solutions
- Research Computing Services
- Statistical Consulting Centre
How we work
The University of Melbourne hosts the Victorian node of Metabolomics Australia and is the hub of the national Metabolomics Australia platform.
This platform is supported by BioPlatforms Australia whose activities receive grant funding from the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS).
The University of Melbourne node of Metabolomics Australia is part of a larger network of omics capabilities under BioPlatforms Australia which also encompasses genomics, proteomics and informatics.
Contact us
- Kirsty Turner, Business Manager
- k.turner@unimelb.edu.au
- Phone
- +61 3 8344 4501
- David De Souza, Facility Manager
- desouzad@unimelb.edu.au
- Phone
- +61 3 8344 24887
Book online using iLab
You can book this resource or platform using the iLab booking system. You will need to create an account before logging in. Access user guides and videos to help you set up an account and navigate the iLab system:
If you're familiar with iLab and already have a login, visit the Metabolomics Australia iLab Core.
More information on this platform can be found on the Research Gateway, which is available to all University of Melbourne academic and honorary staff, graduate researchers and professional staff. To access the Research Gateway, login with your University of Melbourne username and password.
Banner image: two men in lab coats coat using technical machine. Image by Peter Casamento.