MSACL 2025 Abstract

A User-Friendly, Low-Cost Collection Method Enabling Routine Gut Health Monitoring Through Metabolomics

Dana Moradi (1), Ali Lotfi (1), Alexey V. Melnik (1, 2, 3), Konstantin Pobozhev (2), Hannah Monahan (2), Evguenia Kopylova (2, 4), Yanjiao Zhou (5), Alexander A. Aksenov (1, 2, 3)
(1) Department of Chemistry, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA. (2) Arome Science Inc., Farmington, CT, 06032, USA. (3) BileOmix Inc., Farmington, CT, 06032, USA. (4) Clarity Genomics Inc., San Diego, CA 92101, USA. (5) UConn Health, Farmington, Connecticut, USA

Alexander Aksenov, PhD (Presenter) University of Connecticut

Relevant Financial Disclosures (within past 24 months, reported on Apr 23, 2026) Other Potential Conflicts Arome Science, Inc. / Stock BileOmix, Inc. / Stock GreenScent, Inc. / Stock Discussing Products? YES, presenter will present educational content related to products/services of one or more ineligible company(ies) listed above. All relevant financial relationships have been MITIGATED.

INTRODUCTION:
The gut microbiome significantly influences human health, from metabolism and immunity to cognitive function and athletic performance. While microbiome sequencing provides insights, translating complex microbial data into actionable health guidance remains challenging. Monitoring gut metabolites, particularly short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), offers a more direct approach as these bacterial fermentation products reflect functional outcomes of microbial activity. Mass spectrometry can capture SCFAs alongside other diagnostically valuable molecules including bile acids, vitamins, and inflammation markers. However, practical barriers have limited widespread metabolomic monitoring, particularly cumbersome stool collection requiring clinical settings and cold chain shipping.

METHODS:
We developed "S'Wipe," a cellulose paper-based collection method that functions as standard toilet paper during normal bathroom routines, capturing approximately 100 mg of stool material. Samples are preserved in 5mL of MS-grade 60% ethanol with internal standards, sealed, and shipped at room temperature through regular mail. The supernatant is directly compatible with GC-MS and LC-MS/MS analysis without additional sample preparation. We validated S'Wipe performance through stability studies using standards and real stool samples stored at room temperature for up to 40 days. Side-by-side comparisons with conventional collection methods were conducted, and broader metabolome analysis was performed using both GC-MS and LC-MS techniques.

RESULTS:
GC-MS analysis demonstrated notable stability of all nine SCFAs over the study period with an average relative standard deviation of 23.48%, indicating good technical reproducibility with no significant degradation during storage. S'Wipe captured metabolites with comparable or better sample-to-sample consistency than traditional methods. SCFA stability was maintained across various shipping conditions including refrigerated storage, room temperature storage, and interstate shipping under fluctuating ambient conditions. Principal coordinate analysis (PCoA: 14% and F: 0.295) showed no statistically significant differences between S'Wipe and conventional stool collection methods for the broader metabolome analysis of both volatile and non-volatile molecules.

CONCLUSION:
S'Wipe overcomes key translational barriers in gut metabolomics by providing a user-friendly, room-temperature stable collection method that maintains analytical rigor. The technology enables routine metabolomic monitoring needed for evidence-based gut health optimization and has been commercialized with both collection infrastructure and analysis now available. This approach facilitates continuous health tracking and data-driven dietary recommendations, making sophisticated metabolomic monitoring accessible for improving gut health through personalized interventions.