Microbial Identification Testing Using MALDI-TOF in Food Microbiology
In the realm of food microbiology, ensuring product safety and quality is paramount. The use of advanced technologies like Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF) has revolutionized microbial identification processes by offering rapid, accurate, and reliable results. This service focuses on identifying microorganisms present in food samples to ensure compliance with international standards such as ISO 14695:2013.
The MALDI-TOF technology operates by ionizing biological molecules from a sample matrix using laser pulses. The resulting ions are then analyzed based on their time-of-flight, which correlates directly with molecular weight. This method allows for the precise identification of microorganisms present in food samples at an extremely high resolution.
Our laboratory uses MALDI-TOF to identify bacteria, yeasts, and fungi commonly found in food products. By leveraging this technology, we can provide accurate species-level identifications within hours rather than days. This rapid turnaround time is crucial for maintaining product integrity and ensuring timely market release or withdrawal decisions.
For instance, when analyzing a sample suspected of containing Listeria monocytogenes, our team will collect the necessary specimen, prepare it according to standard procedures (ISO 14695:2013), and run it through the MALDI-TOF machine. The instrument generates a spectrum that corresponds uniquely with each microorganism type. Our experts then match these spectra against databases like菌落计数测试
