Identification (biology)

Biology

Mass spectrometry

Metabolomics

Chemistry

Metabolite

Retention time

Botany

Tandem mass spectrometry

Chromatography

Biochemistry

Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry

Journal of Separation Science

Metabolite identification is a crucial step in nontargeted metabolomics, but also represents one of its current bottlenecks. Accurate identifications are required for correct biological interpretation. To date, annotation and identification are usually based on the use of accurate mass search or tandem mass spectrometry analysis, but neglect orthogonal information such as retention times obtained by chromatographic separation. While several tools are available for the analysis and prediction of tandem mass spectrometry data, prediction of retention times for metabolite identification are not widespread. Here, we review the current state of retention time prediction in liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry‐based metabolomics, with a focus on publications published after 2010.

Current status of retention time prediction in metabolite identification