The Benioff Center for Microbiome Medicine

Overview

As a UCSF Collaborative Laboratory (CoLab) Plug-in, the Quantitative Metabolite Analysis Center (QMAC) is a full-service metabolomics hub at the Parnassus campus, equipped with state-of-the-art mass spectrometers for targeted and untargeted metabolomics. Our platforms enable the development of frameworks for predicting disease, distinguishing disease phenotypes, deciphering biochemical mechanisms of health and disease, and the discovery of new drugs and drug targets.

Instrumentation includes two hybrid triple quadrupole – linear ion trap mass spectrometers, a SCIEX 6500 QTRAP and a SCIEX 7500 QTRAP, ideally suited for high throughput quantification and metabolite identification. A hybrid triple-quadrupole time-of-flight platform, SCIEX TripleTOF 6600+ is available for high-resolution accurate mass and tandem mass spectrometry, optimized for qualitative exploration and high-resolution experimentation. A Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time of Flight (MALDI) spectrometer (Biotyper sirius CA System) detects metabolites in non-liquid matrices e.g. feces or solid tumors. A new gas chromatography mass spectrometer (GC-Orbitrap) has been purchased and will be operational in 2024, expanding our capacity to detect small, non-polar metabolites more suited for ionization in the gas phase (e.g. short chain fatty acids). 

The QMAC is equipped for sample preparation and chemical extractions with access to chemical storage facilities, chemical fume hoods, biosafety cabinets, cell culture hoods and incubators. Staff-operated services available include study design, sample preparation, sample extractions, LCMS operation and method development, and data analysis. We also offer consultations and training opportunities in metabolomics workflow design and data analysis. UCSF researchers that frequently use the QMAC have the ability to become designated trained users and access the instruments independently. 

Custom Panels

We are continuously developing custom panels to serve our investigators. Below is a list of panels we've developed to date. 

Pricing Structure

Below is a summary of our approved recharge rates, effective July 1, 2025.

Note: The pricing listed below is our current pricing. However, pricing is adjusted semi-annually and is not guaranteed. For projects that will be processed >3 months from the time of quote generation, we suggest that you add a 10-15% pricing buffer to account for increasing service costs. Actual pricing will be determined at the time the work will be completed by the facility.

* Includes 26% Facilities and Administration Rate

** Includes 10% Surplus Revenue and 26% Facilities and Administration Rate

Next Steps

To discuss new or ongoing projects, submit a Request Project Support form on iLab and schedule a 30-minute consultation with Dr. Darren Dumlao, Assistant Director. Please note that consultations are charged via an hourly rate.

Ready to get started? Submit a request on iLab.

Small Equipment Access

QMAC offers access to a variety of small instruments available in our lab. Please see below for descriptions and availability. If you're interested in using any of the equipment, feel free to reach out to Darren ([email protected]).

• Labconco Refrigerated CentriVap Vacuum Concentrator

This concentrator is designed to rapidly concentrate multiple small, heat-sensitive samples. It is equipped with a -105°C cold trap to enhance efficiency.

• Labconco FreeZone Triad Benchtop Freeze Dryer

This unit supports both stoppering tray drying and sample freeze drying, with four sample valves. It allows for the simultaneous processing of both freeze-drying types.

• Equipment Availability Calendar

View is available here

Meet our team