Glycerolipids Analysis Service

Q: Can you analyze both neutral glycerolipids and polar glycolipids in the same workflow?

Yes. Our LC–MS/MS platform resolves both neutral lipids (TAG, DAG, MAG) and polar glycolipids (MGDG, DGDG, SQDG) within one optimized chromatographic method, ensuring comprehensive coverage.

Q: Do you provide absolute quantification, and how is it achieved?

We use isotope-labeled internal standards spanning major glycerolipid classes to provide absolute quantitation with calibration curves (R² ≥ 0.995), ensuring high accuracy.

Q: How do you ensure structural confirmation for isomers and complex species?

Isomer discrimination is performed through advanced MS/MS fragmentation combined with retention-time prediction. For selected lipids, we apply diagnostic fragment ion analysis for precise identification.

Q: What types of bioinformatics and statistical analyses are included?

Our deliverables feature lipid annotation, quantitative tables, lipid class summaries, PCA plots, volcano plots, heatmaps, and pathway interpretation integrated with KEGG and LipidMaps.

Q: How do you maintain reproducibility across large sample sets?

We include QC samples in every batch, monitor retention time shifts, and apply stringent thresholds for mass accuracy (< 2 ppm) and CV (≤ 15%) to maintain consistency across large datasets.

Q: Can you support high-throughput studies or large-scale lipid profiling projects?

Yes. Our platform is optimized for scalability with automated sample processing and DIA-based acquisition strategies (e.g., SWATH), enabling reliable data generation for large cohorts.

Q: Is it possible to include rare or customized glycerolipid subclasses in the analysis?

Absolutely. We can build custom panels for rare lipid subclasses (e.g., betaine lipids, acylated galactolipids) and incorporate reference standards for accurate detection.

Q: How do you manage matrix-specific challenges, such as plant glycolipids or oil-rich samples?

We adjust extraction protocols (e.g., MTBE, Bligh & Dyer variations) to ensure optimal recovery and apply matrix-specific cleanup strategies to minimize ion suppression.

Q: Do you provide normalization strategies for comparative studies?

Yes. We offer multiple normalization options, including internal standard correction, total lipid signal normalization, and sample weight or protein content-based adjustment.

Q: Can your data be integrated into multi-omics frameworks?

Yes. We provide standardized formats compatible with metabolomics and transcriptomics pipelines, enabling combined pathway modeling and network-level interpretation.

Complex lipid networks influence energy metabolism, membrane stability, and signaling in every living system. Inaccurate lipid profiling can compromise your research or product validation. Creative Proteomics provides high-resolution LC–MS/MS glycerolipid analysis with quantitative rigor, ensuring data you can trust for metabolic research, food stability assessment, and pathway interpretation.

Key Advantages:

Comprehensive Coverage: Identify 1,500+ glycerolipid species in one run.
Quantitative Precision: CV ≤ 15%, LOD down to 5 pg for trace detection.
Advanced Technology: Orbitrap HF-X and SWATH® DIA for deep, reproducible coverage.
Actionable Insights: Deliverables include annotated lipid lists, PCA plots, pathway maps.

Submit Your Request Now

Submit Your Request Now

Deliverables

Raw Data Files: .raw / .wiff + mzML conversions.
Processed Data Tables: Annotated glycerolipid species with quantitative values.
Statistical Visuals: Heatmaps, PCA plots, volcano plots.
Interpretive Report: Pathway mapping, class distribution charts, and QC summary.

What We Provide
Advantages
Technology Platform
Sample Requirement
Demo
FAQ

What Are Glycerolipids and Why Do They Matter?

Glycerolipids are esters formed by attaching fatty acids to a glycerol backbone, creating molecules that fulfill essential roles in biological systems:

Energy Storage: Triacylglycerols (TAGs) store metabolic energy in lipid droplets.
Signal Regulation: Monoacylglycerols (MAGs) and diacylglycerols (DAGs) act as key messengers in lipid signaling networks.
Membrane Integrity: Complex glycolipids such as MGDG, DGDG, and SQDG stabilize membranes and enable adaptive remodeling under stress.

Their structural diversity links energy metabolism, signaling, and cell structure. Accurate analysis of these molecules is critical for understanding metabolic pathways, validating functional food products, and exploring stress responses in plants or microbes.

Why Do You Need Glycerolipid Analysis?

Researchers and industrial clients use glycerolipid profiling to answer critical questions:

Is my engineered organism efficiently channeling resources into TAG production for biofuel applications?
Which signaling lipids fluctuate during stress or drug exposure?
Can lipid degradation patterns confirm product stability in nutraceutical or food formulations?
How do thylakoid lipids remodel under salinity, drought, or nitrogen starvation in plants?

