Metabolomics investigations frequently require the analysis of highly polar compounds that are not adequately retained by traditional reversed phase chromatography. For this reason, many research groups have incorporated Cogent TYPE-C™ columns into LC-MS metabolomics workflows to expand analyte coverage and improve retention of polar metabolites.

Several independent research teams have published peer-reviewed studies demonstrating the effectiveness of Cogent Diamond Hydride™ columns in metabolomics applications.

Metabolomics Profiling of Mycobacterium tuberculosis

One notable example comes from Dr. Kyu Rhee and colleagues at Weill Cornell Medical College, who used a Cogent™ Diamond Hydride™ column as part of a metabolomics approach to investigate the pathogenic mechanisms of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

This work highlights the importance of retaining and detecting highly polar metabolites that may be challenging to analyze using conventional chromatographic methods.

Untargeted Metabolomics and Xanthine Oxidoreductase Research

Another significant study was conducted by Dr. Steven Gross and co-workers, who utilized untargeted metabolomics methods together with the Cogent™ Diamond Hydride™ column to study xanthine oxidoreductase inactivation in mice.

Published Research Article  View the Peer-Reviewed Metabolomics Study on Xanthine Oxidoreductase Inactivation

Importance of Polar Metabolite Retention

Both research programs relied on the ability of the Diamond Hydride™ column to retain highly polar compounds under HILIC conditions.

In metabolomics studies, polar metabolites often represent critical components of:

• Cellular metabolism

• Disease-state investigations

• Biomarker discovery

• Drug-response studies

• Systems biology research

Effective retention of these compounds can significantly expand metabolome coverage when compared with reversed phase methods alone.

Combining HILIC and Reversed Phase for Comprehensive Coverage

A common metabolomics strategy is to combine:

• A HILIC column for highly polar metabolites

• A reversed phase column for moderately polar and non-polar compounds

Using both chromatographic modes allows researchers to analyze a broader range of compounds across the metabolome.

Within the Cogent™ TYPE-C™ family, this approach is commonly achieved with:

• Cogent™ Diamond Hydride™ for polar compounds and HILIC separations
• Cogent™ Bidentate C18™ for non-polar and moderately polar compounds

Together, these stationary phases provide complementary chromatographic selectivity and extensive metabolite coverage.

Cogent™ Metabolomics Kit

To support comprehensive metabolomics workflows, MICROSOLV offers a convenient kit that combines both chromatographic approaches.

Product Information  View Cogent™ Metabolomics Kit Specifications, Applications, and Ordering Information

Key Takeaways

• Cogent™ Diamond Hydride™ columns have been used in multiple peer-reviewed metabolomics studies.

• Independent researchers have applied Diamond Hydride™ columns to both targeted and untargeted metabolomics investigations.

• HILIC separations can improve retention of highly polar metabolites that may not be adequately retained by reversed phase chromatography.

• Combining Diamond Hydride™ and Bidentate C18™ columns provides broad metabolome coverage across a wide range of analyte polarities.

• The Cogent™ Metabolomics Kit offers a convenient solution for laboratories performing comprehensive metabolomics analyses.