Derivatization Techniques in Mass Spectrometry: Unlocking the Low-Abundance Metabolome

Dear Colleagues,

The comprehensive characterization of the metabolome remains a significant challenge, particularly for low-abundance metabolites that often possess critical biological functions but suffer from poor ionization efficiency or low concentrations in complex matrices. This Special Issue, titled "Derivatization Techniques in Mass Spectrometry: Unlocking the Low-Abundance Metabolome," aims to highlight recent advancements in chemical derivatization and probe-based strategies designed to overcome these analytical barriers.

We invite researchers to submit original articles, reviews, and method developments focusing on novel tagging reagents, isotope-coded probes, and affinity enrichment strategies that enhance detection sensitivity, selectivity, and structural elucidation in mass spectrometry. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Design and synthesis of new MS probes for specific functional groups (e.g., amines, carboxyls, carbonyls).
• Strategies to improve ionization efficiency and chromatographic behavior.
• Applications of derivatization in targeted and untargeted metabolomics for biomarker discovery.
• Integration of chemical labeling with advanced MS platforms.
• Quantitative metabolomics using stable isotope-labeled probes.

By showcasing cutting-edge methodologies and their applications in biology, medicine, and environmental science, this issue seeks to provide a comprehensive overview of how derivatization techniques are reshaping our ability to explore the "dark matter" of the metabolome.

Prof. Dr. Yuqi Feng
Prof. Dr. Quanfei Zhu
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-anonymized peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Metabolites is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.