Creative Proteomics provides data-driven insights that directly support these objectives.

Creative Proteomics's Glycerolipids Analysis Solutions

Untargeted Glycerolipid Profiling

Global lipidome coverage using high-resolution LC–MS/MS for qualitative and semi-quantitative assessment of thousands of glycerolipid species. Ideal for discovery-driven studies and comparative lipidomics.

Targeted Quantitative Analysis

Absolute quantification of major glycerolipid classes (TAG, DAG, MAG, and glycolipids) using isotope-labeled internal standards to ensure high precision and reproducibility.

Class-Specific Analysis

In-depth characterization of specialized lipid subclasses such as monogalactosyldiacylglycerol (MGDG), digalactosyldiacylglycerol (DGDG), sulfoquinovosyldiacylglycerol (SQDG), phosphatidylglycerol (PG), and DGTS.

Isomer and Structural Elucidation

Advanced MS/MS fragmentation and retention-time modeling to resolve isomeric species and confirm structural identities.

Comparative and Pathway Analysis

Differential profiling of glycerolipid changes across experimental conditions, integrated with KEGG and LipidMaps pathways for biological interpretation.

Customized Panels

Tailor-made analysis plans to focus on specific lipid subclasses, signaling intermediates, or metabolic markers relevant to your research objectives.

What Glycerolipids Can We Detect?

Glycerolipid Class	Representative Subclasses	Example Species (Common Notation)
Triacylglycerols (TAG)	Neutral lipids storing energy	TAG 48:0, TAG 50:1, TAG 52:2, TAG 54:3, TAG 56:6
Diacylglycerols (DAG)	Lipid signaling intermediates	DAG 32:0, DAG 34:1, DAG 36:2, DAG 38:4
Monoacylglycerols (MAG)	Intermediates in lipid metabolism	MAG 16:0, MAG 18:1, MAG 18:2, MAG 20:4
Monogalactosyldiacylglycerols (MGDG)	Chloroplast glycolipids for membrane structure	MGDG 34:3, MGDG 36:4, MGDG 38:6
Digalactosyldiacylglycerols (DGDG)	Glycolipids in thylakoid membranes	DGDG 34:3, DGDG 36:4, DGDG 38:6
Sulfoquinovosyldiacylglycerols (SQDG)	Sulfolipids important in photosynthesis	SQDG 32:0, SQDG 34:3, SQDG 36:6
Phosphatidylglycerol (PG)	Structural phospholipids in chloroplasts	PG 32:0, PG 34:1, PG 36:4
Diacylglyceryltrimethylhomoserine (DGTS)	Betaine lipids acting as membrane components	DGTS 32:0, DGTS 34:1, DGTS 36:4
Lysoglycerolipids	Mono-substituted glycerol derivatives	Lyso-MGDG 18:3, Lyso-DGDG 18:3
Acylated Galactolipids	Modified glycolipids for stress adaptation	Acyl-MGDG 54:8, Acyl-DGDG 56:9

Advantages of Our Glycerolipids Analysis Services

Deep Analytical Coverage: Detect 1,500+ glycerolipid species in a single run, enabling comprehensive lipidome profiling.
High Quantitative Precision: Coefficient of variation (CV) ≤ 15% across technical replicates for reliable reproducibility.
Ultra-Low Detection Limits: Limit of detection (LOD) down to 5 pg on column, suitable for trace-level lipid detection.
Wide Dynamic Range: Accurate quantification across 10 pg – 10 μg for triacylglycerols and related species.
Mass Accuracy You Can Trust: Orbitrap-based detection with < 2 ppm mass error, ensuring confident lipid identification.

Workflow for Glycerolipids Analysis Service

1. Sample Reception & Quality Check

Verify sample integrity and storage conditions. Assess matrix type (serum, tissue, plant extract, oils) and prepare for extraction.

2. Lipid Extraction & Cleanup

Employ modified Bligh & Dyer or MTBE-based extraction protocols. Remove interfering substances and ensure consistent lipid recovery.

3. Internal Standard Addition

Spike samples with isotope-labeled standards for each major glycerolipid class to ensure precise quantitation.

4. Chromatographic Separation (UHPLC)

Utilize Thermo Vanquish™ UHPLC with sub-2 μm C18 column for high-resolution separation of TAGs, DAGs, MAGs, and glycolipids. 18-minute gradient optimized for both neutral and polar lipids.

5. High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry

Perform analysis on Q Exactive™ HF-X Orbitrap or SCIEX TripleTOF® 6600+. Acquire full MS and MS/MS data for confident identification and quantification.

