Work

Graph-based understanding of isomeric diversity in complex dissolved organic matter

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Characterizing the isomeric diversity of molecular formulas (MFs) in dissolved organic matter (DOM) is essential for advancing research across environmental and biomedical sciences. Ultra-high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHR MS), particularly when coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography (LC-UHR MS), can resolve isomeric diversity chromatographically. However, its broad application is limited by high operational costs, the requirement for expert handling, and complex data interpretation. Here, we present GUIDE (Graph-based Understanding of Isomeric Diversity), a predictive framework that infers isomeric diversity directly from direct infusion UHRMS (DI-UHR MS) data, effectively bridging the gap between LC-UHR MS and DI-UHR MS. The framework incorporates a self-supervised graph learning module to learn MF representations from intrinsic molecular features and spatial topological relationships, followed by a deep neural networks for isomeric diversity prediction. Our approach achieves high accuracy in predicting chromatographic isomeric diversity of natural DOM, with consistent performance across multiple DI-UHR MS platforms, including DI-FT-ICR MS and DI-Orbitrap MS. This approach enables the resolution of MFs at the isomeric level, offering a refined molecular perspective of DOM composition and opening new avenues for research in biogeochemistry, environmental science, and analytical chemistry. Although ultra-high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHRMS) coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography (LC-UHRMS) can identify the isomeric diversity of molecular formulas in organic matter, its application is limited by high operational costs, the requirement for expert handling, and complex data interpretation. Here, the authors report a graph neural network model for inferring isomeric diversity from direct infusion UHRMS (DI-UHRMS) data and demonstrate its high accuracy in predicting the chromatographic isomeric diversity of natural dissolved organic matter, with comparable results achieved across various DI-UHRMS techniques.

Source: Communications Chemistry

DOI: 10.1038/s42004-026-02036-0