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Microbial Short-Chain Fatty Acid Analysis


Overview

CD Genomics offers specialized Microbial Short-Chain Fatty Acid (SCFA) Analysis with high specificity and accuracy. Utilizing advanced GC-MS technology, we provide precise identification and quantification of SCFAs, delivering rapid results through optimized chromatographic methods. This analysis is essential for understanding gut health, metabolic disorders, and the role of microbiota in various diseases.

Our Advantages:
  • High Specificity and Accuracy: GC-SIM for precise identification and absolute quantification.
  • Custom Kit: Specifically developed for short-chain fatty acids.
  • Rigorous Quality Control: Internal and external standards, manual calibration of standards, calibration curve R² > 0.9.
  • Standardized Methods: Integration of advanced metabolomics and genomic analyses.
  • Rapid Separation: Use of longer chromatographic columns and higher carrier gas speeds.
  • High Reliability: Consistent performance with continuous operation capability.

Introduction to Short-Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs)

SCFAs are critical metabolites produced through the fermentation of dietary fibers and resistant starches by the gut microbiota. The primary SCFAs include acetate, propionate, and butyrate. These fatty acids play indispensable roles in various physiological processes: they supply energy to colonocytes, fortify gut barrier integrity, modulate immune functionality, and influence systemic metabolism. The presence and activity of SCFAs contribute significantly to maintaining a healthy gut environment and are intricately involved in metabolic regulations. Moreover, SCFAs are associated with several health conditions, including inflammatory bowel disease and metabolic syndrome, underscoring their importance in preserving overall health and preventing disease.

What is SCFA Analysis

The analysis of SCFAs entails quantifying their concentrations and types within biological samples such as feces, blood, or tissues. This type of analysis is fundamental for providing insights into an individual's metabolic health and the condition of their gut microbiota.

Techniques for SCFA Analysis:

  • Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS): This widely-used technique excels in detecting and quantifying SCFAs, offering both high sensitivity and specificity. By employing Selected Ion Monitoring (SIM), GC-MS enhances its capability to detect even low concentrations of SCFAs within complex sample matrices.
  • High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC): When paired with UV detection (HPLC-UVD) or alternative detectors, HPLC serves as an effective method for analyzing SCFAs. This technique provides excellent resolution and manages complex samples efficiently.
  • Capillary Electrophoresis (CE): Known for its rapid analysis and minimal sample preparation requirements, CE is suitable for routine measurements of SCFAs and offers a swift and efficient option for SCFA quantification.

These methodologies collectively contribute to the comprehensive understanding of SCFA profiles, reflecting the metabolic status and gut microbiota health of individuals.

Applications of SCFA Analysis

The applications of SCFA analysis include, but are not limited to, the following areas:

  • Animal disease research
  • Food science, nutrition, and developmental research
  • Early disease biomarker discovery
  • Gut microbiota research
  • Disease research
  • Mechanistic research on metabolic regulation
Service Specifications

Introduction to Our SCFA Analysis Service

CD Genomics delivers an extensive service for profiling microbial SCFAs integrated with genome-based analysis. The procedure starts with converting fatty acids into volatile derivatives, facilitating their separation. Utilizing longer columns and an elevated carrier gas velocity, we achieve rapid separation and can run the analysis in a continuous workflow. Our cutting-edge GC/MS platform enhances the sensitivity, selectivity, and reliability of the analysis, ensuring precise and dependable results.

What We Offer

  • Qualitative and quantitative analysis of microbial short-chain fatty acids.
  • Comprehensive microbial community analysis: Identification of dominant taxa and key functional communities.
  • Strain and species-level analysis: Investigation of which bacteria play significant roles in key communities, including microscopic microbial identification and discovery of new species.

Analyzable Short-Chain Fatty Acids include but are not limited to:

Acetic Acid Propionic Acid Butyric Acid Isobutyric Acid
Valeric Acid 2-Methylbutyric Acid Isovaleric Acid Caproic Acid
Isopropionic Acid 3-Methylvaleric Acid 2-Methylvaleric Acid 3-Hydroxyisovaleric Acid
Lactic Acid Malonate Succinic Acid Pentanedioic Acid

SCFA Analysis Workflow

The Workflow of Microbial Short-Chain Fatty Acid Analysis.

Technical Parameters

  • GC-MS, QP2020, Shimadzu
  • GC-MS Agilent 7890B-5977A

Bioinformatics Analysis

CD Genomics delivers a standardized review and research kit that can be configured according to the purposes of the research.

