Metabolon and DNA Genotek have teamed up to create OMNImet-GUT,
said to be the first device for in-home collection and ambient-temperature storage and shipping of faecal samples for metabolomics, to the research market.
“For years, our customers from across biopharma, academia and population health have been asking for a validated, ambient-temperature solution to study metabolites in human faeces,” said Luke Miller, VP Laboratory Operations, Metabolon. “When DNA Genotek approached us to validate their new in-home technology, we knew it would help to unlock a new realm of functional insights for microbiome research as well as other areas of health, wellness and disease research.”
In the past, the only option to study metabolites in faeces required immediate freezing and cold chain shipping of the sample. Understanding the barriers this created for patient at-home collection, DNA Genotek collaborated with Metabolon for validation of the collection tubes and the stabilisation chemistry necessary to protect the intricate nature of metabolites in faeces and ensure sample integrity.
Metabolomics provides a readout of the small molecule metabolites, which serve as the ‘language’ for communication between microbiota and the host, and between microbial populations. Metabolon will offer its metabolomics analysis and short chain fatty acid analysis on samples collected using OMNImet·GUT.
“We are excited to announce this strategic collaboration with Metabolon, which has validated our OMNImet·GUT collection device,” said Scott Rabuka, Senior Director, Molecular Products at DNA Genotek, Inc. “The OMNImet·GUT device provides scientists with an important new solution for metabolomics research and builds on our evolution towards a fully integrated multiomics company that creates and captures value from sample collection all the way to discovery.”
The proprietary stabilisation chemistry in the OMNImet·GUT device provides ambient-temperature stability that does not require immediate freezing and cumbersome and expensive cold-chain logistics. It is designed to maintain the integrity of the sample for metabolomics analysis for multiple days at ambient temperature.
“Metabolomics goes a step beyond what metagenomics can offer in the study of the microbiome by providing an in vivo understanding of the changing functionality of bacteria in the host,” said Greg Michelotti, Scientific Director, Metabolon. “This unique view is vital in supporting both clinical and population health studies because understanding functional changes is essential to understanding the drivers of health and the development of disease.”