6. Data Processing & Annotation

Process raw files with LipidSearch™, MS-DIAL, and in-house pipelines. Annotate species with accurate m/z, retention time, and MS/MS fragment data.

7. Statistical & Pathway Analysis

Provide differential analysis, heatmaps, PCA plots, and integration with KEGG/LipidMaps pathways.

Glycerolipids Analysis Workflow

Technology Platform for Glycerolipids Analysis Service

Chromatographic Separation (UHPLC)

Instrument: Thermo Scientific™ Vanquish™ UHPLC
Column: C18 reverse-phase, sub-2 μm particle size for sharp separation of TAG, DAG, MAG, and glycolipids
Gradient: Optimized 18-min binary solvent system for both neutral and polar glycerolipids
Flow Rate: 0.35 mL/min
Carry-over: <0.05%, ensuring clean baselines for low-abundance species

Thermo Scientific™ Vanquish™ UHPLC Vanquish™ UHPLC (Figure from Thermo Scientific)

Mass Spectrometry Platforms

Orbitrap-Based High-Resolution Analysis

Model: Thermo Scientific™ Q Exactive™ HF-X
Ionization: Heated Electrospray Ionization (HESI) source, 2.8 kV
Full MS: Resolution 240,000 at m/z 200; AGC target 3 × 10⁶; mass accuracy <2 ppm
Data-Dependent MS/MS: Resolution 15,000; stepped collision energy for comprehensive fragmentation
Polarity: Positive/negative switching for broad lipid class detection

Thermo Scientific™ Q Exactive™ HF-X Q Exactive™ HF-X (Figure from Thermo Scientifi)

DIA Workflow for Comprehensive Coverage

Model: SCIEX TripleTOF® 6500+
Acquisition Mode: SWATH® DIA with 75 variable windows
Cycle Time: 0.54 s for high-throughput screening
Dynamic Range: 5 orders of magnitude for both abundant and trace lipids

SCIEX Triple Quad™ 6500+ (Figure from Sciex)

Sample Requirements for Glycerolipids Analysis Service

Sample Type	Recommended Amount	Container	Storage Condition
Serum / Plasma	≥ 200 µL	Cryovial (screw-cap)	-80 °C; avoid freeze–thaw
Tissue (animal / plant)	≥ 50 mg (fresh or frozen)	Pre-labeled cryotube	Snap-frozen in liquid N₂; store at -80 °C
Cell Pellets	≥ 1 × 10⁶ cells	Cryovial	Pellet washed with PBS; freeze immediately
Microbial Biomass	≥ 50 mg (wet weight)	Sterile tube	Freeze-dried or snap-frozen
Plant Extract / Oils	≥ 500 µL	Amber vial with Teflon cap	Protect from light; store at -20 °C or lower

Notes:

Avoid using EDTA or detergents as they can interfere with lipid extraction.
Ensure samples are shipped on dry ice and remain frozen during transit.
Contact us for specific guidelines on complex matrices or custom projects.

Demo Results

TIC with distinct peaks for MAG, DAG, and TAG across a 16-minute UHPLC gradient.

TIC Chromatogram

Total Ion Chromatogram (TIC) of glycerolipid extract showing clear separation of MAG, DAG, and TAG classes under optimized UHPLC conditions.

MS/MS Spectrum of TAG 54:6

MS/MS spectrum of TAG 54:6 showing major fragment ions and neutral loss peaks, including diagnostic signals at m/z 625.5, 733.5, and 877.6.

PCA plot displaying sample distribution across PC1 and PC2 with distinct clusters for control and treatment groups based on lipidomic data.

PCA score plot showing clustering of samples by treatment. PC1 explains 38.6% variance and PC2 explains 21.9%. Control (red), Treatment A (blue), Treatment C (green) are clearly separated.

FAQ of Glycerolipids Analysis Service

Can you analyze both neutral glycerolipids and polar glycolipids in the same workflow?

Yes. Our LC–MS/MS platform resolves both neutral lipids (TAG, DAG, MAG) and polar glycolipids (MGDG, DGDG, SQDG) within one optimized chromatographic method, ensuring comprehensive coverage.

Do you provide absolute quantification, and how is it achieved?

We use isotope-labeled internal standards spanning major glycerolipid classes to provide absolute quantitation with calibration curves (R² ≥ 0.995), ensuring high accuracy.

How do you ensure structural confirmation for isomers and complex species?

Isomer discrimination is performed through advanced MS/MS fragmentation combined with retention-time prediction. For selected lipids, we apply diagnostic fragment ion analysis for precise identification.

What types of bioinformatics and statistical analyses are included?

Our deliverables feature lipid annotation, quantitative tables, lipid class summaries, PCA plots, volcano plots, heatmaps, and pathway interpretation integrated with KEGG and LipidMaps.