Core Databases Electron ionization MS library
National Institute of Standards and Technology mass spectral library
Analysis Type Analysis Content
Quality Control QC RSD
Differential Analysis Univariate Statistical Analysis, Box Plot, Correlation Analysis
Functional Analysis Hierarchical Cluster Analysis, KEGG Analysis
Bioinformatics Analysis Regression Analysis, Trend Cluster Analysis, Machine Learning Analysis

Note: The above content includes only a portion of the bioinformatics analysis. For more information or to customize the analysis, please contact us directly.

The Bioinformatics Analysis of Microbial Short-Chain Fatty Acid Analysis.

Sample Requirement

  • Blood: ≥100 μL
  • Tissue: ≥50 mg
  • Fresh Feces: ≥50 mg
  • Freeze-Dried Feces: ≥5 mg
  • Cells: 10^7
  • For other sample types, please consult technical support or sales.
  • Sampling kits: we provide a range of microbial sampling kits for clients, such as MicroCollect™ stool sample collection products.

Note:

  • Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
  • If you wish to obtain more accurate and detailed information regarding sample requirements, please feel free to contact us directly.

Deliverables

  • Raw data
  • Quality-control dashboard
  • Statistic data
  • Your designated bioinformatics reports
Demo

Demo

Partial results of our SCFA analysis service are shown below:

The Microbial Short-Chain Fatty Acid Analysis Results Display Figure.

FAQs

SCFA Analysis FAQ

Case Study

Case Study

Customer Case

Association of Fecal and Plasma Levels of Short-Chain Fatty Acids With Gut Microbiota and Clinical Severity in Patients With Parkinson Disease
Journal: Neurology
Impact factor: 11.8
Published: February 22, 2022

Find out more

Background

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a prevalent neurological disorder. Emerging research indicates that gastrointestinal symptoms may precede motor symptoms by several decades. Compared to healthy individuals, patients with PD exhibit a distinct gut microbiota composition, with alterations in the gut microbiome being correlated with the severity and progression of the disease. SCFAs, which are primary metabolites produced by gut microbiota through the fermentation of dietary fibers, are hypothesized to play a pivotal role in the gut-brain axis. However, comprehensive studies investigating the levels of SCFAs in fecal and plasma samples remain lacking.

Materials & Methods

Sample preparation:

  • PD patients
  • Fecal
  • Plasma
  • DNA extraction

Method:

Data Analysis:

  • SCFA concentrations analysis
  • Gut microbiota composition

Results

Employing gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) for the quantification of SCFAs in fecal and plasma samples, the research unveiled marked differences in SCFA profiles between Parkinson's disease (PD) patients and healthy individuals. The comprehensive analysis unearthed significant correlations between SCFA levels and various aspects of PD, including motor dysfunction, cognitive decline, and gut microbiota composition. Notably, decreased levels of fecal SCFAs coupled with elevated plasma concentrations of propionate were linked to worsened motor abilities. Furthermore, diminished fecal SCFAs alongside increased plasma levels of butyrate and valerate were associated with cognitive deficits. Alterations in the abundance of specific gut microbial taxa were also connected to variations in SCFA levels in both fecal and plasma matrices. These insights propose that SCFAs could serve as critical biomarkers for gauging the severity of PD, enhancing the comprehension of the complex gut-brain interactions in these patients.

Figure 1. Comparison of fecal short-chain fatty acid levels between patients with PD and healthy controls. (Chen et al., 2022)Figure 1 Comparison of Fecal Levels of Short Chain Fatty Acids in Patients With PD and Healthy Controls.

Figure 2. ROC curves for differentiating patients with PD from controls, and correlations between SCFA levels and clinical motor symptom severity in PD patients. (Chen et al., 2022)Figure 2 ROC Curves for Distinguishing Patients With PD From Controls and Correlations Between SCFA Levels and Clinical Motor Symptom Severity in Patients With PD.

Conclusions

This study is the first to link plasma and fecal SCFAs with Parkinson's disease (PD) severity and gut microbiota changes. PD patients had lower fecal but higher plasma SCFAs compared to controls. Reduced fecal SCFAs were associated with worse motor and cognitive symptoms. These findings suggest SCFAs may serve as biomarkers for PD. Limitations include indirect SCFA measurement and lack of gut permeability data. Further research is needed to explore SCFAs' role in PD.

Reference

  1. Chen Szu-Ju,Chen Chieh-Chang,Liao Hsin-Yu et al. Association of Fecal and Plasma Levels of Short-Chain Fatty Acids With Gut Microbiota and Clinical Severity in Parkinson Disease Patients .Neurology, 2022.

* For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures or other clinical purposes.



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