Specialized Metabolites in Biological Systems (Part I ): Focus on Derivatized Metabolites in Human Studies

This chapter explores the role and significance of specialized metabolites (SMs) in animal studies, with a particular emphasis on derivatized metabolites and their impact on detection and analysis. SMs, though traditionally studied within the context of plant and microbial systems, play crucial roles in animal biology, including defense mechanisms, communication, environmental adaptation, and physiological regulation. In addition to examining these functions, the chapter details the innovative analytical approaches employed to enhance metabolite analysis, such as derivatization techniques in gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and its multidimensional counterpart (GC×GC-MS). These methods transform metabolites to improve volatility, thermal stability, and ionization efficiency, thereby expanding the capacity to identify and quantify a broad spectrum of biologically relevant compounds. Through case studies and methodological insights, the chapter demonstrates how advancements in derivatization and analytical chemistry support a deeper understanding of complex biochemical pathways in animals, contributing to pharmaceutical, industrial, and environmental applications. Finally, it addresses the future directions in this rapidly advancing field, highlighting both the challenges and potential of exploring animal-derived metabolites in broader biological and ecological contexts.