Protein Identification & Global Profiling
Choose this workflow when You need a broad protein inventory or an overall protein profile from serum, plasma, or CSF.
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Serum • Plasma • CSF Proteomics
Serum / Plasma / CSF Proteomics Service
Serum, plasma, and CSF proteomics applies LC-MS/MS-based workflows to characterize proteins in biofluid samples, supporting broad protein profiling, quantitative comparison, and protein-level investigation across well-designed research projects.
MtoZ Biolabs supports protein identification, quantitative proteomics, PTM-related projects, bioinformatics analysis, and integrated omics project planning according to sample type and research goals.
- Select the sample type and analysis route according to the research goal.
- Review sample amount and key sample information before analysis.
- Get project-specific data, analysis results, and report deliverables.
Protein IdentificationQuantitative ProteomicsPTM ProteomicsIntegrated Multi-OmicsSerum • Plasma • CSF
Research experience
Supporting serum, plasma, and CSF proteomics projects for academic and industry research groups
MtoZ Biolabs supports biofluid proteomics projects from sample planning through LC-MS/MS analysis, bioinformatics, and follow-up planning.
When This Service Is a Good Fit
This service is suitable when serum, plasma, or CSF samples are used to answer a defined protein-level research question.
Analyze serum, plasma, or CSF samples
Choose this service when your research sample is serum, plasma or cerebrospinal fluid and protein identification, analysis or comparison is required.
Compare defined study groups
Evaluate protein-level differences across groups, conditions, or experimental designs using a consistent sample matrix.
Track changes across time points
Follow protein abundance patterns across planned collection points or experimental stages.
Focus on PTMs or interactions
Extend the project beyond global profiling when the research question involves supported PTMs, protein interactions, or complexes.
Connect biofluid with other sample data
Use biofluid proteomics alongside tissue, cell, or other related datasets to support a broader study design.
Integrate multiple omics datasets
Combine proteomics with compatible omics data when the project requires cross-omics interpretation or association analysis.
Choose the Right Serum / Plasma / CSF Proteomics Workflow
The appropriate route should be defined based on the research objective and sample conditions.
Not sure which route fits? It should be defined based on the research objective and sample conditions. For complex needs, please consult our technical team.
Comparative Quantitative Proteomics
Choose this workflow when You need to compare relative protein abundance across defined groups, conditions, or time points.
Click to preview →PTM-Focused Proteomics
Choose this workflow when You need PTM-related peptide or site information and the available sample input is suitable for the selected project.
Click to preview →Protein Interaction & Complex Analysis
Choose this workflow when You need to explore protein interactions or protein-complex-related questions using an appropriate enrichment and MS strategy.
Click to preview →Integrated Proteomics & Multi-Omics Analysis
Choose this workflow when You want proteomics interpreted together with metabolomics, transcriptomics, or other compatible omics datasets.
Click to preview →Low-Input & Limited-Sample Proteomics
Choose this workflow when You have limited serum, plasma, or CSF sample volume and need the analysis plan adjusted to the available input.
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Workflow preview
Select a route above
After you select a route, this panel will summarize the best next step and carry that choice into the quote form.
Service Workflow
A clear path from project review to proteomics analysis and reporting.
Project Review
Review sample source, group design, and expected output.
Sample Check
Check sample type, amount, condition, and submission information.
Sample Preparation
Prepare samples according to the selected analysis.
Digestion & QC
Digest proteins and assess preparation quality.
LC-MS/MS Analysis
Acquire proteomics data by LC-MS/MS.
Data Analysis & Report
Process data, perform bioinformatics, and deliver the report.
From project review and sample preparation to LC-MS/MS analysis and report delivery.
What to Send Us
Submit clearly labeled samples and refer to the MtoZ Biolabs Proteomics Sample Submission Guide for details.
| Sample Type | Recommended Input | Submission Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Serum | 10 µL per sample; 50 µL if high-abundance protein depletion is required | Provide sample ID, species, group information, and available sample details. |
| Plasma | 10 µL per sample; 50 µL if high-abundance protein depletion is required | Provide anticoagulant type, sample ID, species, group information, and available sample details. EDTA or citrate is preferred; heparin is not recommended. |
| CSF | 100 µL per sample recommended; 50 µL minimum may be reviewed | Provide sample ID, species, group information, and available sample details. |
| Limited-Volume / Specialized Samples | Project-dependent | Provide the sample type, sample count, available volume, and project goal for review. |
Not sure whether your sample input is sufficient?
Share the sample type, sample count, and available volume for review.
Results & Deliverables
Deliverables are tailored to the selected workflow and study design.
