microbiome signatures definitions

Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) is capable of detecting and quantifying elements at parts-per-trillion (ppt) levels. The technique links environmental, clinical, and molecular microbiology by revealing how essential and toxic metals shape community structure and function.

Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS)

Researched by:

  • Karen Pendergrass ID
    Karen Pendergrass

    User avatarKaren Pendergrass is a microbiome researcher specializing in microbiome-targeted interventions (MBTIs). She systematically analyzes scientific literature to identify microbial patterns, develop hypotheses, and validate interventions. As the founder of the Microbiome Signatures Database, she bridges microbiome research with clinical practice. In 2012, based on her own investigative research, she became the first documented case of FMT for Celiac Disease—four years before the first published case study.

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August 1, 2025

Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (CP-S) is an analytical technique used to determine the elemental composition of a sample by ionizing the sample with an inductively coupled plasma and then measuring the mass-to-charge ratio of the ions. CP-S is a highly sensitive method, capable of detecting elements at trace and ultra-trace levels, making it valuable in […]

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Researched by:

  • Karen Pendergrass ID
    Karen Pendergrass

    User avatarKaren Pendergrass is a microbiome researcher specializing in microbiome-targeted interventions (MBTIs). She systematically analyzes scientific literature to identify microbial patterns, develop hypotheses, and validate interventions. As the founder of the Microbiome Signatures Database, she bridges microbiome research with clinical practice. In 2012, based on her own investigative research, she became the first documented case of FMT for Celiac Disease—four years before the first published case study.

    Read More

Last Updated: 2025-08-01

Microbiome Signatures identifies and validates condition-specific microbiome shifts and interventions to accelerate clinical translation. Our multidisciplinary team supports clinicians, researchers, and innovators in turning microbiome science into actionable medicine.

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Karen Pendergrass

Karen Pendergrass is a microbiome researcher specializing in microbiome-targeted interventions (MBTIs). She systematically analyzes scientific literature to identify microbial patterns, develop hypotheses, and validate interventions. As the founder of the Microbiome Signatures Database, she bridges microbiome research with clinical practice. In 2012, based on her own investigative research, she became the first documented case of FMT for Celiac Disease—four years before the first published case study.

Overview

Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) is an analytical technique used to determine the elemental composition of a sample by ionizing the sample with an inductively coupled plasma and then measuring the mass-to-charge ratio of the ions. ICP-MS is a highly sensitive method, capable of detecting elements at trace and ultra-trace levels, making it valuable in various fields like environmental monitoring, geochemistry, materials science, and metallomic signature characterizations for various conditions, including Alzheimer’s dementia, and Parkinson’s disease.

Detection

ICP-MS is known for detecting very low concentrations of elements, often at the parts-per-trillion (ppt) level or even parts-per-quadrillion (ppq). It can simultaneously detect multiple elements in a single measurement. ICP-MS can also be used to determine the isotopic composition of elements, which can be valuable in various applications, including geochemistry and environmental studies. 

Analytical purpose of ICP-MS in microbiome studies

Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) offers quantitative, multi-element and isotopic profiling of toxic metals, metalloids and selected non-metal elements in complex biological matrices (faeces, soils, culture broths, host tissues). Applications include:


ApplicationExample outputsRelevance
Metallome characterisationµg kg⁻¹ dry-weight concentrations of >70 elementsNutrient limitation, metal-driven community shifts
Heavy-metal exposureCd, Pb, Hg, As at ng g⁻¹ levelsEcotoxicology, urban microbiome surveillance
Stable-isotope tracing⁵⁷Fe / ⁵⁶Fe, ⁷⁰Zn / ⁶⁴Zn ratiosNutrient flux, trophic interactions

Research Feed

Metallomic signatures of brain tissues distinguishes between cases of dementia with Lewy bodies, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease dementia
June 26, 2024
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Metallomic Signatures
Metallomic Signatures

Did you know?
Metallomic signatures can reveal hidden drivers of disease by mapping how trace metals like nickel, iron, and cadmium shape microbial behavior and immune responses. These signatures not only help identify toxic exposures but also spotlight metal-dependent pathogens, offering new targets for precision-guided therapies.

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Update History

2025-08-01 07:40:31

Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) major

published

Metallomic Signatures

A metallomic signature is the condition-specific profile of trace metals and metal-binding molecules that reflects disrupted metal homeostasis.

Metallomic Signatures

A metallomic signature is the condition-specific profile of trace metals and metal-binding molecules that reflects disrupted metal homeostasis.

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