Welcome to MetaVolFood

MetaVolFood (Food Metabolomics and Volatilomics Platform) is a platform dedicated to the analyses of metabolites originating from fermented food matrices. It is part of the “Ferments du Futur” program, and its members are affiliated to the CoMiAl team (Food Microbial Communities) within UMR SayFood, a joint INRAE/AgroParisTech research unit specialized in food and bioproduct engineering.

Members

Equipment

                                                                                              See the brochure                                                    See the brochure

Expertise

At the MetaVolFood platform, state-of-the-art technologies are used to deliver targeted and untargeted analyses of metabolites and volatile compounds from fermented products, with results interpreted using chemometric approaches.

Sample Preparation

Sample preparation methods are adapted to the type of matrix to ensure optimal extraction of metabolites and volatile compounds. The protocols are designed to preserve sample integrity while maximizing extraction efficiency and the reliability of subsequent analytical steps.

Analytical Methods

Advanced analytical techniques are employed. Metabolomic analyses are performed using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) with an Orbitrap analyzer, providing high mass accuracy and resolution.
For volatilomic analyses, gas chromatography (GC) coupled to a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer (MS/MS) and combined with a Dynamic Headspace (DHS) system is used. This configuration enables comprehensive volatilomic identification in untargeted analyses for aroma profiling, while the triple quadrupole ensures robust and reliable data for targeted qualification and/or quantification.

Data Processing and Analysis

Advanced software tools are used for data processing, including multivariate statistical analyses (such as principal component analysis, PCA, and partial least squares discriminant analysis, PLS-DA) and univariate analyses (such as t-tests and analysis of variance, ANOVA). Accurate annotation of metabolites and volatile compounds is performed using recognized databases, including HMDB and NIST, as well as an in-house database currently under development.

Applications

In Metabolomics

• Untargeted metabolomic analyses: The platform enables high-precision untargeted metabolomic analyses, allowing the detection of a broad range of metabolites in complex samples, with feature lists reaching up to ~6,000 m/z values.
• Qualitative and quantitative metabolite analyses: For both exploratory studies and targeted approaches, qualitative and/or quantitative measurements of metabolites are provided in fermented plant- and/or animal-based matrices.
• Understanding metabolic transformations: These analyses support an in-depth understanding of metabolic transformations in fermented foods, delivering key insights into metabolic pathways and underlying biochemical modifications.

In Volatilomics

• Efficient extraction of volatile compounds: Through the use of Dynamic Headspace (DHS), efficient extraction of volatile compounds is achieved, maximizing analytical accuracy and representativeness.
• Aroma profile analysis: Comprehensive aroma profiling is performed on complex matrices, enabling the identification of volatile compounds contributing to the sensory characteristics of fermented products.
• Identification of off-note compounds: The applied technologies allow the detection of major chemical compounds responsible for off-notes in fermented foods.
• Identification and quantification of molecules: Liquid-injection analytical methods can be developed for the accurate identification and/or quantification of compounds such as sugars, amino acids, or fatty acids. Automated sample preparation can be implemented, reducing manual handling steps and improving analytical repeatability.

How to contact us

Agro Paris-Saclay Campus, UMR 0782 SayFood
Building E – 3rd floor
22 Place de l’Agronomie
91120 Palaiseau, France

Telephone: +33 1 89 10 12 22 | +33 1 89 10 12 30