How do you maintain reproducibility across large sample sets?

We include QC samples in every batch, monitor retention time shifts, and apply stringent thresholds for mass accuracy (< 2 ppm) and CV (≤ 15%) to maintain consistency across large datasets.

Can you support high-throughput studies or large-scale lipid profiling projects?

Yes. Our platform is optimized for scalability with automated sample processing and DIA-based acquisition strategies (e.g., SWATH), enabling reliable data generation for large cohorts.

Is it possible to include rare or customized glycerolipid subclasses in the analysis?

Absolutely. We can build custom panels for rare lipid subclasses (e.g., betaine lipids, acylated galactolipids) and incorporate reference standards for accurate detection.

How do you manage matrix-specific challenges, such as plant glycolipids or oil-rich samples?

We adjust extraction protocols (e.g., MTBE, Bligh & Dyer variations) to ensure optimal recovery and apply matrix-specific cleanup strategies to minimize ion suppression.

Do you provide normalization strategies for comparative studies?

Yes. We offer multiple normalization options, including internal standard correction, total lipid signal normalization, and sample weight or protein content-based adjustment.

Can your data be integrated into multi-omics frameworks?

Yes. We provide standardized formats compatible with metabolomics and transcriptomics pipelines, enabling combined pathway modeling and network-level interpretation.

What measures do you take to control oxidation or degradation of sensitive glycerolipids?

We recommend cold-chain handling and add antioxidants when necessary. All extractions are performed under controlled conditions to prevent oxidative artifacts.

Learn about other Q&A about proteomics technology.

Load More FAQs

Publications

Here are some of the lipidomics-related papers published by our clients:

More Publications

Lipidomics Sample Submission Guidelines

Download our Lipidomics Sample Preparation Guide for essential instructions on proper sample collection, storage, and transport for optimal experimental results. The guide covers various sample types, including tissues, serum, urine, and cells, along with quantity requirements for untargeted and targeted lipidomics.

Download

Metabolomics Sample Submission Guidelines

* For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.

Our customer service representatives are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Inquiry

Support Documents

We have prepared a variety of materials for anyone interested in our solutions. Here are some of our recommended materials for your review!
See All Resources→

From Our Clients

"I recently used their proteomics service for a project analyzing protein interactions in yeast models. The team was very responsive and helped clarify the methodology they employed, which made me feel confident in the results. The data quality was solid, with clear identification of several key proteins involved in our study. Their thorough analysis enabled me to pinpoint specific interactions that I hadn't considered before, which significantly improved the direction of my research. I appreciate their professionalism and support throughout the process."

Sarah Thompson, University of California, Berkeley

"Our lab collaborated with them on a project studying cancer biomarkers. The proteomics analysis provided was detailed and focused, specifically highlighting the differential expression of proteins between healthy and tumor samples. Their clear explanations of the data helped my team understand the biological implications. I also appreciated their willingness to revise the reports based on our feedback, ensuring that we had everything we needed for our publication. This collaborative spirit was invaluable."

Emily Rodriguez, Stanford University

"Our lab worked with them on a project studying the effects of diet on gut microbiota using proteomics. They used a label-free quantification method to analyze proteins in fecal samples before and after dietary intervention. The results showed significant changes in protein expression linked to microbial activity. This was pivotal for our hypothesis about diet-microbiota interactions. The clarity of their data presentation made it easy for our team to integrate these findings into our ongoing research."

Dr. Lisa Wong, University of Toronto

"My experience with Creative Proteomics during the mass spectrometry analysis was excellent. We sent in human saliva and mouse brain tissue samples, which they expertly analyzed using both LC-MS and GC-MS techniques. The results were invaluable, revealing key metabolites in the saliva and identifying biomarkers linked to brain function in the brain tissue."

Dr. Emily Carter, Senior Research Scientist

"The overall service from Creative Proteomics was outstanding. They made the entire process seamless and efficient, allowing us to focus on our research. We worked with leaf and root samples from various Arabidopsis genotypes for targeted metabolomics analysis. Their thorough profiling of primary and secondary metabolites gave us important insights into how the plants respond metabolically to environmental stress."

Dr. Laura Henderson, Plant Physiologist

"We had a pleasant collaboration with Creative Proteomics on mass spectrometry analysis of lipids. They conducted a detailed analysis of lipid species, providing us with important insights into lipid metabolism and its relationship with metabolic syndrome disease states."

Dr. Sarah Mitchell, Research Scientist

Online Inquiry

Please submit a detailed description of your project. We will provide you with a customized project plan to meet your research requests. You can also send emails directly to for inquiries.

Great Minds Choose Creative Proteomics