Table 2.

The advantages and disadvantages of the commonly employed analytical techniques.

Analytical Platform	Advantages	Disadvantages	References
LC/MS	Highly sensitive technique. Analyzes polar compounds of different weights based on an ionization method. No derivatization needed. Suitable for heat-sensitive compounds. Compatible with liquids and solids. Requires minimal sample volumes.	Destructive technique. Costly equipment requiring expertise. Subject to unwanted solvent matrix effects. Prolonged analysis duration (15–40 min/sample). Generates variable adducts based on compound nature. Not suitable for gases.	[9,12,85]
GC/MS	Quantitative, reproducible, and sensitive technique. Direct analysis of volatile compounds. Effective for analyzing mixtures and small hydrophobic organic and certain inorganic compounds. Compatible with gases and liquids. Generally, it is more cost-effective than LC-MS due to its simpler detector.	Destructive technique. Inappropriate for non-volatile and heat-sensitive compounds. Necessitates separation and derivatization, which can mask the results. Long analysis time (20–40 min per sample).	[9,12,85,86]
MALDI-TOF-MS	Rapid analysis. High sensitivity. Minimal sample preparation. High mass range.	Sample homogeneity. Matrix-related peaks. Costly equipment. Limited in Gas-Phase Ionization.	[79]
NMR	Quantitative non-destructive technique. No requirement for harsh sample treatment before or during analysis. A sole internal reference is sufficient for precise quantification of all spectrum metabolites. Facilitates bio-fluid and tissue analysis without separation or preparation. Rapid analysis (2–3 min/sample). Analyzes both liquids and solids. Derivatization is not required. Automation integrated.	Limited sensitivity. Costly equipment. Signal overlap from the absence of prior separation. Does not identify inorganic ions or salts. Cannot detect non-protonated samples. Needs large sample volumes (0.1–0.5 mL).	[9,12]

Abbreviations: GC-MS: gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, LC-MS: liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry, MALDI-TOF-MS: matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry, and NMR: nuclear magnetic resonance.