Protein & peptide identification
Protein and peptide identification results with relevant annotation information.
Quantitative results
Protein abundance data and group-comparison results when quantitative analysis is selected.
PTM-related results
PTM-related peptide or site results when a supported PTM project is selected.
Bioinformatics analysis
GO, KEGG, COG, PPI, pathway analysis and Reactome analysis where supported based on project scope and species availability.
Quality-control information
Relevant sample-processing, data-acquisition, and analysis QC information.
Data & report
Project data files, processed results, figures, and report according to the agreed deliverables.
Platform & Capabilities
Project planning, LC-MS/MS analysis, established data processing, and quality-control review.
Project Support
Start Project Review
Project planning before analysis
We review the sample type, analysis route, sample requirements, and expected outputs before project setup.
Analysis route
Select protein identification, quantitative proteomics, PTM-related analysis, or integrated omics planning.
Sample review
Review sample type, available amount, and key sample information.
Quality control
Apply project-appropriate preparation, acquisition, and data QC.
Deliverables
Define the expected data and report outputs before analysis.
Platform & Software
LC-MS/MS platform and proteomics data processing
Orbitrap Exploris 480
High-resolution LC-MS/MS acquisition for proteomics projects.
timsTOF Pro
LC-MS/MS acquisition with ion-mobility capability for selected proteomics projects.
Orbitrap Astral
High-performance LC-MS/MS acquisition for selected proteomics workflows.
Data Processing Software
DDA: MaxQuant / Proteome Discoverer; DIA: Spectronaut / DIA-NN.
Sample-plan reviewPreparation & acquisition QCQuantification & replicate QCReport-ready outputs
Result Considerations
Interpret proteomics results together with the study design, sample quality, and the selected analytical workflow.
What Results Can Support
Protein identification, relative abundance comparison, PTM-related findings when selected, functional annotation, and prioritization of proteins or pathways for follow-up research.
What Results Cannot Directly Show
Proteomics results alone cannot directly establish causality, functional mechanism, or confirm that an observed protein change is the direct cause of a biological effect.
What Can Affect Results
Sample quality, sample amount, collection and storage consistency, freeze-thaw history, biological variation, group design, preparation method, and LC-MS/MS analytical strategy.
Serum / Plasma vs CSF
Serum/plasma and CSF differ in recommended input, sample preparation, and handling. Review these differences before planning submission.
| Consideration | Serum / Plasma | CSF |
|---|---|---|
| Recommended input | Routine proteomics: 10 µL recommended, 5 µL minimum. With high-abundance protein depletion: 50 µL recommended, 25 µL minimum. | 100 µL recommended, 50 µL minimum for routine proteomics. |
| Collection & separation | Serum is collected without anticoagulant; plasma is collected with anticoagulant. Samples are separated by centrifugation before freezing. | Collect in a clean tube and clarify the sample before freezing. |
| Pre-analysis handling | Avoid hemolysis and keep collection and processing consistent across comparison groups. | Clarification by centrifugation is recommended; optional filtration may be used according to the project. |
| Aliquot & storage | Aliquot before freezing, store at -80°C, and avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles. | Aliquot before freezing, store at -80°C, and avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles. |
| Project planning | High-abundance protein depletion may require additional sample input. | Limited sample volume should be reviewed before finalizing the analysis plan. |
| Shipping | Ship frozen samples on sufficient dry ice and keep handling consistent within the project. | Ship frozen samples on sufficient dry ice and keep handling consistent within the project. |
FAQs
Frequently asked questions about Serum / Plasma / CSF Proteomics Analysis
Yes, in many cases. Please provide the storage temperature, approximate storage duration, freeze-thaw history, and any known sample-quality issues. Samples collected or stored under different conditions should be reviewed before they are placed in the same comparison set.
A clear sample list is recommended, including sample ID, species, group assignment, sample type, and available volume. For plasma, include the anticoagulant type. Collection conditions, storage history, freeze-thaw information, and any known handling differences are also useful for project review.
They can be included in the same project, but collection and processing batches should be documented clearly. Where possible, comparison groups should be balanced across batches so that batch-related variation is less likely to interfere with interpretation.
Samples with severe hemolysis, lipemia, visible contamination, precipitates, or repeated freeze-thaw history are not recommended for submission and should be discussed with our technical team before shipment. Infectious samples are not accepted.
Yes. A small-scale or feasibility project can help confirm whether the available samples and analysis route are suitable before expanding the study. For later expansion, it is best to keep sample collection, handling, and study design as consistent as possible with the initial project.
Possibly, depending on the available data, original study design, and requested analysis. Please contact our technical team to review the project before adding any additional analysis.